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From the Museum History

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On 30.05.1975, the Mayor of Pruszków established the Museum of Ancient Mazovian Metallurgy with the founding date of 01.06.1975.
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On 30.05.1975, the Mayor of Pruszków established the Museum of Ancient Mazovian Metallurgy with the founding date of 01.06.1975.
The Museum was allocated a 19th-century outbuilding of the Potulicki Manor for its seat. The building in 1975.
The Museum was allocated a 19th-century outbuilding of the Potulicki Manor for its seat. The building in 1975.
The run-down building required extensive renovation works. Central part of the outbuilding, near today’s entrance, late 1970s.
The run-down building required extensive renovation works. Central part of the outbuilding, near today’s entrance, late 1970s.
From the Museum’s earliest days, its core activity – besides archaeological excavations – included popularisation of archaeological heritage. The Museum took steps to ensure that information about the institution’s operations reached the local Public. Even the lack of appropriate venues did not prevent organisation of exhibitions. The first MAMM’s temporary exposition, a presentation of ancient Mazovian metallurgy, opened at the Archaeological Museum in Warsaw already in 1975. Hanna Sadowska, Sensacja na Mazowszu, „WTK Tygodnik Katolików”, 1975.
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From the Museum’s earliest days, its core activity – besides archaeological excavations – included popularisation of archaeological heritage. The Museum took steps to ensure that information about the institution’s operations reached the local Public. Even the lack of appropriate venues did not prevent organisation of exhibitions. The first MAMM’s temporary exposition, a presentation of ancient Mazovian metallurgy, opened at the Archaeological Museum in Warsaw already in 1975. Hanna Sadowska, Sensacja na Mazowszu, „WTK Tygodnik Katolików”, 1975.
From the very beginning, the Museum set out to involve the local Community in its operations. Larger excavation campaigns were an opportunity to prepare open air exhibitions presenting the explored sites and discoveries. Open air exhibition at a dig at Biskupice, 1982.
From the very beginning, the Museum set out to involve the local Community in its operations. Larger excavation campaigns were an opportunity to prepare open air exhibitions presenting the explored sites and discoveries. Open air exhibition at a dig at Biskupice, 1982.
In the 1908s, the Warsaw chapters of the Polish Tourism Society (PTTK) organised sightseeing tours of sites occupied in Antiquity by Mazovian iron smelting settlements and excavated by the Museum. Wycieczki w okolice Warszawy, „Express Wieczorny”, 15.07.1982.
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In the 1908s, the Warsaw chapters of the Polish Tourism Society (PTTK) organised sightseeing tours of sites occupied in Antiquity by Mazovian iron smelting settlements and excavated by the Museum. Wycieczki w okolice Warszawy, „Express Wieczorny”, 15.07.1982.
Sightseers from Warsaw at a dig at Biskupice, 1982.
Sightseers from Warsaw at a dig at Biskupice, 1982.
One of Stefan Woyda’s unrealised plans was to create an Archaeological Park in Biskupice, one of the large iron smelting settlements explored by the Museum. Huta Warszawa ma starożytny rodowód. Unikalny rezerwat archeologiczny w Biskupicach, „Ekspres Wieczorny”, 29.06.1978.
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One of Stefan Woyda’s unrealised plans was to create an Archaeological Park in Biskupice, one of the large iron smelting settlements explored by the Museum. Huta Warszawa ma starożytny rodowód. Unikalny rezerwat archeologiczny w Biskupicach, „Ekspres Wieczorny”, 29.06.1978.
A dig at Biskupice, 1976.
A dig at Biskupice, 1976.
Over time, high-standard exhibitions became the Museum’s sui generis visiting card. Between 1975 and 1989, the Museum’s staff prepared almost 40 exhibitions in Poland and abroad. Press note about the remains of ancient iron smelting in Poland, informing about the opening of an exhibition (prepared jointly by the MAMM and the Archaeological Museums in Warsaw and Kraków) at the Museum für Vor und Frühgeschichte in Berlin. Andreas-Christian Arndt, Zeichen für Eiseninindustrie, „Die Welt”, 26.08.1977.
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Over time, high-standard exhibitions became the Museum’s sui generis visiting card. Between 1975 and 1989, the Museum’s staff prepared almost 40 exhibitions in Poland and abroad. Press note about the remains of ancient iron smelting in Poland, informing about the opening of an exhibition (prepared jointly by the MAMM and the Archaeological Museums in Warsaw and Kraków) at the Museum für Vor und Frühgeschichte in Berlin. Andreas-Christian Arndt, Zeichen für Eiseninindustrie, „Die Welt”, 26.08.1977.
