A commemorative plaque was ceremonially unveiled last Monday. The plaque is dedicated to Gottfried Zahn, who founded a school and orphanage in Bolesławiec in the 18th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Zahn’s educational institution expanded; among other things, the buildings of the former NOT Club, the "Konrad" ZG Hotel and I Liceum Ogólnokształcące in Bolesławiec were built for its needs.
Gottfried Zahn was born in 1705 in Bolesławice. He became an orphan in early childhood. In 1733, Zahn received Bolesławiec citizenship, married and bought a house in the upper suburb, located outside the city walls. A decisive change came in Zahn’s life when, in 1744, he read a book by the educator August Hermann Francke. He learned about the existence of the Orphanage in Halle and decided to create a similar institution. In 1752, the Bolesławiec City Council prohibited him from teaching children from outside the city, and when Zahn objected, he was detained for eight days. In 1754, Zahn received permission to teach children from the upper suburb. That same year, he also received final permission to operate the foundation.
In 1757, Zahn’s foundation provided shelter to sixteen pupils, including nine orphans. Over time, Zahn began constructing a large orphanage. In 1758, an epidemic broke out in Bolesławiec, as a result of which Zahn died. His duties were taken over by Pastor Woltersdorf, who had supported him.