‘Poles Apart is the story of 733 Polish orphans who came to New Zealand in 1944. With a backdrop provided by the events of World War Two, the documentary traces their long and arduous journey from Poland through Siberia, Uzbekistan and Persia to New Zealand: a journey that takes them from the warmth and comfort of their homes in Poland, to the freezing barracks of Siberian forced labour camps, to the suffocating heat of the mud huts of Uzbekistan, to converted harems and stables of the Shah of Persia and finally to a former army camp in Pahiatua, New Zealand.’
‘Polish children in Persia 1942-44’ and ‘Little Poland in Pahiatua’ exhibition of photographs are on display in the Upper Gallery for viewing after the film.
This documentary was made for the 60th reunion and has a number of the now adults interviews on their thoughts about this incredible story
”Soviet Story’ is the most powerful antidote yet to the sanitation of the past.The film is gripping, audacious and uncompromising.’ The Economist
This is a story of an Allied power, which helped the Nazis to fight Jews and which slaughtered its own people on an industrial scale.
Assisted by the West, this power triumphed on May 9th 1945. Its crimes were made taboo and the complete story of Europe’s most murderous regime has never been told till now.
Mature audience only.
Last days finishes on Nov 16th
First Photographers of Warsaw -Beyer, Brandel, Fajans
Take a fascinating journey across Warsaw in the second half of the nineteenth century, as recorded by outstanding precursors of Polish photography: Karol Beyer, Maksymilian Fajans and Konrad Brandel.
The accomplishments of three outstanding representatives of Polish photography constitute the foundation of Warsaw‘s photographic heritage.Their works possess predominantly documentary merits making it possible to take a totally new look at Warsaw‘s familiar places.
At the same time, they illustrate the progress of the art and technique of photography – from first attempts at static plein (open) air photographs to dynamic scenes from the life of the town.
These selected images are from an outdoor exhibit held in Warsaw 2015 and come from monographic albums about the three photographers, written by Danuta Jackiewicz and published by Dom Spotkan z Historia and the National Museum in Warsaw.
PHTM gives special thanks to the National Museum in Warsaw for allowing this selection of images to be on show in NZ. Other centres in New Zealand will have the opportunity to view this exhibition. Please contact us with expressions of interest to take part in this travelling exhibition from December 2016 to November 2017.
Exhibition runs during our opening hours Tuesday – Friday 10-4 and Sunday 12-5
Come join us, the ‘Friday Paper Cutters’ adult group extra class for Christmas, making 3D stars for your Christmas tree.
We usually meet on the first Friday of the month for the traditional Polish paper cut-out technique called Wycinanki.
All materials supplied for the 3D class
Bookings appreciated so I can prepare materials for you, 09 533 3530
Includes a cuppa All Welcome
Stories Traditions and Decorations, using paper and wool
Workshop for families and individual adults too
- Make wool spiders and paper chains with a twist for your own Christmas tree.
- Create your own unique paper Christmas start
- Taste the Polish ginger biscuit called Pierniki
- Learn some Christmas Eve traditions, watching the first star and Wigilia supper
Workshop is available for adults and/or children during the week a time and date to suit you…..
This workshop starts at 2pm and runs till 4pm, please ring to book.
Stories Traditions and Decorations, using paper and wool
Workshop for families and individual adults too
- Make wool spiders and paper chains with a twist for your own Christmas tree.
- Create your own unique paper Christmas start
- Taste the Polish ginger biscuit called Pierniki
- Learn some Christmas Eve traditions, watching the first star and Wigilia supper
Workshop is available for adults and/or children during the week a time and date to suit you…..
Safe Haven Exhibition
Nestled 2km south of Pahiatua township was a temporary army camp located at the racecourse, which later provided a safe haven for the Polish children and adults, from 1944 till 1949. They remember the kindness of the Pahiatua locals. Come share their experiences.
Exhibition runs during our opening hours as part of the ‘Auckland Festival of Photography’ 2017. Polish films on Sunday commence July
”Soviet Story’ is the most powerful antidote yet to the sanitation of the past.
This film is gripping, audacious and uncompromising.’ The Economist
This is a story of an Allied power, which helped the Nazis to fight Jews and which slaughtered its own people on an industrial scale.
Assisted by the West, this power triumphed on May 9th 1945. Its crimes were made taboo and the complete story of Europe’s most murderous regime has never been told till now.
Mature audience only.
Talk: Out of Poland – A Holocaust Story
Part of the AUCKLAND HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2017: A H F comes to Howick
Author Jenny Harrison shares the discovery, research and writing of her book ‘Out of Poland: When the best revenge is to have survived’. “For years the brown leather suitcase had lain hidden under the house. Someone had placed it there, away from prying eyes, behind the aching twist of floor joists and gurgling pipes. When it was finally opened it would prove to be a Pandora’s Box. The present-day Siegel family knew nothing of their relatives only that they had lived and died in Poland during WW2. It was only when the suitcase was opened they finally learnt their father’s dreadful secret. He had fled to New Zealand. But did he really escape? Or was he forever haunted by what he had left behind?” Stay for morning tea, meet Jenny and look around the museum galleries.
Wednesday 4th October 10.30 to 11.30am, doors open 10am
Stay after and met Jenny, plus wander the galleries within the museum.
Free entry. All welcome.
This workshop starts at 2pm and runs till 4pm, please ring to book. $8per person including all adults.
Come celebrate a Polish Christmas with us, hear stories traditions and make decorations, using paper and wool.
Workshop for families and individual adults too
- Make wool spiders and paper chains with a twist for your own Christmas tree.
- Create your own unique paper Christmas start
- Taste the Polish ginger biscuit called Pierniki
- Learn some Christmas Eve traditions, watching the first star and Wigilia supper
Workshop is available for adults and/or children during the week a time and date to suit you…..