Polish Archives Open Doors on International Archives Day, Revealing 800-Year-Old Secrets

On International Archives Day, Polish archives across 37 cities opened their doors, offering a glimpse into centuries of history. Among the treasures on display was an 800-year-old document, a charter establishing a Cistercian monastery in Łekno. "Knowledge of the past is crucial," stated Krzysztof Kołodziejczyk, director of the State Archives in Lublin, "because it builds our identity. Without this identity, there would be no nation, no country, and no families." Visitors could see archivists at work, preserving delicate documents and photographs. Dr. Marta Zbrzeźniak from the State Archives in Olsztyn highlighted the diverse collection, ranging from old cans of Polish ham to unique photographs. The event underscored the importance of archives not just for national history, but also for personal family stories.