Muzeum Hymnu Narodowego

On Thursday, August 18th we visited the Museum of the National Anthem of Poland in the tiny town of Będomin, Poland, a bit southwest of the Trojmiasto area (the three cities, Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot). I have previously written about the history of the Polish National Anthem, Jeszcze Polska nie zginęł. Literally, the title means “Poland is not yet lost” or “Poland has not yet perished.” My original post on the song is well worth your time.

So on August 18th, we set off to see this tiny museum. The pictures I took are here: http://poland.leonkonieczny.com/Albums/Poland%202011/National%20Anthem%20Museum/index.html. I won’t bore you with the details of what each picture is about. Suffice it to say that they portray patriotism and some semblance of life and customs from aroudn 1897 when the hymn was penned.

Visiting that day, besides me, was Alicja and Filip, and family friends Patricja with her son Jędrzej. We had a very nice time at this small museum. One of the most interesting things we saw here was a Cymbały, the stringed instrument from which our common ancestors got their name. I wrote about the Cymbały in a previous post, as I actually saw one being played when we were in Lwów.

So, take a few minutes and read about the history of this song. It’s message is at the heart of what it means to be Polish. Through centuries of turnmoil, wars, partitions, foreign domination, and other trials, Poland indeed has not perished. And I believe, it never will. It’s in the heart and soul–at the very being–of every Polish person and, I believe, of every person of Polish heritage such as me–and maybe you!

This entry was posted in 2011 Poland Trip, culture, history, History of Poland, music. Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to Muzeum Hymnu Narodowego

  1. pat (Urbas) Cohen says:

    great pictures Leon; amazing they were able to retain/preserve thru all the turmoil the country went thru

  2. Siegfried says:

    Polish anthem describes perfectly us, Poles – we did / would do all those things from the anthem 😉

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