Every place has a story — sometimes in stone, sometimes in memory. The Pilecki Institute’s new initiative, “Memory of Place, Places of Memory,” invites participants to rediscover local histories and restore them to public consciousness.
Local history that connects generations
The project is aimed primarily at residents of towns and villages where commemorations have been established as part of the “Called by Name” program, which honors Poles who were killed by the Germans during the Second World War for aiding Jews.
The organizers note, however, that memory knows no borders — people from other regions who wish to safeguard stories important to their communities are also welcome.
Every corner, even the most inconspicuous, holds traces of the past—monuments, plaques, old buildings, and family stories. The project encourages participants to use these places as gateways to explore 20th-century history.
What participants will do — and a final gathering in Warsaw
Teams joining the initiative choose a site of remembrance in their region, document it, conduct research, and prepare a presentation in any format they choose. The project will culminate in a final meeting in Warsaw, where participants will showcase their work.
Participation is free of charge. All teams will receive certificates and are eligible for prizes.
Project timeline
Recruitment runs until the end of January 2026, with application details available on the Pilecki Institute’s website.
From February to May 2026, teams will begin the core stage of the project: selecting a site of memory, carrying out archival and field research, speaking with local witnesses, and preparing their presentation. Throughout this period, they will receive substantive support from Pilecki Institute staff, who will offer consultations and assist with preparing materials.
The initiative will conclude with a final event in Warsaw in June.
fot. Muzeum Dom Rodziny Pileckich