From September 20 to November 29, 2026, the District Museum in Leszno will showcase a unique collection of silver donated by citizens of the Second Polish Republic to the National Defence Fund.

It is a remarkable testament to the patriotism and social commitment of Poles in the face of the threat to their independence. The exhibition features pieces from the collection of the National Museum in Poznań.

The exhibition reflects the complex political situation of the Second Polish Republic and the growing threat from its western and eastern neighbors. Modernizing and expanding the army demanded a mobilization of the entire society. Funds and loans launched at the time, including the Maritime Defence Fund, the National Defence Fund, and the Air Defence Loan, served both military and patriotic purposes. Citizens of the Second Polish Republic generously supported these initiatives by donating money, artworks, and precious metals.

The exhibition features 266 historic silver items selflessly donated by the citizens of interwar Poland to the National Defence Fund. People of various nationalities, social classes, and faiths offered exquisitely crafted jewelry, everyday objects, and liturgical vessels, among other items. The exhibition is enriched by informative texts introducing the idea behind the NDF, as well as archival materials documenting the stance of the inhabitants of Greater Poland.

The curatorial tour will be conducted by Renata Sobczak-Jaskulska, Curator at the National Museum in Poznań.

The event is organized as part of the European Heritage Days.