Bolesławiec schools were—and still are—in Europe; some of them can continue to impress with their originality, uniqueness;), beauty, and the richness of their educational and material achievements. There were periods of splendor that, in many cases, have passed into history, which is a pity. But “Czwórka” managed to preserve the unique Neptune’s Treasury, which brought it fame and acclaim—to this day. On the occasion of the pleasant Teachers’ Day, let us look inside the rich MARITIME MUSEUM, with the permission of its director, ANNA HIL. An unusual museum, without a curator, but with a collection of exhibits that arrived here by sea from literally all over the world. Describing them would fill an entire issue of “Głos,” so we suggest viewing the treasures of the king of seas and oceans in photographs by editor JANA ŻURALSKIEGO.
What can be said about the school? It deserves to be called a precursor and pioneer in the field of education. It was the first in the city and Bolesławiec County to receive its own name—JANA MATEJKI, the painter of national history and a patriotic Pole. Only one other school in Poland, the “OSKMKA” school in Sopot, received this honor, distinguishing itself through the high level of its pupils’ artistic work. It was the first in the city and county to receive a banner funded by parents and sponsoring workplaces, including the District Directorate of PKP in Wrocław. It was the only school in the country to have a proper art studio—with easels and auxiliary equipment—which made it possible to teach drawing, painting, and art history for two hours a week, with pupils divided into groups (at that time, classes had an average of 38–40 pupils). This was an innovation on a national scale, as confirmed by a chapter in my book “On Aesthetic Education in Primary School.” The first course for art teachers from across Lower Silesia was held here, leaving behind hundreds of works celebrating the beauty of our city. Finally—pioneering contacts between the school and the sea, the concept of maritime education for young people (an educational innovation on a national scale), and more than half a century of cooperation with the crew of the namesake ship, m/s “JAN MATEJKO,” which resulted in an impressive Maritime Museum containing approximately 3,000 exhibits.