Academic conference at the unveiling of a temporary exhibition dedicated to ancient iron smelting in Poland, Duisburg (Germany), 1979.
Academic conference at the unveiling of a temporary exhibition dedicated to ancient iron smelting in Poland, Duisburg (Germany), 1979.
The orangery was used to host temporary exhibitions and lectures. Warszawa 1945, a temporary exhibition prepared by the Warsaw Historical Museum, 1978. One of first such events at the MAMM’s orangery. It is worth comparing how the building looked then and how it presents itself today.
The orangery was used to host temporary exhibitions and lectures. Warszawa 1945, a temporary exhibition prepared by the Warsaw Historical Museum, 1978. One of first such events at the MAMM’s orangery. It is worth comparing how the building looked then and how it presents itself today.
Early 1980s. Renovation of the outbuilding was assigned to the Monument Conservation Studio (Pracownia Konserwacji Zabytków). The work began with the replacement of the roofing over the oldest, north-eastern part of the building.
Early 1980s. Renovation of the outbuilding was assigned to the Monument Conservation Studio (Pracownia Konserwacji Zabytków). The work began with the replacement of the roofing over the oldest, north-eastern part of the building.
In the late 1980s, the Museum’s seat undergoes a gradual facelift.
In the late 1980s, the Museum’s seat undergoes a gradual facelift.
An important facet of the MAMM’s mission are popular science lectures on history and archaeology. In the period when the orangery was closed for repairs, such events were hosted at sister institutions such as the Cooperative Club (Klub Spółdzielczy) in Pruszków. In 1975–1989, the Museum organised over 180 lectures and presentations. Gdzie są ręce Venus z Milo?, „Ekspres Wieczorny”, 11.02.1982.
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An important facet of the MAMM’s mission are popular science lectures on history and archaeology. In the period when the orangery was closed for repairs, such events were hosted at sister institutions such as the Cooperative Club (Klub Spółdzielczy) in Pruszków. In 1975–1989, the Museum organised over 180 lectures and presentations. Gdzie są ręce Venus z Milo?, „Ekspres Wieczorny”, 11.02.1982.
Not only the contents of the lectures but also the exquisite, hand-made invitations were quite a treat. Jak cukier, „Trybuna Ludu”, 12–13.11.1983.
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Not only the contents of the lectures but also the exquisite, hand-made invitations were quite a treat. Jak cukier, „Trybuna Ludu”, 12–13.11.1983.
A note about the Museum’s invitations. Sztuka zaproszeń, „Życie Warszawy”, 23.04.1991.
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A note about the Museum’s invitations. Sztuka zaproszeń, „Życie Warszawy”, 23.04.1991.
Invitation to a lecture by Prof. Jerzy Kolendo Rome – Europe’s first tyrant, 17.11.1982.
Invitation to a lecture by Prof. Jerzy Kolendo Rome – Europe’s first tyrant, 17.11.1982.
Invitation to a lecture by Associate Prof. Wojciech Szymański Shielded by earthworks. Strongholds from a 1,000 years ago, 10.10.1983, and Associate Prof. Maria Miśkiewicz Living the quiet country life. Settlements 1,000 years ago, 26.10.1983.
Invitation to a lecture by Associate Prof. Wojciech Szymański Shielded by earthworks. Strongholds from a 1,000 years ago, 10.10.1983, and Associate Prof. Maria Miśkiewicz Living the quiet country life. Settlements 1,000 years ago, 26.10.1983.
Invitation to a lecture by Prof. Henryk Samsonowicz Mazovia– our homeland senso stricto. On the benefits of historical regional studies, 17.01.1991.
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Invitation to a lecture by Prof. Henryk Samsonowicz Mazovia– our homeland senso stricto. On the benefits of historical regional studies, 17.01.1991.
Invitation to a concert from the All that is beautiful series, 26.11.1993.
Invitation to a concert from the All that is beautiful series, 26.11.1993.
Invitation to a lecture by Prof. Władysław Filipowicz The Slavs on the Baltic from the Polish archaeologists and their passions series, 28.11.1995.
Invitation to a lecture by Prof. Władysław Filipowicz The Slavs on the Baltic from the Polish archaeologists and their passions series, 28.11.1995.
The Museum’s outreach did not stay unnoticed. In 1982, Stefan Woyda was the first recipient of the K. Dąbrowski Award for Extraordinary Achievement in popularisation of archaeology and prehistory. Stefan Woyda pierwszym laureatem nagrody im. K. Dąbrowskiego, „Z Otchłani Wieków”, XLIX, 1983.
