The Polish Association of Siberian Deportees in Southeast Africa is collaborating with the Sybir Memorial Museum and the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre. Join us for the 12th conference to launch a series of posters depicting the lived experiences of Polish Siberian Deportees.

The Sybir Memorial Museum is a place where the history of suffering and the struggle for survival comes alive. A place where all the stories can be told in one word – Sybir.

This Museum is dedicated to people who, from the end of the 16th century until the middle of the 20th century, were enslaved and sent deep into Russia, and later the Soviet Union – prisoners of war, prisoners, exiles and deportees. We combine research and narratives with the memories of participants and witnesses of the events. We show great emotions hidden in seemingly ordinary objects, taking visitors to an extraordinary land — mysterious, beautiful, and at the same time cruel and ruthless –  Sybir.

Opening statements will be made by Mr Jacek Chorodowicz, head of the Polish Mission in Pretoria. Guest speakers are Mr Wojciech Śleszyński, Director of the Sybir Memorial Museum, Ms Julita Waś, international business development manager of the Museum and Mr Stefan Szewczuk, President of the Polish Association of Siberian Deportees in Southeast Africa.