Stalovolians - who we are

The exhibition, organized on the 70th anniversary of the city charter, is dedicated to the first residents of the city and their contributions to the creation of Stalowa Wola, particularly during the period 1937–1946, but not exclusively. We also present them from a personal perspective, while posing the question – what part of their legacy retains value to this day, what has endured and forms the “genius loci” (spirit of place) of Stalowa Wola. Most of the photographs on display come from the private archives of city residents.

The first inhabitants of Stalowa Wola, who quickly and efficiently built factories and a housing estate, organized social infrastructure, and forged neighborly bonds, were people of high expertise, responsibility, and patriotism. They demonstrated this not only through their work during the Second Polish Republic but also through their conduct during the German occupation and the difficult post-war years. For various reasons, many were forced to leave the city. Those who remained continued to contribute significantly to the life of Stalowa Wola, in areas where it was possible under the circumstances.

A dedicated section of the exhibition covers Stalowa Wola’s attainment of city rights. Since 1945, Stalowa Wola has held city rights. Efforts to obtain this status were undertaken immediately after the war by individuals connected to Stalowa Wola from its inception, led by engineer Aleksander Uklański and Father Józef Skoczyński. The relevant decision was issued in 1946, retroactively effective from April 1, 1945.

For the first time, we present over 100 large-format prints of caricatures of pre-war white-collar workers from the Southern Works, drawn by Bronisław Latawiec, who worked there starting in 1938. From the album, containing 255 drawings, we selected portraits of the management team and employees who had long-standing ties to the city, as well as individuals who perished during the occupation.

The exhibition is the initial component of a project dedicated to the pioneers of Stalowa Wola. The project also includes the publication of materials continuing the themes of the exhibition, the creation of an online portal, and the first meeting of the families of those residents who arrived before September 1, 1939. The meeting will take place on June 20, 2015. Registrations are accepted at the Museum by phone at 15 842 00 42.

Script by Anna Garbacz, collaboration by Marek Wiatrowicz, graphic design by Jacek Kawa

http://www.muzeum.stalowawola.pl/pl/projekty/stalowowolanie