The Pomeranian Congress of National Remembrance has begun

The event will run until November 21. The first day of the congress features conferences, discussions, panel debates, an award ceremony, and the IPN Gaming Music Concert.

The first day of the Pomeranian Congress of National Remembrance is complete

“History speaks through generations” is the theme of the Pomeranian Congress of National Remembrance, organized by the Gdańsk branch of the Institute of National Remembrance. The event takes place on November 20–21, 2024, at AmberExpo in Gdańsk.

The congress began at 10:00 AM with a welcome speech by Dr. Marek Szymaniak, director of the Gdańsk branch of the IPN. Shortly after, at 11:00 AM, the discussion panel “Achievements and prospects of modern historical education” commenced, featuring Dr. Karol Nawrocki, president of the IPN, and Dr. habil. Przemysław Czarnek, professor at the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL). The session was moderated by Dr. Marek Szymaniak.

During the debates and conferences, topics include the extermination of people with mental disorders in German-occupied Poland during the Third Reich, as well as myths surrounding the calculation of population losses during World War II in Pomerania. The discussions cover both local and national history.

New Technology Zone

The New Technology Zone is also open at the event and has been bustling with school-age visitors from the very start. The zone showcases all projects by the New Technology Division, including games, films, and applications for both PC and VR (virtual reality). It’s the perfect place to explore immersive historical education and learn about history through new technologies.

Award ceremony, film screenings, and the IPN Gaming Music Concert

Guests also participated in the ceremonial presentation of the Cross of Freedom and Solidarity awards. This was accompanied by a screening of the film “Those Who Stoke the Fire…” directed by Tomasz Łysiak. Additionally, the film “Popiełuszko: Testament of Freedom” (directed by Jakub Klebba) was shown.

The day will conclude with the IPN Gaming Music Concert, featuring compositions created for the New Technology Division’s projects: Cipher Game, The Aviators, and Testimonies of Support. The concert will be performed by the Chronos Orchestra under the baton of Michał Krężlewski, with music composed by Przemysław Treszczotka.

Looking ahead to the second day of the Pomeranian Congress of National Remembrance

The second and final day of the congress will also offer a wealth of attractions. Guests can look forward to screenings of “To Bury the Dead” directed by Katarzyna Underwood and “Rakowiecka 37: The Story of Warsaw-Mokotów Prison and Detention Center” directed by Paweł Woldan. Additionally, the day will feature the concert “Close Your Eyes”, inspired by pre-war hits, performed by the Warsaw Sentimental Orchestra and the Polish Chamber Philharmonic Sopot under the direction of Szymon Morus. Guests will also take part in more debates, conferences, and discussion panels.