An Interrupted Childhood is a photographic tribute to Polish WWII Survivors in Minnesota. It represents the conclusion of phase two of this multi-year project, which has been planned for five phases. 

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During this phase of the Kalejdoskop Polski MN project, we collected the oral histories and photographs of Polish Minnesotans who have been through the horrors of the war: a slave laborer in the Third Reich, deportees to Siberia, a Polish Army Cadet, a Volhynia Massacre survivor, and a Holocaust survivor. These stories represent different fates of Poles during WWII. 

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Seven portraits of Polish Minnesotans are currently on display at the Iversen Center of the University of St. Thomas till December 8, 2023.

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This traveling exhibition was previously shown at the Minnesota State Capitol North Corridor from September 1- 15, 2022. The opening reception scheduled for Saturday, September 3, 2022, 12-2 PM at the Minnesota State Capitol Vault (B15) was sponsored by Kowalski's Market and the Landmark Center in St. Paul from March 5- April 30, 2023, https://www.landmarkcenter.org/museums-and-exhibits/.

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"In the Kalejdoskop project, we attempt to connect historical facts and events with narratives to document how the events played on the human scale to describe the frame of reference to a particular place and time.

The stories of WWII survivors need to be preserved as some of these individuals have rarely spoken publicly about their experiences. The narratives of Polish WWII survivors teach us lessons of survival, growth, and resilience that are truly humbling and inspiring." - Dr. Katarzyna Litak, President of MPMS. 

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The Kalejdoskop project combines oral history interviews with documentary photography. Dr. Katarzyna Litak is the project manager, exhibitions curator,  and graphic designer. She conducted oral history interviews for the project.

Documentary photographer Grzegorz Litynski was contracted for the visual part of the project. www.litynski.com

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The project has received grant support from the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Metro Regional Arts Council, and the Minnesota State Arts Board. We also have partnered with the Landmark Center, Ramsey County Historical Society, East Side Freedom Library, Roseville Public Library, and the University of St. Thomas and Kowalski's Market.

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