|
An hostile action of the three citizens of Rapperswil threatens the very existence of the Polish Museum – proud of 138 years activity, as well as the legendary Swiss tolerance and peaceful existence of different cultures.
"Magna Res Libertas"
The above words were engraved in 1868 on the "Bar" column welcoming visitors in front of the castle in Rapperswile, where The Museum is located.
Organized in 1870 by Graf Wladyslaw Plater, thanks to the active participation and the continuous support of Dr Theodore Curti a long term member of the Swiss Parliament and as well as the President of Rapperswil City. The Polish Museum is the testimony of lasting years Polish and Swiss friendship and the vibrant sample of the cooperation in spreading both nations’ cultural achievements.
Thanks to the two important political and social Figures the Center was created, which radiated with the cultural activities and even more covered with the national and international fame the City of Rapperswil and its Citizens.
Graf W. Plater not only graciously accepted the famous Swiss hospitality, but added to it a Polish cultural accent - adorning Rapperswil with glory as well as citizens.
The Museum is located in the castle that was renovated and protected from natural dilapidation thanks to Poles financing the renovation, expanding existing structures during the last 82 years absorbing the financial burden of operating and administering it.
The Government support practically did not exist. All expenses were covered by generous donations of Poles from the entire World.
The Museum is still Poland’s “visit card” in Switzerland; it is the symbol of a vital and vibrant creativity of Poles forced to accept the emigration and being smuggled onto the Helvetian hospitable land.
It is the center of Polish cultural promotion, many international conferences, seminars and musical concerts. This Institution imprinted glorious moments in the history of Both Countries, being also a sample of a continuously successful dialog of different cultures and peaceful coexistence.
Here in the Rapperswil Castle, after the soldier’s wandering - finds peace in the heart of Polish and American war hero General Thaddeus Kosciuszko; consequently starting a chain of visits and pilgrimages paying homage to the Great Man symbol of “for our and your freedom”!
It is sad, that after a one sided cancellation of a “perpetual leasing contract”, which raised many legal questions in the fifties sealed entrance to the tower, where in 1895-1927 rested the Kosciusko’s Heart – the hero of two nations Poland and America.
Here rested in peace Graff Wladyslaw Plater and his wife, as well as cofounder of the Museum, antiquarian from Stockholm – insurgent from 1863, Henryk Bukowski.
Actually in the Museum there is a valuable collection of paintings, sculptures, graphics, cartography, old prints, books; the subjects of scientific research.
The closing of such well deserved monument to the history and culture of both nations’ institutions; annihilates the many generations devoted to the cause of Poland and Switzerland – long years of achievement. It will be a sign of contempt to the hard work and sacrifices of hundreds volunteers as well as employees of the Museum; an expression of the ignorance and the disregard for higher cultural values, accepting almighty profit and commercialism.
With this petition we are appealing for help to maintain the Polish Museum in Rapperswil, a museum cultivating glorious memories of struggles for freedom, a dream goal of many nations even these days.
Subscribe to this petition to the Swiss Authorities, the Saint Gallen’s Canton and the City of Rapperswil – we are counting on you!
The information about the Polish Museum you can find on Internet
www.muzeum-polskie.org or call 0041 (0)55 210 18 62
|
07.4.2008
