Personal luggage. The Aftermath of March: An Exhibition on Polish Emigration Stories
Marking 50 years since March 1968, this exhibition uncovers the individual experiences of those who left Poland.
Delve into "Personal luggage. The Aftermath of March," an exhibition thoughtfully curated to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the significant events of March 1968 in Poland. It weaves together a rich, polyphonic narrative of post-March emigrants, using their cherished memories, personal letters, official documents, and evocative family photographs. This display illuminates their compelling life journeys within Poland and their new beginnings in Israel and beyond.
About Personal luggage. The Aftermath of March at History Meeting House in Warsaw
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Personal luggage. The Aftermath of March at History Meeting House in Warsaw
Exhibition summary
Marking the 50th anniversary of March 1968, this exhibition presents a polyphonic story of post-March emigrants from Poland. It uses memories, letters, documents, and photographs to explore their life stories in Poland and Israel.
Curatorial context
On the 50th anniversary of March 1968, the History Meeting House presents "Personal luggage. The Aftermath of March," a polyphonic story of the generation of post-March emigrants who left Poland. The exhibition is curated by Agata Tuszyńska and features memories, excerpts from letters, documents, and photographs from family albums, alongside present-day photographs inspired by the writer's work. Tuszyńska describes the protagonists as lifelong friends who treated each other as substitutes for family in Poland, forming a 'March family'.
The exhibition includes photographs from the protagonists' family albums and their contemporary portraits by Włodek Pawłow. The personal narratives are contextualized by the historical background of March 1968, a period marked by anti-Semitic persecutions and political shifts. Following diplomatic tensions with Israel and a public speech by Władysław Gomułka comparing Poles of Jewish origin to a 'fifth column,' a nationwide campaign against 'hidden Zionists' began. This led to thousands of citizens of Jewish origin losing their jobs or facing harassment, with emigration procedures implemented for those declaring alienage. Between 1968 and 1971, around thirteen thousand people left Poland, with a significant portion settling in Israel, while others moved to Western Europe and North America. The anti-Semitic propaganda of 1968 had a profound impact on Polish science and culture, contributing to the emigration of scholars, journalists, musicians, and filmmakers.
Admission and ticket notes
The exhibition is presented by the History Meeting House. Visitors are directed to the official website for further details, but specific ticketing information for this exhibition is not provided on this page beyond general museum opening hours and location.
Personal luggage. The Aftermath of March key exhibition facts
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Personal luggage. The Aftermath of March at History Meeting House in Warsaw
Venue
History Meeting House
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Mar 7, 2018 – May 20, 2018
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition is curated by writer and reporter Agata Tuszyńska, with contemporary portraits by photographer Włodek Pawłow.
Warsaw
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