On 4 November 2026, the IPN presented its Ambassador of Polish History Awards during a ceremony held at the Palace of the Commonwealth in Warsaw.

This year's recipients represent Argentina, Denmark, Italy and the United States. Their work is connected with historical research, archival preservation, education and public engagement, bringing Poland's history and the experiences of its people to international audiences.

The ceremony was attended by IPN Deputy Presidents Karol Polejowski, Mateusz Szpytma and Krzysztof Szwagrzyk, alongside representatives of the diplomatic corps, Polish institutions and the academic community.

Established initially under the name Witness of History, the distinction honours individuals and institutions whose dedication and voluntary commitment contribute to researching, preserving and promoting Poland's modern history. Since 2014, the award has also recognised people working beyond Poland's borders, including members of the Polish diaspora and individuals of other nationalities who have made outstanding contributions to preserving Polish historical memory.

Addressing the laureates, IPN Deputy President Karol Polejowski emphasised the responsibility accompanying the distinction:

"One must have made an outstanding contribution to Polish history to receive this exceptional distinction. But this honorary title also carries an obligation to continue your work. As Ambassadors of Polish History, you are also its custodians, entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and protecting it."

He also highlighted the Polish nation's enduring attachment to freedom, recalling the words of US President Ronald Reagan following the imposition of Martial Law in Poland in December 1981.

The 2026 Ambassadors of Polish History are:

Ignacy Domeyko Polish Library - Buenos Aires, Argentina

An important centre of Polish culture and scholarship in South America, the Ignacy Domeyko Polish Library preserves the heritage of generations of Polish emigrants.Its collections include books, photographs and historical documents concerning the Polish community in Argentina. The institution also organises exhibitions, teaches the Polish language and publishes academic works.For many years, the Library has cooperated with the IPN on archival, exhibition and educational projects, helping preserve and promote the history of Polish emigration.The award was accepted on behalf of the Library by Joanna Łuba.

Professor Thomas Wegener Friis - Denmark

A Danish historian specialising, among other subjects, in the history of intelligence and counterintelligence during the Cold War.Since 2011, Professor Friis has cooperated with the IPN in organising the international Need to Know conferences, which bring together researchers examining intelligence services, espionage and security structures during the Cold War.His academic work has strengthened international research cooperation and helped bring the findings of Polish historians to wider scholarly audiences.

Maria Radożycka - Italy

For 25 years, Maria Radożycka has worked to introduce Polish history to Italian audiences, with particular attention to the soldiers of the Polish II Corps who fought in the Italian Campaign during the Second World War.Through books, articles and lectures delivered in Italian, she has documented the experiences of Polish soldiers and their contribution to the liberation of Italy.She also collects eyewitness testimonies and historical memorabilia connected with Polish soldiers in the Ancona region, helping preserve a shared chapter of Polish and Italian wartime history.

Edward Reid - USA

An American promoter of Polish history and the founder of the English-language website PolishTruth.com.Through publications and social media, Edward Reid introduces international audiences to Poland's experiences during the Second World War, the history of the Polish Underground State and the crimes committed by totalitarian regimes.His work reaches both Polish communities abroad and readers unfamiliar with Polish history, helping communicate the Polish historical perspective to a wider international audience.

Videofact - International Documentary Press - United States of America

Founded by Marian Faryniarz, Videofact - International Documentary Press has spent more than four decades documenting the lives of Polish communities and pro-independence émigré circles in the United States.Its remarkable archive contains approximately 5,000 hours of recordings, including eyewitness testimonies, meetings with opposition activists and events organised by Polish communities abroad. These recordings preserve personal accounts and historical experiences that might otherwise have been lost. Copies of the entire collection have been made available to the IPN, providing an important resource for historical research and archival preservation. The award was accepted on behalf of the organisation by Marzena Kruk, Director of the IPN Archive.

The international "Ambassador of Polish History" award is an honorary distinction established in by the IPN's President. It is granted to individuals and organisations in recognition of their outstanding contribution to commemorating the history of the Polish Nation and supporting the IPN in its statutory activities in the field of research and education.

This year's selection was made from 23 nominations, with five recipients chosen for their outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting Polish history beyond the country's borders. Their work spans historical research, education, archival preservation, documentation and public engagement. Despite their different backgrounds and approaches, they share a commitment to ensuring that Poland's history remains known, understood and remembered around the world.The award also recognises those who help recover overlooked chapters of Polish history, preserve the testimonies of witnesses and strengthen the connections between Poland and communities abroad.

The work of this year's laureates demonstrates that preserving historical memory is not confined by national borders.Whether safeguarding the records of Polish emigrants, researching Cold War intelligence, documenting the wartime experiences of Polish soldiers or collecting testimonies from witnesses to history, each laureate contributes to a broader understanding of Poland's past.Their dedication helps ensure that Polish historical experiences remain accessible to future generations and continue to form part of international historical awareness.

Congratulations to all five recipients of the 2026 Ambassador of Polish History Award!