Professor Stanisław Senft has died

It is with great sadness that we have received the news of the death of a person greatly respected by all of us – Professor Stanisław Senft (9.02.1944-14.04. 2021), an estimated historian, expert in history and contemporary problems of Silesia, POW and camp issues, researcher and director of the Silesian Institute in Opole, academic teacher at the Opole University, the Opole University of Technology, and above all, employee and collaborator of the Central Museum of Prisoners-of-War, member and chairman of the Museum Council at the CMJW, also member of the Editorial Committee of the "Łambinowice Museum Yearbook". His publication output comprises about 430 items, including 7 author's and co-author's works.

Professor Stanisław Senft was a man of extensive knowledge, exceptional personal culture, modesty and manners. Always eager to help, understanding, sociable. He became involved with our Museum at the end of his studies at the Higher School of Education in Opole, in the mid-1960s. At that time he took up a job at the Museum, being promoted during the 10 years of his employment from a junior assistant to a curator. The awarding of his doctorate was preceded by his first scientific publications, including a book (co-authored by Horst Więcek) Obozy jenieckie na obszarze Śląskiego okręgu Wehrmachtu 1939-1945 (Prisoner-of-war camps in the area of the Silesian district of the Wehrmacht) (Wrocław 1972). His doctoral dissertation, defended in 1975, was published in 1978 under the title Jeńcy wojenni i robotnicy przymusowi zatrudnieni w rolnictwie śląskim 1939-1945 (Prisoners of War and Forced Labourers Employed in Silesian Agriculture 1939-1945), when Professor Warmus was already an employee of the Silesian Institute in Opole, where he continued his research, scientific and professional advancement (from the head of the laboratory to the deputy director and director). Skilfully combining this work with teaching activity at Opole universities (since 1998), he constantly maintained contact with the Museum. As a member of the Editorial Committee of the "Łambinowice Museum Yearbook" he participated in the creation and development of the periodical. He also took part in other manifestations of the scientific life of the institution. He wrote and printed articles, edited papers, wrote reviews of publications on prisoner-of-war and camp subjects, delivered papers at conferences. In 2011-2018, he participated in the work of the Museum Council, being its chairman during one of its terms.

Tomorrow there will be held a meeting of the Editorial Committee of the "Łambinowice Museum Yearbook" at our seat in Opole. Without the Professor. Without his wise questions, reflections and suggestions. And so it will always be. We will, Professor, try to remember your advises and extract as much as possible from them, because we value you very much.

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