Chandelier

In spring of 1945, Polish administration started being established in West Pomerania. Despite the atmosphere of uncertainty connected with the lack of final political decisions concerning the ownership of these lands, Poles started organising their school system. The success of this mission would not have been possible, however, if it were not for the commitment of the teachers who came to these lands from all corners of Poland. Due to the harsh conditions and constant danger, their work required great courage and perseverance. Not everyone has been able to live up to that challenge. Many decided to leave West Pomerania, sometimes even leave the profession. Those who remained undertook the difficult task of creating the foundations of Polish education. This was also the mission of Janina Szczerska (born on  22 October 1897 in Stryj, died on 10 July 1981 in Szczecin) – a teacher and educator who, after leaving the liberated Ravensbrück camp, decided to build the newly established education system in Szczecin. Thanks to her efforts and enormous commitment, in September 1945, the first general school in the city was opened for 30 students. Making the decision to stay in Szczecin, Szczerska moved to the second floor of a townhouse at Aleja Piastów 66 (formerly known as Barnimstrasse), taking over the original furniture left by the previous owners, which included this 19th-century chandelier, preserved in fairly good condition. In 1976 Szczerska decided that after her death her furniture and personal items should be donated to the collection of the National Museum in Szczecin.

Anna Lew-Machniak