The National Future Congress in Łódź is a unique event that brings together history, education, and innovation in a modern and engaging way. Participants of all ages have the opportunity to explore Poland’s recent history through debates, educational games, exhibitions, historical reenactments, and workshops.

Memory and Testimony – discussion panels during the first day of the National Future Congress.

The first panel discussion – How Is Freedom Fought For? From the Solidarity Underground to U.S. Special Missions – focused on courage, loyalty, and service. The debate featured Karol Piskorski, Director of the Łódź branch of the Institute, and Tomasz Dzieran "Drago," a veteran of the U.S. Navy SEALs and former anti-communist opposition activist, who was awarded the Cross of Freedom and Solidarity by the President of the Republic of Poland.

The second panel, Under Special Surveillance, was dedicated to the tragic fate of children imprisoned in the German camp on Przemysłowa Street in Łódź. The discussion featured experts including Andrzej Grzegorczyk (Museum of Polish Children – Victims of Totalitarianism), Dr. Agnieszka Fronczak-Kwart (Museum of Polish Children –Victims of Totalitarianism), Artur Ossowski (IPN, Łódź Branch), and Prosecutor Arkadiusz Gałaj (IPN, Łódź Branch).

IPN Exhibitions

Throughout both days of the Congress, participants have the opportunity to explore exceptional exhibitions prepared by the Institute of National Remembrance. Presented in traditional, 3D, and multimedia formats, these exhibitions offer a journey through Poland’s recent history, highlighting both major historical events and the personal stories of ordinary individuals. Each exhibition provides a distinct perspective on the past and helps deepen the understanding of the experiences that have shaped our nation.

Among the featured exhibitions are: Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom, City of Ruins  –City of Hope. Gdańsk Destroyed – Gdańsk Reborn, From Four Cultures to Monoculture: A Timeline of Łódź, 1939–1989, Jarocin Through the Lens of the Secret Police, and “Children of Przemysłowa Street.” The German Camp in Łódź (1942–1945).

Presentation of the IPN Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity
The ceremonial gala, accompanied by performances from the Warsaw Sentimental Orchestra and the Łódź Film Orchestra, brought together several hundred guests – recipients of the Cross of Freedom and Solidarity from the central region of Poland, leaders of the “Strong with Poland!” initiative, as well as representatives of government, clergy, and the NSZZ “Solidarity” trade union.

The Cross of Freedom and Solidarity is a symbol of the Polish state's gratitude to individuals who, through their struggle against the communist regime between 1956 and 1989, contributed to the restoration of Poland’s independence after decades of subjugation and dependency on the Soviet Union.

How to Engage the Youngest Generation in History?

At the National Future Congress, primary and secondary school students have the opportunity to explore the history of 20th-century Poland in a dynamic, emotional, and highly engaging way.

A series of 60-minute workshops has been prepared especially for them, including:
“My Peer”, “The Katyn Investigation”, “The Battle of Monte Cassino, 1944, “War Ciphers”, and “Documentary and Testimony Cinema”.

The so called educational theatre, which draws young audiences into historical narratives through movement, imagery, and emotion turned out to be a particular highlight :

"Wojtek the Bear" – the story of an extraordinary soldier-bear, a symbol of friendship and the fate of Polish soldiers along the Anders Army trail;

"Solidarity" – a tale of Poland’s road to freedom, told from the perspective of young protagonists of the 1980s.

Through these workshops and performances, children and youth come to understand that the past is not a closed chapter, but a source of inspiration that teaches courage, solidarity, and responsibility for the future.

Thematic Zones of the National Future Congress
During the Congress, participants can explore several unique zones designed to present the work of the Institute of National Remembrance and Polish history in an engaging, accessible way:

• Education Zone – a space filled with interactive activities, games, and workshops. Visitors learn about the history of different regions of Poland, create their own animations and comics, learn the basics of encryption, and take part in the game “History on the Trails of Łódź.”
• Archive Zone – a place to discover what lies hidden in the IPN archives. Visitors can view unique documents and artifacts, learn about the archivist’s craft, and independently search for information in digital databases.
• Game Zone – perfect for board game enthusiasts. Featured games include “The Battle of Warsaw”, “The Silent Unseen”, “ORP Orzeł”, and “Wojtek the Bear”, among other IPN games available in both analog and multimedia formats.
• Investigation Zone – allows participants to take on the role of detectives investigating sites of totalitarian crimes. IPN archaeologists and anthropologists present how potential excavation sites are identified using archival materials, aerial and satellite imagery.
• Commemoration Zone – a space where participants can try to create inscriptions for commemorative plaques, piece together puzzles featuring monuments, and learn about ways to honor local heroes.

IPN Publishing House
The IPN Publishing House stand offers a wide selection of albums, new releases, publications by the Łódź branch of the Institute of National Remembrance, comic books, and educational games – all designed to present Polish history in an accessible and engaging way

“Strong with Poland!” Educational Project
Among the initiatives showcased at the Congress is the stand of the IPN’s National Education Office, dedicated to the nationwide competition “Strong with Poland!” This project encourages young people to explore Poland’s recent history, foster pride in national heritage, and develop civic and patriotic attitudes.
Visitors can learn more about the competition, exchange views with the organizers, and register for the second edition.

History and the Military – Reenactments and Training
In the section devoted to history and the military, visitors can observe how the armament, uniforms, and tactics of Polish soldiers evolved throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Historical reenactors present the figures of soldiers from World War II and the Polish Armed Forces in the West, while contemporary members of the Territorial Defence Forces and the GROM Military Unit showcase the equipment of modern light infantry and special forces.

This area also offers a space for discussions on the ethos of today's successors to the Silent Unseen and the enduring values that unite generations of Polish soldiers.
Instructors from the Military Medical Training Center conduct hands-on first aid workshops, while at the Home Army Officer Cadet School, young participants can try their hand at message encryption, basic medical assistance, and handling historical weaponry.