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The Museum’s outreach did not stay unnoticed. In 1982, Stefan Woyda was the first recipient of the K. Dąbrowski Award for Extraordinary Achievement in popularisation of archaeology and prehistory. Stefan Woyda pierwszym laureatem nagrody im. K. Dąbrowskiego, „Z Otchłani Wieków”, XLIX, 1983.
In the 1970s, the Museum began to organise excursions to historical sites. Notice about an excursion to Czersk nad Wisłą, 1984.
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In the 1970s, the Museum began to organise excursions to historical sites. Notice about an excursion to Czersk nad Wisłą, 1984.
Pruszków dwellers on a MAMM excursion at the castle in Czersk, 1984.
Pruszków dwellers on a MAMM excursion at the castle in Czersk, 1984.
In January 1991, after a 15-year-long wait, the Museum moved into its freshly renovated seat.
In January 1991, after a 15-year-long wait, the Museum moved into its freshly renovated seat.
In autumn 1992, the MAMM presented its first core exhibition - Time of Iron. Mazovian Centre of Metallurgy from the Roman Age. It displayed the results of several decades of study of ancient iron smelting in western Mazovia.
In autumn 1992, the MAMM presented its first core exhibition - Time of Iron. Mazovian Centre of Metallurgy from the Roman Age. It displayed the results of several decades of study of ancient iron smelting in western Mazovia.
The core exhibition was honoured in 1991 with the 1st prize of the Ministry of Culture and Art in the Museum Event of the Year competition. Nagrody za wydarzenia muzealne roku 1992, „Życie Warszawy”, 19.05.1993.
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The core exhibition was honoured in 1991 with the 1st prize of the Ministry of Culture and Art in the Museum Event of the Year competition. Nagrody za wydarzenia muzealne roku 1992, „Życie Warszawy”, 19.05.1993.
Museum’s activity after the renovation. „Kargul – odejdź od płota”. Muzeum Hutnictwa w nowym blasku, „7 dni w Pruszkowie”, nr 1/1993.
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29. Museum’s activity after the renovation. „Kargul – odejdź od płota”. Muzeum Hutnictwa w nowym blasku, „7 dni w Pruszkowie”, nr 1/1993.
The restored orangery was adapted to host lectures and exhibitions. Information about a new lecture series - Polish historians and their passions. Namiętności w muzeum, „Gazeta Stołeczna”, nr 242 (1015), 14.10.1992.
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The restored orangery was adapted to host lectures and exhibitions. Information about a new lecture series - Polish historians and their passions. Namiętności w muzeum, „Gazeta Stołeczna”, nr 242 (1015), 14.10.1992.
Information about a lecture by Prof. Bronisław Geremek in the Polish historians and their passions series. Złodziej i włóczęga – Francois Villon, „Aktualności Regionalne. Pismo pasma WKD”, nr 1, 03.1994.
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Information about a lecture by Prof. Bronisław Geremek in the Polish historians and their passions series. Złodziej i włóczęga – Francois Villon, „Aktualności Regionalne. Pismo pasma WKD”, nr 1, 03.1994.
Starting in 1991, the MAMM began to organise – initially in conjunction with the Pruszków Musical Society, and later on its own – concerts of classical and chamber music at the orangery. O powstaniu inaczej, „Głos Podkowy”, nr 9 (54), September 1994.
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Starting in 1991, the MAMM began to organise – initially in conjunction with the Pruszków Musical Society, and later on its own – concerts of classical and chamber music at the orangery. O powstaniu inaczej, „Głos Podkowy”, nr 9 (54), September 1994.
In 1994, Krystyna and Jan Wińczuk donated to the Museum a plaster bust of Countess Potocka, the last owner of the Manor and the outbuilding housing the MAMM. Count Kazimierz Bernard Potulicki, descendant of the Manor’s owners, visiting the Museum in 1998.
In 1994, Krystyna and Jan Wińczuk donated to the Museum a plaster bust of Countess Potocka, the last owner of the Manor and the outbuilding housing the MAMM. Count Kazimierz Bernard Potulicki, descendant of the Manor’s owners, visiting the Museum in 1998.
The long-serving Museum Director Stefan Woyda died in 2006. He left behind a lasting imprint upon the memory of the local community and his fellow archaeologists, museum and conservation office workers. In 2006, the Museum of Ancient Mazovian Metallurgy was named after Stefan Woyda and bears his name to this day. Marek Konopka, Wspomnienie. Stefan Woyda (7.06.1938 – 13.07.2006), „Gazeta Wyborcza”, 9.12.2016.
