Famous & Unknown Discover Polish Migration Stories

Knowsley Archives Service and Merseyside Polonia are delighted to invite all of you to discover different stories of Polish emigration as a part of Knowsley Borough of Culture 2022. You will have a chance to know the incredible tales of Polish famous and nameless emigrants.

We have prepared for you two exhibitions in the Kirkby Centre: One is a story of Fryderyk Chopin, a big exhibition providing photos and description of his life journey. You will be able to have free refreshments, Polish cakes provided by Olawa Bakery Wirral and listen to Chopin music performed by Jessica Harvey. We have also prepared for you a few other surprises during the event.

Fryderyk Chopin, famous polish pianist and composer born in Poland migrated to France in 1831. This movement was part of Great Emigration of thousands of Poles and Lithuanians, particularly from the political and cultural elites in 19th century. Their exile was the result of the Partitions of Poland, which completely divided the lands of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth between the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia and the Habsburg monarchy of Austria.

The second exhibition relates to Stefan Skura where we will be able to see the collection includes a bundle of booklets, savings books and soldier's service and pay book, photographs and cards. Some of them in Polish but translated into English by Merseyside Polonia volunteers.

Stefan Skura was a blacksmith who came to Britain in 1947 as a private in the Polish Resettlement Corps. The P.R.C. was formed by the British government as a holding unit for Polish armed forces, having served alongside British forces during World War II. Stefan Skura did not wish to return to Poland. At the end of World War II it was clear that it would be difficult and dangerous for many Polish people outside of Poland to return home, due to their country having fallen under Soviet influence.

FREE EVENT but the number of tickets is limited. 60 places available. Please register on Eventbrite for FREE ticket.

21st June

Doors open: 6pm, Event begins: 6.30pm

The Kirkby Centre

Norwich Way

Knowsley

L32 8XY

Please see details in regards to direction, parking space and sponsors below.