The POLIN Museum, in collaboration with thirty cultural institutions across Poland, has launched an initiative to create a digital database of objects related to the history and culture of Polish Jews. Thousands of items and documents have been digitised and are now accessible “at the click of a button”.
The portal features art from the 19th century to the interwar and post-war periods. Notable pieces include the 1974 painting assemblage titled "Night" by Jonah Stern. The collection also prominently displays contemporary art, such as Braid by Krystyna Piotrowska and works by Wilhelm Sasnal. Additionally, the collection comprises thousands of archival photographs that document the everyday life of Jewish communities in Poland, accompanied by various everyday objects. Noteworthy items include a personal photograph of Augusta née Zamenhof Hermelin with her children, historical objects like a badge awarded by the School of Nursing in Warsaw during the inter-war period, or the popular pressed blush powder box- Helena Rubinstein brand manufactured in New York in the latter half of the 20th century. The Collections portal also serves as a silent witness to the tragedy of the Warsaw Ghetto, showcasing items such as the signboard of the dentist Berta Kacenelenbogen.
The Collections portal features 50 oral history recordings that capture the testimonies of individuals whose experiences illuminate the history of Polish Jews. It is a comprehensive knowledge base for various applications, including research, historical analysis, educational purposes, and cultural studies. It caters to anyone interested in Jewish history and culture (and beyond).
“It is an intuitive tool in Polish and English, designed to engage recipients through an attractive and concise visual format. It allows them to explore the narratives surrounding various objects, creators, or phenomena. Furthermore, it provides easy access to collections carefully vetted by experts, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding and enriching knowledge. I am therefore convinced that the Collections portal will cater to a broad audience, including professionals - such as historians and researchers - who will find it a valuable new resource for historical, genealogical, or cultural studies. It will also serve teachers, students, and pupils, providing essential educational material for history, civics, and Polish language lessons. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, it will appeal to enthusiasts and anyone interested in history, as well as those wishing to explore the heritage of Polish Jews online for the first time - says Aldona Modrzewska, Head of Collections at the POLIN Museum. The collection is open to the public and will be continuously expanded.
Aldona Modrzewska adds: We will gradually make available content on the portal prepared by renowned authors and researchers in various fields. These contributors will include Beata Chomątowska, Dorota Jarecka, Piotr Filipkowski, Jacek Leociak, Joanna Ostrowska, Karolina Sulej, Katarzyna Uchowicz, and Anna Zapalec”.
We encourage the public to view the promotional materials available in video format: link1, link2, link3.
The collection is available at: Collections of the POLIN Museum.
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