Collective Memory – A Shared Responsibility. About the Community Archive of Wola Justowska 14.10.2025
The history of the places we live in is not written solely in textbooks. It lives in the stories of residents, in old family photo albums, in memories passed down through generations, in everyday objects and voices that often remain unheard. A community archive is a space where these personal, everyday, and local stories are given the recognition they deserve.
Why does memory matter?
The history of the places we live in is not written solely in textbooks. It lives in the stories of residents, in old family photo albums, in memories passed down through generations, in everyday objects and voices that often remain unheard. A community archive is a space where these personal, everyday, and local stories are given the recognition they deserve.
What is a community archive?
A community archive is a grassroots initiative documenting local history – created not by academic institutions, but by the residents themselves. It is built on personal materials: photographs, documents, letters, memories, recordings, maps, newspaper clippings, and keepsakes. It is both a way of preserving heritage and a form of democratizing memory – giving everyone a voice.
Community archives tell the story of daily life: how people lived, where neighbors met, what mattered to the local community. They uncover forgotten threads, reveal a diversity of experiences, and build intergenerational bridges.
Wola Justowska – a place worth remembering
Villa Decius, for centuries a space of dialogue, culture, and hospitality, is today becoming a center for documenting the heritage of one of Kraków’s most unique districts – Wola Justowska. Together with residents, we want to explore its past: from the history of a pre-war health resort and hospital, through post-war life, to the present day.
As the project coordinator Anna Słupek says:
“The conversation with Katarzyna Kobylarczyk marks the beginning of a series of public meetings devoted to the community archive of Wola Justowska. Through these meetings, residents will be able to share their memories, photographs, and documents related to the district's history. Together, we will create a space for revitalizing memory and rediscovering Wola’s story.”
Why is this important?
Because without memory, there is no identity.
Because what is not recorded is easily forgotten.
Because each memory is a piece of a greater narrative – of who we are, where we come from, and what we want to preserve.
In a fast-paced, digital world, we especially need moments of reflection – of looking back and asking what should be remembered and passed on.
How can you help?
– Share your memories,
– Bring old photographs or documents – we will scan and return them to you,
– Join our meetings and workshops – let’s build something meaningful together.
The Community Archive of Wola Justowska is a story built together – by neighbors, for neighbors.
Join us. Memory is in your hands.
More information: https://willadecjusza.pl/archiwum-spoleczne
Contact: Anna Słupek – a.slupek@willadecjusza.pl
The history of the places we live in is not written solely in textbooks. It lives in the stories of residents, in old family photo albums, in memories passed down through generations, in everyday objects and voices that often remain unheard. A community archive is a space where these personal, everyday, and local stories are given the recognition they deserve.
What is a community archive?
A community archive is a grassroots initiative documenting local history – created not by academic institutions, but by the residents themselves. It is built on personal materials: photographs, documents, letters, memories, recordings, maps, newspaper clippings, and keepsakes. It is both a way of preserving heritage and a form of democratizing memory – giving everyone a voice.
Community archives tell the story of daily life: how people lived, where neighbors met, what mattered to the local community. They uncover forgotten threads, reveal a diversity of experiences, and build intergenerational bridges.
Wola Justowska – a place worth remembering
Villa Decius, for centuries a space of dialogue, culture, and hospitality, is today becoming a center for documenting the heritage of one of Kraków’s most unique districts – Wola Justowska. Together with residents, we want to explore its past: from the history of a pre-war health resort and hospital, through post-war life, to the present day.
As the project coordinator Anna Słupek says:
“The conversation with Katarzyna Kobylarczyk marks the beginning of a series of public meetings devoted to the community archive of Wola Justowska. Through these meetings, residents will be able to share their memories, photographs, and documents related to the district's history. Together, we will create a space for revitalizing memory and rediscovering Wola’s story.”
Why is this important?
Because without memory, there is no identity.
Because what is not recorded is easily forgotten.
Because each memory is a piece of a greater narrative – of who we are, where we come from, and what we want to preserve.
In a fast-paced, digital world, we especially need moments of reflection – of looking back and asking what should be remembered and passed on.
How can you help?
– Share your memories,
– Bring old photographs or documents – we will scan and return them to you,
– Join our meetings and workshops – let’s build something meaningful together.
The Community Archive of Wola Justowska is a story built together – by neighbors, for neighbors.
Join us. Memory is in your hands.
More information: https://willadecjusza.pl/archiwum-spoleczne
Contact: Anna Słupek – a.slupek@willadecjusza.pl