“One does not have to go far across the border”
Polish-German Stories – 1871 to Present
Germany and Poland: The current Oder-Neisse border separates and connects them in a neighborhood that has historically shaped and burdened both countries. Between them, there have always been elements that simultaneously connect them across the barriers: identities, beliefs, and languages.
In the bilingual exhibition (German and Polish), those whose family history is marked by this shared narrative will be heard, who actively shape Polish-German relations or strive to preserve their local traces.
Starting in 2024, the 20th anniversary of Poland’s EU accession, the exhibition will gradually trace back 150 years: from the open borders of the European Union to cross-border solidarity with the Solidarity trade unionists during the brutal occupation of Poland in World War II, leading to the history of Masurians in the German Empire. Ultimately, the question arises, what all this means for us and our future as an immigration society.
The exhibition was created as part of the exhibition and education project “Your Story,” funded by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community. It tests various ways to present German migration history through four participatory special and traveling exhibitions and to showcase migration as part of German history.
More information: dah-bremerhaven.de/deine-geschichte
EXHIBITION
“The Road Across the Border is Short.” Polish-German Stories from 1871 to Today
12.10.2024 – 05.01.2025
GERMANY AND POLAND: Today’s border on the Oder and Neisse divides and connects both countries in a neighborhood that has historically imparted dynamism, burdens, and marks. The same elements have always divided them while simultaneously uniting them despite border barriers: identities, beliefs, and languages.
The exhibition gives a voice to those whose family history is shaped by shared experiences, who actively contribute to shaping Polish-German relations, or whose local traces they strive to preserve.
Starting in 2024, the 20th anniversary of Poland’s EU accession, the exhibition will step back 150 years into the past: from the open borders of the European Union to solidarity across borders with the Solidarity trade unionists, through the brutal occupation of Poland during World War II, to the fates of Masurians in the German Empire.
In the end, the question arises, what does all of this mean for us and for the future of our society – an immigration society.
+++ The exhibition is bilingual, in German and Polish. +++
Opening hours of the temporary exhibition: Daily from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Admission is included in the museum ticket price.
More information: dah-bremerhaven.de/deine-geschichte