THE PILECKI INSTITUTE
HAS INAUGURATED
ITS ACTIVITIES IN NEW YORK
The Pilecki Institute
The Pilecki Institute USA in New York marks not only a new chapter in the Institute’s activities, but above all an opportunity to introduce the Polish historical experience into the global discourse on freedom and human dignity. The Pilecki Institute will function as both an interdisciplinary research center and a cultural and exhibition space.
The facility, located in Manhattan’s financial district (92 Greenwich Street), in the immediate vicinity of Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial and the Museum of Jewish Heritage, will function as both an interdisciplinary research center and a cultural and exhibition space. The opening of Pilecki Institute USA in New York marks not only a new chapter in the Institute’s activities, but above all an opportunity to introduce the Polish historical experience into the global discourse on freedom and human dignity.
“We are opening a space for dialogue about the history of 20th century’s totalitarian regimes and the memory of their victims. The aim of Pilecki Institute USA will be to build lasting bridges connecting Europe’s unique historical experience with the history and universal values of America”, said Karol Madaj, acting director of the Pilecki Institute. “At the center of our work stands the patron of the Institute, Captain Witold Pilecki. His life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in confrontation with the two darkest political systems of the 20th century: German Nazism and Soviet communism. He was imprisoned in the German concentration camp Auschwitz, yet he ultimately died at the hands of communist criminals. His struggle for freedom and the inalienable dignity of the human person is a legacy close not only to the heart of every Pole, but also to every American. We recall Pilecki’s biography because we wish to actively shape historical and political imagination and to present Poland as we ourselves see it: a leader in the defense of democratic values. We will invite New Yorkers to discover the history of Poland and Europe. We will present the forces that have shaped the Old Continent in recent decades. We will speak about heroes, victims and perpetrators. We will reveal the sources of ideologies that deprive people of what matters most – freedom, hope and security. We will also support scholars of history, facilitating access to unique archival materials, witness testimonies and expert analyses,” the director added.
“As Poles, we value freedom and actively participate in shaping a modern future and the global development of the world. At the Pilecki Institute USA we will cultivate the memory of the consequences of 20th-century totalitarian systems, which in today’s climate of political tensions and the resurgence of authoritarian systems should serve as both a warning and an inspiration in the pursuit of peace and democracy. We are also open to cultural, diplomatic and promotional projects, creating a platform for cooperation and synergy”, explained Piotr Franaszek, CEO of the Pilecki Institute USA.
As an institution dedicated to researching the two totalitarian systems of the 20th century, the Pilecki Institute has the privilege of representing a historical experience that American society has never directly undergone. During the two-day event, we aim to draw from our research and projects to demonstrate how the responsibility of the state was shaped: both in protecting the individual during wartime and in addressing the consequences of violations of the fundamental rights to which every person is entitled.
The first day of the inauguration focused on the Institute’s social, educational and archival activities. On that day a debate “Lessons from Nuremberg for the 21st Century” was held with the participation of Steve Crawshaw – a British journalist, writer and human-rights advocate; Mark Kramer – director of the Cold War Studies Program at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University; Igor Lukes – professor of international relations and history at Boston University; Jack El-Hai – author of the bestselling reportage book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist” and dr Krystian Wiciarz – acting Deputy Director for Scholarly Affairs at the Pilecki Institute. On the same day, the Pilecki Institute presented the pilot episode of the audio series “Courtroom 600. Witnesses of Nuremberg”.
The inauguration of the Pilecki Institute was accompanied by concert by Urszula Dudziak.
As an institution dedicated to researching the two totalitarian systems of the 20th century, the Pilecki Institute has the privilege of representing a historical experience that American society has never directly undergone.
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