On 21st May 2023, the 9th Polish Historical Conference took place in the picturesque location of Royal Leamington Spa. The event, organized by The Polish Centre in Royal Leamington Spa in collaboration with the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), brought together distinguished historians, scholars, and researchers from England, Poland, and the USA, who shared their knowledge and achievements in the field of history.

The conference provided an excellent opportunity for discussion and the exchange of views on various aspects of history. The 9th conference, titled „Trails of Hope. Odyssey of Freedom,” was a flagship project of the Institute of National Remembrance, aimed at commemorating the soldiers of General Anders’ Army and their significant contribution to the Allied coalition’s victory over Nazi Germany. The exhibition has been presented on four continents so far, encompassing a range of institutions, both national and international, including Polish and veteran organizations, academic and educational centres, and museums. Participants had the opportunity to listen to fascinating presentations by Dr Paul Latawski, Senior Lecturer at the Defence Studies Department, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and Dr Bogusław Wójcik, Chief Specialist at the Branch Office for Historical Research of the Institute of National Remembrance in Rzeszów and lecturer at the Małopolska School of Economics in Tarnów, who provided valuable insights into Polish history.

The 9th Polish Historical Conference in Leamington Spa was an important event for the academic community and all individuals interested in Polish history. The meeting facilitated the deepening of knowledge, the exchange of experiences, and mutual inspiration for further research.

The conference also served as an opportunity to summarize the „Aid for Ukraine” campaign organized by The Polish Centre and LKQ Euro Car Parts, through which 8 ambulances and 190 tons of humanitarian aid were delivered to war-torn Ukraine. We also highlighted the activities of the charity shop run by The Polish Centre. On this occasion, special guests included the Sisters of St. Joseph from Ukraine – Sister Tobiasza and Sister Justyniana, who run a care home/hospice and kindergartens on a daily basis.

The conference attracted broad interest from the public, with over 300 participants. Among the guests, attendees had the chance to see Mayor Cllr Alan Boad of Royal Leamington Spa, 18 councillors from the Town Council, Warwick District Council, and Warwickshire County Council, Member of Parliament Matt Western, a delegation of judges led by His Honour Anthony Cleary OBE, and Consul Tomasz Balcerowski from the Polish Embassy in London.

The Polish Centre and the Institute of National Remembrance would like to express their gratitude to all participants for their attendance at the conference and their valuable contributions to the development of research on Polish history. Congratulations to all speakers and sponsors on a successful and fruitful event.

Source: The Polish Centre in Royal Leamington Spa