MUSEUM OF LEMKO CULTURE AT ZYNDRANOWA

Abstract

In 1947, as the result of the Vistula Operation,Lemkos were resettled to the Western and NorthernTerritories of Poland, this making them abandon their materialpossessions which remained at their former domicile proneto devastation. Certain Lemkos resented those developmentsto the extent that following 1956 some returned to theirnative land, determined to save their tangible and intangibleculture. Amateur artistic projects were revived, and itwas decided that traces of Lemko tangible heritage wereto be taken care of. This led to the concept of creating anethnographic Lemko museum. In 1968, using Teodor Goczsfarmstead at Zyndranowa, a memento hall was created; itlater assumed the name of the Museum of Lemko Culture.The institution continuously faced challenges: it lackedfinancing and factual supervision for its operation. Despitethis, the Museum collection continued growing, and newbuildings were safeguarded for the purpose. The Museumscreators aimed not only at preserving and displaying tracesof Lemko tangible heritage, but also at maintaining bonds ofthe displaced Lemkos with their former homeland. Withtime, the Museum also began playing an important role inpreserving the Lemko ethnic identity.