Half a century of history, literature and memories of the town. On 12 September, during the 69th Gwarki festival, the Tarnowskie Góry Local History Society invites you to the Tarnowskie Góry Cultural Centre for a jubilee popular science conference. The programme includes, amongst other things, a return to Donata Kirsch’s *Krusiec*, a screening of the 1976 film *Miastu przypisani* and a tribute to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the SMZT and the heritage of Tarnowskie Góry.

12 September 2026 | 12.00 | Tarnogórskie Cultural Centre

The history of Tarnowskie Góry has its heroes, achievements and stories that are well worth revisiting. One of the oldest mining traditions is the annual popular science conference organised by the Tarnowskie Góry Local History Society, which provides an opportunity to engage with the town’s history, its people and its heritage.

This year’s conference will have a special, jubilee character. It will take place during the 69th edition of Gwarki, in the year marking the 500th anniversary of Tarnowskie Góry and the 50th anniversary of the Historic Silver Mine being opened to tourists.

It will symbolically link two important moments in the town’s history: the years 1976 and 2026. Half a century ago, Tarnowskie Góry celebrated its 450th anniversary; the jubilee Gwarki Days were held, and the Historic Silver Mine was opened to tourists. During the conference, we will revisit that time through literature and film.

‘Kruszec’ – a return after 50 years

One of the main highlights of the programme will be a meeting with Donat Kirsch and Andrzej Kanclerz, dedicated to a unique literary work connected with Tarnowskie Góry.

In 1976, just before the town’s 450th anniversary celebrations, Donat Kirsch was commissioned by the Tarnowskie Góry Heritage Society to write a piece of poetic prose dedicated to Tarnowskie Góry. As the author recalled years later, the text was written “sincerely and enthusiastically”.

The manuscript was originally titled ‘The Night Will Awaken You’. Excerpts from it were used during the Miners’ Days in 1976 in a sound-and-light show presented in Tarnowskie Góry’s Market Square under the title ‘Introduction to the Elements’.

The texts were selected and the show directed by Grażyna Kędzielawska, then a student at the State Higher School of Film, Television and Theatre in Łódź. The visual design was the work of the painter Werner Lubos, whilst the musical score was composed by Aleksander Glinkowski.

An archival audio recording of this event has been preserved in the collections of the Tarnowskie Góry Local History Society.

Almost 50 years later, Donat Kirsch once again submitted the text to the Society, this time under the title ‘Kruszec’. During the conference, its history will serve as a starting point for a discussion on the literary portrayal of Tarnowskie Góry, the town’s collective memory and the culture of the jubilee year 1976.

An excerpt from “Introduction to the Elements” has already been shared with local residents. In 2021, it was included in the Tarnowskie Góry Literary Gallery – Inspired by the Silver City, created in collaboration with the Tarnowskie Góry Mining and Metallurgical Association (SMZT), the Bolesław Lubosz Municipal Public Library and the Tarnowskie Góry Local Authority. One of the gallery’s eight silver panels was dedicated specifically to Donat Kirsch.

“Bound to the City”

The second special tribute to the jubilee year of 1976 will be a screening of the film “Bound to the City”, produced by the Tarnowskie Góry Local History Society and directed by Norbert Boronowski.

This documentary was made to mark the exceptional 450th anniversary of the founding of Tarnowskie Góry and the celebratory Miners’ Days. The film depicts the history, cultural heritage and the people involved in the development and preservation of the traditions of this Silesian town. Half a century later, it will once again allow us to see Tarnowskie Góry through the eyes of those who documented the town.

Thanks to collaboration with the Silesian Film Archive and the SILESIA FILM Film Institution, it has been possible to digitise all the material from the film reel and carry out digital processing of the image and sound. Consequently, the film, following its digital restoration, will have its premiere on that day.

Awards and honours

The conference will also provide an opportunity to honour individuals associated with the Association who have been working for many years to preserve and promote the heritage of Tarnowskie Góry.

During the ceremony, state and provincial honours will be presented to members of the SMZT, as well as commemorative statuettes to members of the Association and individuals and institutions associated with it.

The statuettes will be presented by Marek Kandzia, former chair of the Board of the Tarnowskie Góry Heritage Society.

PROGRAMME

12.00 – start of the conference
Welcome address and speeches

12.15 – presentation of honours
State and provincial honours for members of the SMZT

12.35 – Donat Kirsch and Andrzej Kanclerz
Donat Kirsch’s *Kruszec* – a literary tribute to the history of Tarnowskie Góry
Marking the 50th anniversary of the presentation of excerpts from the work during the Miners’ Days in 1976

13.20 – coffee break

1.40 pm – screening of the film “Miastu przypisani”
Produced by: the Tarnogórska Region Enthusiasts’ Association
Directed by: Norbert Boronowski
1976

14.25 – ceremonial presentation of the
statuettes. Honouring members of the Tarnogórska Region Enthusiasts’ Association (SMZT) and individuals and institutions associated with the Association

15.10 – Acknowledgements

15.15 – close of the conference

12 September 2026, 12.00
Tarnowskie Góry Cultural Centre

We invite you to join us in revisiting the history of Tarnowskie Góry – as recorded in documents, literature, film and the memories of successive generations.