Archive 2025
Information on the Granted Funding
The Kościuszko Society in Solothurn, which manages and oversees the Kościuszko Museum in Solothurn, received funding in 2025 under the program “Support for Archives, Libraries, and Museums Abroad”,
financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of Poland from the state budget.
The granted funds were used to cover:
- rent for the museum premises,
- administration of the museum website and management of the Facebook profile,
- publication of the III Bulletin of the Tadeusz Kościuszko Museum in Polish and German,
- publication of the first issue of the popular-science magazine “Solurian”,
- organization of a concert in Solothurn on the occasion of Polish Constitution Day (May 3) and the 210th anniversary of Tadeusz Kościuszko’s arrival in Solothurn,
- workshops for children,
- cultural and Polish community events,
- preparation of music recordings by Tadeusz Kościuszko and other Polish artists, which were published on the museum’s YouTube channel.
All planned activities were carried out according to their intended purpose and within the scheduled timeframe.
We sincerely thank the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage for the granted funding.
Visit to West Point
On November 25, Marcin Sulmirski, a member of the board of the Kościuszko Society, paid an official visit to the renowned United States Military Academy at West Point.
On behalf of the Society and the Museum, he laid a wreath at the monument of General Tadeusz Kościuszko and presented the Academy authorities with an open letter written by Dr. Remo Ankli.
Mr. Sulmirski was warmly received by representatives of the Academy under the leadership of Mr. M. Lajdecki. We would like to sincerely thank them for their support and hospitality.
Special thanks go to the Polish Embassy in Washington for its commitment to expediting the administrative processes.
The visit was deeply moving and left a lasting impression, especially since Kościuszko, as chief engineer of the first major fortifications, played a key role in the American War of Independence.
By establishing direct contact with the Academy, the foundation was laid for future cooperation and for preserving Kościuszko’s legacy.
Kosciuszko Memorial Ceremony in Zuchwil
On October 19, a memorial ceremony was held in Zuchwil to commemorate the 208th anniversary of the death of Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
A solemn Mass took place in St. Martin’s Church, celebrated by the local parish priest, Pascal Eng, and by Kordian Broniarczyk from the Polish Catholic Mission. The commemoration then continued at the Kosciuszko monument.
Guests were welcomed by Dr. Remo Ankli, President of the Kosciuszko Society. Representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, led by Chargée d’affaires a.i. Joanna Wróblewska, together with Consul Maciej Kowalczyk and Defence Attaché Colonel Paweł Piecyk, laid a wreath at the monument to honor Kosciuszko.
The Zuchwil Brass Band provided musical accompaniment and performed the national anthems. Marco Galantino touched the audience with his trumpet performance of “Il Silenzio” (The Silence).
After the official ceremony, all participants were invited to a reception in the community hall, where the event concluded in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
INVITATION
Commemoration of the 208th
Anniversary of the Death of
Commander-in-Chief and General Tadeusz Kościuszko
III Forum for Educational Cooperation Krakow – Basel
On September 19, the III Forum for Educational Cooperation Krakow – Basel took place at the Kościuszko Museum in Solothurn, focusing on the promotion and development of Polish education in Switzerland.
The Polish Embassy in Bern was represented by Mr. Damian Dąbrowski, who opened the event and warmly welcomed all attendees.
The forum is part of a joint project between the Institute of Polish Philology at the University of the National Education Commission in Krakow (UKEN) and the Polish School in Basel. This collaboration began in 2023. During the full-day event, participants had the opportunity to visit Solothurn and Zuchwil. Lectures were delivered by Dr. hab. Piotr Kołodziej and the museum director.
The aim of the forum is to support teachers working in a different environment, share experiences and effective teaching methods, assist children in navigating their new reality, and promote the maintenance of their mother tongue.
We thank all participants and partners for their commitment.
MAB Conference in Rome
The 47th session of the Permanent Conference of Polish Museums, Archives, and Libraries in the West (MABPZ) concluded successfully in Rome in 2025. The Tadeusz Kościuszko Museum in Solothurn was represented by its director, Teresa Ackermann, and Radosław Pawłowski.
This year’s meeting was hosted by the Church and Hospice of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, in Rome.
In addition to closed and open sessions, participants had the opportunity to visit the Polish Embassy in Italy, the Polish Embassy to the Holy See, and Monte Cassino. A special highlight was attending a General Audience with Pope Leo XIV.
