Science research

Since the establishment of the Central Museum of Prisoners-of-War scientific-research work has made an important part of its activity. The scope of the research interest has changed over the years. Until the end of the 1980s it had dealt with the German POW system functioning during World War 2. Following 1989, it was considerably extended to cover now the problem area related to POWs in the period of World War 2, with a special emphasis put on the vicissitudes of Polish soldiers staying in the German and the Soviet captivity and those remaining in the internment camps located in the neutral states.

Apart from this, the research deals with selected questions of the newest history of Poland, including – first of all – issues related to the existence of the post-war isolation camps in Opole Silesia. The scientific work conducted by the Museum is not limited strictly to the years 1939-1945. It takes into account also the causes and effects of the tragic events of World War 2. An important place in it is occupied by the history of the camps organized in Lamsdorf/Łambinowice (1870-1946), as well as by the history of the very military range itself, in the area of which all of them were established.

The scientific-research activity of the Museum is carried out in the form of queries conducted in archives based in Poland and abroad. Results of the research are presented and discussed in scientific meetings, conferences, scientific and popular-science sessions, and also in publications. In turn, the reliable knowledge which is obtained in the course of scientific-research work constitutes the foundation of the Museum’s activity in the spheres of education, organization of exhibitions and commemoration.