The scientific conference is behind us
The 19th edition of the scientific conference devoted to the heritage of the Wschowa region and the Greater Poland-Silesia borderland took place in Leszno and Wschowa on November 18–19, 2025. The event was organized by the District Museum in Leszno, the Czas A.R.T. Association, and the Department of Modern History to the 18th Century at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
This year's meeting was held under the theme "Royal Traces in the Wschowa Land and the Greater Poland-Silesia Border. On the 1000th Anniversary of the Kingdom of Poland and the 300th Anniversary of the Marriage of Maria Leszczyńska to Louis XV," combining reflection on two important anniversaries: the millennium of the Polish monarchy and the 300th anniversary of the unique Polish-French marriage.
All the presentations were of a high professional standard, and the rich variety of topics covered reaffirmed the importance of this conference as one of the most interesting forums for exchanging knowledge about the region's history. The proceedings yielded numerous new perspectives and inspiring interpretations, which will undoubtedly be developed in further research.
This year's meeting was held under the theme "Royal Traces in the Wschowa Land and the Greater Poland-Silesia Border. On the 1000th Anniversary of the Kingdom of Poland and the 300th Anniversary of the Marriage of Maria Leszczyńska to Louis XV," combining reflection on two important anniversaries: the millennium of the Polish monarchy and the 300th anniversary of the unique Polish-French marriage.
All the presentations were of a high professional standard, and the rich variety of topics covered reaffirmed the importance of this conference as one of the most interesting forums for exchanging knowledge about the region's history. The proceedings yielded numerous new perspectives and inspiring interpretations, which will undoubtedly be developed in further research.
Course of the meeting
Day one – Leszno, Town Hall
Participants listened to three thematic panels devoted to Maria Leszczyńska, her family, her image, and her connections to culture and art. Papers by researchers from leading Polish academic centers presented the Queen of France as a multifaceted figure: from the political twists and turns of her marriage, through her artistic interests, to her traces in European archives and iconography.
Day two – Wschowa, Royal Castle
The second day of the conference focused on the medieval and modern history of Wschowa and the border region. Discussions covered topics such as municipal privileges, the rulers' policies, the operation of the royal mints, diplomacy, the Wschowa starosts, and local traces of European history.
Participants listened to three thematic panels devoted to Maria Leszczyńska, her family, her image, and her connections to culture and art. Papers by researchers from leading Polish academic centers presented the Queen of France as a multifaceted figure: from the political twists and turns of her marriage, through her artistic interests, to her traces in European archives and iconography.
Day two – Wschowa, Royal Castle
The second day of the conference focused on the medieval and modern history of Wschowa and the border region. Discussions covered topics such as municipal privileges, the rulers' policies, the operation of the royal mints, diplomacy, the Wschowa starosts, and local traces of European history.
Acknowledgments
The organizers extend their sincere thanks to all the speakers, guests, and participants who contributed to the atmosphere of intense, creative discussion over the two days. Thanks to your presence, the conference has once again become an important meeting place for the scientific community, museums, and history enthusiasts.
Honorary patronage
The event was held under the honorary patronage of:
- Lubuskie Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments – Dr. Barbara Bielinis-Kopeć
- Marshal of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship – Marek Woźniak
- Starost of Wschowa – Waldemar Starosta
- Mayor of Leszno – Grzegorz Rusiecki
- Honorary Consul of the French Republic – Dr. Igor Kraszewski, professor at Adam Mickiewicz University
- Polish Historical Society, Poznań Branch
- Polish Society for Eighteenth Century Studies
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