The Institute of National Remembrance, Poland and Columbia University’s East Central European Center co-organized the exhibition entitled “The Phenomenon of Solidarity: Pictures from the History of Poland, 1980–1981” which had been prepared by the Public Education Office of the Institute of National Remembrance.

The opening of the exhibition was followed by the presentations by historians from the Institute of National Remembrance:

• Tomasz Kozłowski - The Birth of “Solidarity”. Dynamics of Social Movement (1980–1981)
• Jan Olaszek – “Solidarity” in a Struggle for Freedom of Speech
• Przemysław Gasztold-Seń – The Road to Martial Law. Polish Communist Authorities against “Solidarity”
• Patryk Pleskot – Enthusiasm, strategy and… fear. US reactions toward „Solidarity” (1980–1981)

The exhibition will be on display in the International Affairs Building of Columbia University  (Ground Floor) from October 4 to October 28, 2011.

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The exhibition was prepared to commemorate 30th anniversary of the birth of the Solidarity Movement. It presents the important events from the strikes of August 1980 to the imposition of Martial Law in December 1981. The exhibit also depicts the path which led to the Solidarity Trade Union’s establishment, its relations with the communist regime and the attitude of society towards the Trade Union within the context of the most important political, social and economic events of Poland.

Exhibition Scenario - Dr. Łukasz Kamiński
Cooperation - Tomasz Gleb (FORUM), Anna Piekarska, Agnieszka Rudzińska
Design - Sylwia Szafrańska
Print - DUX Agency