“Wrzeszcz for the Youngest” is an educational program about the tangible and intangible heritage of Wrzeszcz, aimed at its youngest residents, parents, and guardians. Our goal is to foster a sense of local identity by increasing school-age children’s (ages 7–11) knowledge of Wrzeszcz’s history, architecture, and residents.
The well-researched topics and original lesson plans are designed to foster civic awareness, build and nurture a sense of attachment to the neighborhood, stimulate creative and critical thinking, and develop artistic talents.
The workshop format of the classes allows participants to work independently, which fosters their psychological and spiritual development; it also aims to develop social skills by encouraging group work. This is an innovative and pioneering program focused on local history and intangible cultural heritage in Gdańsk, designed for the city’s youngest residents.
Workshop Topics in Wrzeszcz for the Youngest Children:
- Herstory—A Story About the Women of Wrzeszcz
The first topic of the educational workshops will be the life stories of famous and lesser-known women from Wrzeszcz—the focus will be on the founders of associations and social movements, artists, educators, and activists. Workshop participants will learn about figures such as Alma Richter, Anna Walentynowicz, Anna Tuschinski, and Janina Jarzynówna-Sobczak.
- Jaśkowa Dolina Park — On the Role of Parks in the City
One of the oldest public parks in Europe—the “green lungs” of Wrzeszcz, home to dozens of hills, a playground, and a place of recreation for several hundred years, and the site of visits by the royal family, performances, concerts, and sleigh rides. The park’s origins date back to the first half of the 19th century. Picturesque villas were built in the surrounding area, and the Forest Theater opened in the early 20th century; Gdańsk residents also organized events here, including the most famous one, Sobótka Night, held during the shortest night of the year. The history of Jaśkowa Dolina Park will serve as the starting point for a story about the history of the neighborhood and the role of nature in the city.
- The Architecture of Wrzeszcz – Dolarowiec – The History of a Modernist Skyscraper
Unlike the Main City, Wrzeszcz escaped such extensive wartime destruction, and the vast majority of its architectural structures survived. After 1945, Wrzeszcz was envisioned as the city’s new center—new residential developments were built, and public buildings were designed. The district was prepared for modern urban life, with an emphasis on contemporary architecture that blended with the district’s pre-war buildings. Today, it serves as a living history lesson for its residents.
- “Wrzeszcz, or Langfuhr” — On the History of Our Neighborhood
Wrzeszcz, one of Gdańsk’s oldest districts, boasts a long and rich history. From its beginnings as a small settlement, through the industrial development that took place here in the late 19th century, the period of the Free City of Gdańsk, the war, the shaping of Gdańsk during the People’s Republic of Poland, all the way to the present day, it has undergone constant transformation. Throughout these transformations, the district’s rich identity has continually taken shape—whether viewed through an architectural, cultural, or, above all, social lens. The goal of the workshops is to educate participants about local and neighborhood history.
Project authors:
Instructor:
Joanna Raftopulos—historian and archaeologist, creator of educational projects on regional history at cultural institutions in the Tri-City. Licensed tour guide for the Tri-City. Enthusiast and advocate for the history of Gdańsk.
Author of the lesson plans:
Dagmara Rejkowska—pedagogue, educator, Montessori teacher. She holds a degree in Social Pedagogy, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Therapy from the University of Gdańsk, and has completed a one-year Montessori course. She has been involved in the education of children and youth for many years and is the author of lesson plans and preventive and educational programs.
Project concept and content development:
Natalia Koralewska—curator and organizer, co-founder of the Palma Foundation, through which she carries out socio-cultural projects focused on building local identity. She holds degrees in philosophy and Gdańsk studies from the University of Gdańsk, as well as in art criticism from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk.
Organization and coordination: Palma Foundation
Partners: Municipal and Provincial Public Library, Young Wrzeszcz Residents’ Club
This project was co-funded by the City of Gdańsk as part of the “Education for Culture” program. Gdańsk
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