The Lost History of Olkusz

The Lost History of Olkusz

The Lost History of Olkusz

Discovering the forgotten history of the Jewish community of Olkusz.
Hometown
Country
School
Olkusz
Poland
Second High School in Olkusz
Discovering the forgotten history of the Jewish community of Olkusz.
Hometown
Country
School
Olkusz
Poland
Second High School in Olkusz
Discovering the forgotten history of the Jewish community of Olkusz.
Hometown
Country
School
Olkusz
Poland
Second High School in Olkusz

Research

Learning
Students began by attending a presentation on the history of Jewish people in Olkusz, sharing poignant photos of citizens during the Nazi occupation of Poland. Next, a guide from Olkusz Tourist Information Centre took students on a walk through the town, vising old buildings and an abandoned Jewish cemetery, and sharing stories of Jewish citizens who lived and died here.
Prior to this project, most students thought their hometown’s history was insignificant in comparison to nearby Krakow, a city renowned for heritage and culture. But, as they uncovered the forgotten names and stories of the Jewish citizens who used to live and work in the buildings they pass by every day, they learned how important their own town’s heritage is.

Research

Learning
Students began by attending a presentation on the history of Jewish people in Olkusz, sharing poignant photos of citizens during the Nazi occupation of Poland. Next, a guide from Olkusz Tourist Information Centre took students on a walk through the town, vising old buildings and an abandoned Jewish cemetery, and sharing stories of Jewish citizens who lived and died here.
Prior to this project, most students thought their hometown’s history was insignificant in comparison to nearby Krakow, a city renowned for heritage and culture. But, as they uncovered the forgotten names and stories of the Jewish citizens who used to live and work in the buildings they pass by every day, they learned how important their own town’s heritage is.

Research
Students began by attending a presentation on the history of Jewish people in Olkusz, sharing poignant photos of citizens during the Nazi occupation of Poland. Next, a guide from Olkusz Tourist Information Centre took students on a walk through the town, vising old buildings and an abandoned Jewish cemetery, and sharing stories of Jewish citizens who lived and died here.

Learning
Prior to this project, most students thought their hometown’s history was insignificant in comparison to nearby Krakow, a city renowned for heritage and culture. But, as they uncovered the forgotten names and stories of the Jewish citizens who used to live and work in the buildings they pass by every day, they learned how important their own town’s heritage is.

Enrichment

Sharing
Students created a video and mini exhibition at school, displaying the research they had uncovered. This included a model city, made by students as a visual aid for the wider school community to connect the spaces they visit everyday with key historical events which happened in their hometown during World War Two.
Alongside the school’s exhibition, presentations were delivered to other students about the Jewish heritage of their hometown. The students’ film includes a summary of what they have learned and how it has influenced their perception of Olkusz which, in turn, led to more students, teachers and parents coming forwards with historical accounts and stories of their own to share.

Enrichment

Sharing
Students created a video and mini exhibition at school, displaying the research they had uncovered. This included a model city, made by students as a visual aid for the wider school community to connect the spaces they visit everyday with key historical events which happened in their hometown during World War Two.
Alongside the school’s exhibition, presentations were delivered to other students about the Jewish heritage of their hometown. The students’ film includes a summary of what they have learned and how it has influenced their perception of Olkusz which, in turn, led to more students, teachers and parents coming forwards with historical accounts and stories of their own to share.

Enrichment
Students created a video and mini exhibition at school, displaying the research they had uncovered. This included a model city, made by students as a visual aid for the wider school community to connect the spaces they visit everyday with key historical events which happened in their hometown during World War Two.

Sharing
Alongside the school’s exhibition, presentations were delivered to other students about the Jewish heritage of their hometown. The students’ film includes a summary of what they have learned and how it has influenced their perception of Olkusz which, in turn, led to more students, teachers and parents coming forwards with historical accounts and stories of their own to share.