The publication is the third volume in the “Save from Oblivion” series issued by the Museum of Ceramics, presenting the memories of various groups of people who arrived in Bolesławiec after the Second World War. The book launch provided an opportunity for a moving gathering filled with memories. Nearly 100 people attended: the individuals featured in the publication, returnees from France, their families and friends, city authorities and invited guests.
Kamilla Dudek presented the background to the publication’s creation, which contains the memories of forty families. She also discussed themes shared by the people whose stories are described in the book: traditions, culinary customs and, finally, longing for France. These accounts reveal a unique image of the country on the Loire and the distinctive cultural landscape of post-war Bolesławiec.
Prof. Grzegorz Strauchold, PhD, DSc, from the University of Wrocław, who served as the historical consultant for the publication, discussed the socio-political realities surrounding the wave of Polish emigration to France and the return of its participants to Poland after the Second World War. Bolesławiec Mayor Piotr Roman spoke about the publication’s role in building awareness of post-war Bolesławiec, a city where the lives of people from many cultures and nationalities became intertwined. Władysław Wieczorek, president of the Polish-French Friendship Society in Wrocław, also spoke.
On behalf of the returnees’ families, Helena Strzelczak expressed heartfelt thanks to the organizers—the authorities of the Bolesławiec urban municipality, the Museum of Ceramics and those who have contributed to spreading knowledge about returnees and promoting French culture in Bolesławiec and Lower Silesia—for their contribution to publishing the book and preparing the meeting. Janina Brewka, the longtime president of the Bolesławiec branch of the Polish-French Friendship Society, received special thanks from everyone gathered. All those who helped prepare the book received flowers and a copy of the publication.
The meeting concluded with, and was also greatly surprised by, a performance by Lidia and Joёl Becheur from Kruszyn, who prepared a musical program featuring well-known French hits. The guests had a wonderful time, singing popular songs together with the performers.
The publication can be purchased at the Museum of Ceramics’ Department of the History of the City at 14 Kutuzowa Street and its Ceramics Department at 13 Mickiewicza Street, priced at PLN 10.