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The long-serving Museum Director Stefan Woyda died in 2006. He left behind a lasting imprint upon the memory of the local community and his fellow archaeologists, museum and conservation office workers. In 2006, the Museum of Ancient Mazovian Metallurgy was named after Stefan Woyda and bears his name to this day. Marek Konopka, Wspomnienie. Stefan Woyda (7.06.1938 – 13.07.2006), „Gazeta Wyborcza”, 9.12.2016.
At the suggestion of the Friends of Brwinów Association and the Heritage Conservation Society, Brwinów Chapter, the name Stefan Woyda was conferred upon a new street in Brwinów, located near an iron smelting settlement explored by the Museum. Ulica Stefana Woydy, „Kurier Południowy”, nr 45 (511)/W2, 13–19 December 2013
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At the suggestion of the Friends of Brwinów Association and the Heritage Conservation Society, Brwinów Chapter, the name Stefan Woyda was conferred upon a new street in Brwinów, located near an iron smelting settlement explored by the Museum. Ulica Stefana Woydy, „Kurier Południowy”, nr 45 (511)/W2, 13–19 December 2013
In 2007, the Museum cut back on archaeological exploration, focusing upon preparing academic papers concerning its collection. A plate from a monograph about the Przeworsk and Wielbark Culture cemetery at Kleszewo.
In 2007, the Museum cut back on archaeological exploration, focusing upon preparing academic papers concerning its collection. A plate from a monograph about the Przeworsk and Wielbark Culture cemetery at Kleszewo.
In 2008–2015, the MAMM worked with the Mehrgenerationenhaus Linde from Kirchheim in Germany, sharing experience with outreach activities directed towards adults and children. The colleagues from Germany participated in the summertime historical-artistic workshops organised by the MAMM, while the Museum’s staff attended educational workshops and visited over a dozen various educational institutions in Germany. Geschichte in Kinderspache übersetzt, „Der Teckbote”, 11.04.2013.
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In 2008–2015, the MAMM worked with the Mehrgenerationenhaus Linde from Kirchheim in Germany, sharing experience with outreach activities directed towards adults and children. The colleagues from Germany participated in the summertime historical-artistic workshops organised by the MAMM, while the Museum’s staff attended educational workshops and visited over a dozen various educational institutions in Germany. Geschichte in Kinderspache übersetzt, „Der Teckbote”, 11.04.2013.
After 20 years of use, the Museum’s seat underwent another renovation in 2011. Tomasz Kuźmicz, Muzeum czeka roczny remont, „Kurier Południowy”, nr 27 (398), 22–28 July 2011
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After 20 years of use, the Museum’s seat underwent another renovation in 2011. Tomasz Kuźmicz, Muzeum czeka roczny remont, „Kurier Południowy”, nr 27 (398), 22–28 July 2011
The 2011 works included the raising of a modern storage facility, located behind the main building. Interior of the storage facility.
The 2011 works included the raising of a modern storage facility, located behind the main building. Interior of the storage facility.
The renovation was an opportunity to prepare a new core exhibition. Time of Iron. Mazovian Centre of Metallurgy from the Roman Age was replaced with a modern multimedia display - Daybreak - Mazovian Centre of Metallurgy from the turn of the eras. Sławomir Krejpowicz, Nowocześnie o starożytności, „Kurier Południowy”, nr 39 (505), 25 October – 7.11.2013.
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The renovation was an opportunity to prepare a new core exhibition. Time of Iron. Mazovian Centre of Metallurgy from the Roman Age was replaced with a modern multimedia display - Daybreak - Mazovian Centre of Metallurgy from the turn of the eras. Sławomir Krejpowicz, Nowocześnie o starożytności, „Kurier Południowy”, nr 39 (505), 25 October – 7.11.2013.
The popularisation of knowledge about ancient iron smelting, archaeology and history remains one of the Museum’s principal areas of activity. Technological progress allowed us to enrich traditional modes of communication – lectures, seminars, reconstructions – with podcasts and documentary films. Frame from the Flesz Historii programme aired on TVP Historia; in the background one may see the filming set – smelting iron at the Mazovian Centre of Metallurgy. The entire film may be seen at the MAMM when visiting the core exhibition.
The popularisation of knowledge about ancient iron smelting, archaeology and history remains one of the Museum’s principal areas of activity. Technological progress allowed us to enrich traditional modes of communication – lectures, seminars, reconstructions – with podcasts and documentary films. Frame from the Flesz Historii programme aired on TVP Historia; in the background one may see the filming set – smelting iron at the Mazovian Centre of Metallurgy. The entire film may be seen at the MAMM when visiting the core exhibition.