History of the Polish literary, publishing heritage in Switzerland after the Second World War. Twenty years of the Foundation „Archivum Helveto-Polonicum” in Freiburg

Abstract

The „Archivum Helveto-Polonicum Foundation” was established in June 1997 by Jacek and Ludwika Sygnarski in Freiburg. It was a result of their collecting passion, especially of Jacek Sygnarski’s one, developed back in his time in Toruń. Since the mid 70’s, they have created one of the largest private collections of the clandestine (so called „second circulation”)  publications, as well as press and underground publications from the period of Solidarity. When the Martial law in Poland was declared they were visitng Jacek’s uncle in Freiburg, a former soldier of the 2nd Division of Foot Riflemen (2nd DSP) interned in Switzerland. This way the have opened the emigration chapter of their lives. In the course of 20 years of the Foundation’s activities, their consistent work resulted in a considerable collection of about 116 archival sets of up to 290 linear meters, about 80,000 volumes and many valuable museal items such as 2nd DSP soldiers’ uniforms. In addition, the Sygnarskis organized vernissages, exhibitions in French, they also published multilingual publications. Their achievements in favor of Polish culture in exile are noteworthy and deserve the highest recognition.