A Community of gesture 1936–1939: The Silver of the National Defense Fund
From September 20 to November 29, 2026, the District Museum in Leszno will present a unique collection of silver donated by the citizens of the Second Polish Republic to the National Defense Fund. This exhibition serves as an extraordinary testament to the patriotism and social commitment of Poles facing a threat to their independence. An exhibition from the collection of the National Museum in Poznań.
Objects recognized as state property
For the inhabitants of interwar Poland, sovereignty was the paramount value, placed above political, social, and religious divisions. This exhibition features a section of the silver collection donated by the citizens of the Second Polish Republic with the aim of equipping units of the Polish Army.
These objects, recognized as state property at the time, stand today as a symbol of Polish patriotism and civic commitment.
The exhibition references the complex political situation of the Second Polish Republic and the growing threat from its western and eastern neighbors. Modernizing and expanding the army required the mobilization of the entire society. The funds and loans launched during this time, including the Maritime Defense Fund, the National Defense Fund, and the Anti-Aircraft Defense Loan, were both military and patriotic in nature. The citizens of the Second Polish Republic generously supported these initiatives, donating money, works of art, and precious metals.
The exhibition will feature 266 antique silver items, which the citizens of interwar Poland selflessly donated to the National Defense Fund. People of various nationalities, social backgrounds, and faiths contributed elaborately crafted jewelry, everyday objects, and liturgical vessels, among other things. The display is enriched by informational texts introducing the concept of the National Defense Fund (FON) and archival materials documenting the exceptional dedication of the inhabitants of Greater Poland.
Objects recognized as state property
For the inhabitants of interwar Poland, sovereignty was the paramount value, placed above political, social, and religious divisions. This exhibition features a section of the silver collection donated by the citizens of the Second Polish Republic with the aim of equipping units of the Polish Army.
These objects, recognized as state property at the time, stand today as a symbol of Polish patriotism and civic commitment.
The exhibition references the complex political situation of the Second Polish Republic and the growing threat from its western and eastern neighbors. Modernizing and expanding the army required the mobilization of the entire society. The funds and loans launched during this time, including the Maritime Defense Fund, the National Defense Fund, and the Anti-Aircraft Defense Loan, were both military and patriotic in nature. The citizens of the Second Polish Republic generously supported these initiatives, donating money, works of art, and precious metals.
The exhibition will feature 266 antique silver items, which the citizens of interwar Poland selflessly donated to the National Defense Fund. People of various nationalities, social backgrounds, and faiths contributed elaborately crafted jewelry, everyday objects, and liturgical vessels, among other things. The display is enriched by informational texts introducing the concept of the National Defense Fund (FON) and archival materials documenting the exceptional dedication of the inhabitants of Greater Poland.
Exhibition goals
The objective of the exhibition is to introduce the public to the commitment of the citizens of the Second Polish Republic to strengthening the defense potential of the Polish state. The history of these fundraising campaigns, particularly the National Defense Fund (FON) from 1936–1939, alongside the elaborately crafted silver objects, demonstrates the remarkable scale of social engagement and generosity of citizens representing diverse faiths and nationalities.
Information
Place: The District Museum in Leszno, 31 Gabriela Narutowicza Street
Dates: September 21 – November 29, 2026
Curators: Renata Sobczak-Jaskulska (National Museum in Poznań), Dariusz Czwojdrak (District Museum in Leszno), Dr. Adrian Gendera (District Museum in Leszno)
Contact: renata.sobczak-jaskulska@mnp.art.pl, dariusz.czwojdrak@muzeum.leszno.pl, adrian.gendera@muzeum.leszno.pl
Dates: September 21 – November 29, 2026
Curators: Renata Sobczak-Jaskulska (National Museum in Poznań), Dariusz Czwojdrak (District Museum in Leszno), Dr. Adrian Gendera (District Museum in Leszno)
Contact: renata.sobczak-jaskulska@mnp.art.pl, dariusz.czwojdrak@muzeum.leszno.pl, adrian.gendera@muzeum.leszno.pl
Accompanying Events
September 20, 5:00 PM – Exhibition opening (Vernissage) as part of the Pardes Festival
September 27, 4:00 PM – Curator-led tour for the public, organized as part of the European Heritage Days (guided by Renata Sobczak-Jaskulska, Curator at the National Museum in Poznań)
October 1 – November 29, 2026 – Museum lessons and educational workshops for children and youth
October 4, 4:00 PM – Historical lecture organized as part of the "Senior Weekend with Culture" initiative
October 22 – Lecture: "The History of the National Defense Fund" (time to be announced soon)
November 10 – Educational Day: A series of lectures on patriotism dedicated to youth
November 19 – Lecture: "FON and the Modernization of the Polish Army" (time to be announced soon)
November 29, 4:00 PM – Curator-led tour on the final day of the exhibition (guided by Renata Sobczak-Jaskulska, Curator at the National Museum in Poznań)
September 27, 4:00 PM – Curator-led tour for the public, organized as part of the European Heritage Days (guided by Renata Sobczak-Jaskulska, Curator at the National Museum in Poznań)
October 1 – November 29, 2026 – Museum lessons and educational workshops for children and youth
October 4, 4:00 PM – Historical lecture organized as part of the "Senior Weekend with Culture" initiative
October 22 – Lecture: "The History of the National Defense Fund" (time to be announced soon)
November 10 – Educational Day: A series of lectures on patriotism dedicated to youth
November 19 – Lecture: "FON and the Modernization of the Polish Army" (time to be announced soon)
November 29, 4:00 PM – Curator-led tour on the final day of the exhibition (guided by Renata Sobczak-Jaskulska, Curator at the National Museum in Poznań)
