Daemen Students in Warsaw

After spending five days in Krakow, the study abroad group (Leigh Alexander, Daniella Milanese, Elaina Murray, and Heather Williams) travelled to Warsaw. During their four-day stay in the capital city, students attended lectures and toured important historical sites and museums: the Jewish ghetto established by the Germans during their occupation of the city in World War II; the Museum of the Warsaw Uprising; the Old Town that was rebuilt after World War II, and many other locations around the city.

Under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Kier Wise (Chair, Department of History & Political Science; Director of the Polish Studies Program), the students are engaged in a Think Tank project that is generously funded by the Office of Academic Affairs as approved by Dr. Michael Brogan, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College.

The Think Tank Project focuses on historical memory in Poland as it relates to the world wars. Students found that in Warsaw the public commemorations and monuments focus primarily on World War II, while there is comparatively little emphasis on World War I (despite the fact that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the war that would make possible the creation of an independent Polish state).

Future blog reports will discuss student impressions from Przemyśl , Poland and Lviv, Ukraine. The final project report will compare the exhibitions and commemorations in various cities and analyze their implications for public memory in Poland -- and also Lviv, Ukraine -- as it relates to the world wars.

Lectures at the University of Warsaw were provided by Dr. Sławomir Józefowicz (pictured below with students at the University Gate and also in one of the lecture halls).





L-R: Heather, Daniella, Elaina, Leigh, & Dr. Józefowicz



Daemen students in lecture hall at the University

While at the University, students also enjoyed a tour of Kazimierzowski Palace, which was originally constructed in the 17th century. Over the centuries, the palace has undergone several reconstructions, most recently from 1945 to 1954 after it was bombed and burned during World War II.




The Golden Hall in Kazimierzowski Palace

The University continues to expand with new construction along the Vistula River. The rooftop garden at the new library offers a splendid view of the city.



Visiting the garden on the roof of the University library

On a warm summer day, students had an opportunity to visit the royal palace and gardens at Wilanów (see below).



L-R: Daniella, Leigh, Heather, and Elaina at Wilanów



Daniella feeding the ducks at Wilanów

Beautiful Łazienki Park in the heart of Warsaw (below) also provided a retreat from the heat.




L-R: Leigh, Elaina, Dr. Wise, Daniella, and Heather

The next blog report will focus on the student trip to Lviv, Ukraine, where students visited museums and enjoyed tours that focused on the extraordinarily rich multicultural history of Galicia.