Golden Cross of Merit

Helena Kurcyusz (1914-1999), an architect and town planner, settled in Szczecin in May 1945, becoming an indelible part of its history. Initially, she was employed in the Technical Department of the City Administration and, from 1946, in the Regional Spatial Planning Headquarters, where, as chief town planner for the Szczecin Province, she oversaw 71 towns in Western Pomerania. Until her retirement, she worked at the Provincial Urban Planning Office, where she designed local plans for, among others, Trzebież, Nowe Warpno, and Trzebiatów and participated in the most important post-war planning decisions for the region. She would also initiate many artistic activities and events, integrating the small community of people of culture. She was recognised for her professional and social accomplishments with a number of high distinctions, including the featured Golden Cross of Merit. The distinction, instituted in 1923, was initially awarded to civilians who, following Poland's liberation in 1918, demonstrated their work for the country and society by performing acts beyond the scope of their everyday duties. By virtue of the decree of the Polish Communist Party (PKWN) of 22 December 1944, the Golden Cross of Merit was also introduced into the system of awards of the People's Republic of Poland, and then, by virtue of the Act of 17 February 1960 on decorations and distinctions, it was confirmed as an award bestowed on persons of merit for professional work or social activity. Anna Lew-Machniak