PRZECHOWANE.ORG
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
All it takes is to photograph such an item, briefly describe it, and submit it via the przechowane.org platform. With the help of participants, and in cooperation with the Nomadic Shtetl Archive, these contributions will help create a traveling exhibition of photographs, historical maps, and personal memories documenting Jewish life in prewar Poland.
The przechowane.org project was initiated by an interdisciplinary team of researchers affiliated with Humboldt University of Berlin and the Jagiellonian University, who study the history and memory of Jewish communities in Polish towns. In cooperation with the POLIN Museum, a platform of the same name was established to connect people who preserve in their homes—or have accidentally discovered—objects that once belonged to Polish Jews. Any item can be submitted, even if modest or damaged, provided it helps reconstruct everyday life in
a prewar Jewish home, workshop, or shop.
What is the przechowane.org platform?
przechowane.org enables users to upload photographs and descriptions of Jewish objects held in private collections that have never been publicly presented. The organizers aim to “shed light” on ordinary things that may not have high museum value, but are priceless as mementos of people who are no longer here, and as a vital part of the history of those who now safeguard them.
Participants may also contact the research team for help in answering questions about the objects, deciphering inscriptions, or explaining their original function. Items can also be submitted and published anonymously.
Thanks to participants and in cooperation with the Nomadic Shtetl Archive, a traveling exhibition will be created, presenting photographs, historical maps, and memories documenting everyday Jewish life in prewar towns and cities.
How to participate?
The POLIN Museum invites anyone who possesses objects connected to the Polish Jewish community to take part.
To participate:
• take a photograph of the object,
• write a brief description,
• share any known information,
• submit the material through the przechowane.org platform.
The przechowane.org project was created through cooperation between the POLIN Museum and Humboldt University, with support from the European Union.
The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews encourages participation in the nationwide initiative przechowane.org. As part of the project, organizers are searching for everyday objects that were once part of Jewish homes.
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