17/05/2025
Binnenkort te zien in Raalte.
Op 20 juni is er een officiële opening en speciale herdenkingsdag.
Meer informatie: https://webversion.net/iAiJa69aiV
Our "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" project is exhibits, conferences, concerts and performances, publications, films and then some.
➡ The project, launched in March 2022 at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, entails, among others, the presentation of an exhibit in all the countries General Anders' army and Polish civilians evacuated from the Soviet Union went through. It shows the Polish contribution, determination and involvement in the struggle to free the world from totalitarian regimes with other nations. The "Trails" teach Polish history and recount the WW2 heroism of Polish soldiers.
➡ The exhibit consists of a general part and elements tailored for particular countries, thus bringing the topic closer to local audiences. Emphasis is placed on social, intellectual or cultural relations of local communities with the Polish army and civilians.
➡ The exhibit often accompanied significant events and anniversaries. In South Africa, the opening coincided with the celebration of Freedom Day, in the U.S. took place on the Veteran's Day, while in Uzbekistan, it was part of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the formation of General Anders' army. The National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg included it in its permanent exhibition. It was presented at the 15th edition of the "Roncesvalles Polish Festival" in Toronto, attended by half a million people. The exhibit was also shown at the Royal Canadian Military Institute, one of Canada's leading history institutions, opened in prestigious Matías Romero Institute in Mexico City, and visited the British Parliament in 2024.
➡ The immersive version of "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" takes us to the locations Poles were in during WW2. It shows the audiences where Generals Anders, Maczek and Sosabowski fought for freedom for Poland and Europe. The viewers can immerse themselves in the history and culture of the countries through which the trails of hope led, see archival footage and listen to music from those particular regions. The exhibit gives new life to artefacts and colorized photographs. Brave Poles, such as Krystyna Skarbek or Zdzisław Krasnodębski, tell us their own heroic tales.
➡ The project has also triggered further cooperation and inter-archival exchange with international institutions and private collections. Many valuable artefacts, family memorabilia, and notations from donors worldwide have enriched our collection thanks to our "Archive Full of Remembrance" project.
Dozens of reviews and publications, over 100 biographies of Polish heroes, soldiers, scouts, and civilians have been released so far. And on top of that there are brochures for international readers and the so-called "Trails of Hope Library" series.
➡ A play portraying the story of Wojtek the Bear, with accompanying workshops is being staged at home and abroad. Educational games such as "Wojtek the Bear" or "Battle of Britain" are being promoted. In addition, we’ve created several educational materials, such as short videos, infographics and gaming projects.
➡ The project also includes academic conferences of prominent experts and historians from all over the world.
➡ The "Anders’s Artists" concerts emphasize the significance and role of the Polish Armed Forces in the West. The presented works were composed by those who did their best to protect the Polish national identity and who fought for a free Poland.
➡ Preserving knowledge about the impact the Polish Armed Forces in the West had on the outcome of WW2 is a duty arising from respect for past generations. We truly hope that the "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" project will contribute to promoting this part of Polish history, improving public awareness, and highlighting the Polish contribution to the Allied victory.
➡ Only if you know history can you understand today’s world.
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Learn more about "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" here: https://szlakinadziei.ipn.gov.pl/sne
