The Wrocław archives branch in Bolesławiec was established on December 1, 2014, replacing the branch in Lubań, whose infrastructure proved insufficient to ensure suitable conditions for storing and providing access to the collections. Decisions by the county authorities were important in establishing the Bolesławiec facility, as renovation and construction work began in the historic building on Bankowa Street, donated free of charge by the local government authorities of Bolesławiec County. The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage provided PLN 2.85 million for the investment.
The new archives premises have storage space calculated at 4.5 kilometres of shelving, which will allow the facility to systematically take over documents from local-government institutions, the justice system and business institutions, as well as materials handed over by associations and private individuals in the form of personal archives. There is also a reading room equipped with Wi-Fi and a large hall with its original Baroque vault preserved, where exhibitions, conferences and meetings for residents of Bolesławiec and the region will be held, including educational activities for young people.
The new premises will also provide better conditions for the facility's cooperation with foreign institutions, including Saxon and Czech archives, contributing to the scientific and cultural activities of the Euroregion Nysa. A meeting is planned in the near future as part of the Union of Six Lusatian Towns.
The investment in Bolesławiec is part of a programme to modernise the material infrastructure of the state archives, under which modern facilities have already been commissioned in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Radom, Zielona Góra, Gdańsk and Bielsko-Biała. In the coming years, further facilities will be built in Rzeszów, Kraków and Białystok.
“The Archives branch in Bolesławiec will make it easier for residents of Bolesławiec and the entire region to access unique archival sources, giving them the opportunity to develop their interest in the rich history of their home areas. The younger generation in particular will have a chance to learn about events that took place in past centuries, as well as in more recent times,” emphasizes the head of the Bolesławiec facility, Adam Baniecki.
Representatives of cultural and educational institutions, as well as local government representatives from Bolesławiec, Zgorzelec and Lubań counties, attended the ceremony. Bolesławiec County was represented by starosta Dariusz Kwaśniewski, Chair of the County Council Karol Stasik, deputy starosta Marian Haniszewski and County Board member Stanisław Chwojnicki.
Archival collections, particularly former municipal and civil-status records, are being gradually digitised and made available online at: www.archeion.net and www.ap.wroc.pl.
Archiwum Państwowe/Powiat Bolesławiecki/ii