The museum director delivered a lecture titled “The Fate and Work of Soldier-Artists of the 2nd Rifle Division from the Perspective of Tadeusz Fuss-Kaden and Zygmunt Stankiewicz” and presented a report on the museum’s activities. The conference offered an opportunity to review past achievements, discuss future perspectives, and explore new avenues for collaboration and projects.
The conference was funded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage in Warsaw through the Fund for the Promotion of Culture Abroad.
Farewell to Summer with a Book at the Tadeusz Kościuszko Museum!
On August 30, the Tadeusz Kościuszko Museum hosted the second edition of “Summer at the Museum.”
The program featured a book market with fascinating titles and free guided tours of the museum in three languages: Polish, German, and English. Visitors also had the chance to taste traditional Polish specialties – there was something for everyone. The afternoon unfolded in a truly special atmosphere.
We sincerely thank all those who visited the museum despite the unsettled weather.
We already look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming events, which we will announce soon.
An Interesting Gathering on the Occasion of the 210th Anniversary of T. Kościuszko’s Arrival in Solothurn
A delegation of representatives from the Polish-Swiss Society and the Rapperswil Society, based in Warsaw, traveled to Switzerland to celebrate the 210th anniversary of General Tadeusz Kościuszko’s arrival in Solothurn.
As part of the visit, the participants toured the museum, took a walk in Solothurn and its surroundings following in Kościuszko’s footsteps, and visited Zuchwil with the Kościuszko monument and the Polish chapel.
The gathering was a meaningful occasion to honor the memory of the Polish national hero and citizen of the world.
We sincerely thank all participants for their journey and for joining in the celebration of this important anniversary.
Another Museum Visit by a School from Basel
In June, the Tadeusz Kościuszko Museum in Solothurn had the pleasure of welcoming some very special and friendly guests: students from the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Polish School in Basel.
During their visit, the children had the opportunity to explore the museum and take part in workshops about Polish history, the figure of Tadeusz Kościuszko, and the city of Solothurn – where the general once lived.
After the educational part, it was time for a relaxing city walk, combined with a fun little competition: “What is this – which building is it?”
This was another successful trip organized in cooperation with the school. We truly appreciate this fruitful collaboration and the strong commitment shown by both the students and the teaching staff.
Thank you for your visit – and see you next time!
International Museum Day 2025
Discover. Experience. Immerse.
On May 18, 2025, museums across the region will open their doors — with free admission and a varied program for young and old alike.
Enjoy fascinating insights into history, culture, and art, and discover places that are often overlooked in everyday life.
Highlight:
📅 Sunday, May 18, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museums invite you on a captivating journey through the centuries.
The entire month of May is dedicated to open museum doors — an ideal opportunity to explore new cultural venues.
We look forward to your visit, inspiring conversations, and your curiosity!
You are warmly invited.
Concert at the Municipal Theater in Solothurn
On Sunday, May 4th, in celebration of the May 3rd Constitution Day (1791) and the 210th anniversary of Tadeusz Kościuszko's arrival in Solothurn, a magnificent concert took place at the Municipal Theater. The large audience was welcomed by the Mayor of Solothurn, Stefanie Ingold, and the Director of the Musical Theater in Poznań, Przemysław Kieliszewski.
The beautiful music and singing performed by professional artists captivated the audience. After the concert, a reception was held at the Kościuszko Museum, where guests could tour the museum, engage in discussions, and meet the artists.
It was a wonderful afternoon that brought Polish culture closer to the public and commemorated important historical events. Such encounters, combining music and history, help to build bridges between nations.
City Game Solothurn – Zuchwil
Solothurn, a picturesque Swiss town, became the final home of Tadeusz Kościuszko, a hero of two continents. His two-year stay is now an important part of the town’s history.
On a sunny April day, students from the Polish School in Zurich took part in an exciting city game in the Zuchwil and Solothurn area. Equipped with a map, they completed various tasks that required logical thinking and a good sense of direction.
The joy was great when everyone safely arrived at the Kościuszko Museum – especially because a surprise was waiting for them: freshly baked Margherita pizza and cold drinks.
Such a feast had never taken place at the museum before! Hopefully, the young participants will remember these special moments, experienced in so many different ways, for a long time to come.
IV High School from Krakow visits Switzerland and Solothurn
In the last week of March, the graduating classes of Tadeusz Kościuszko High School No. 4 from Krakow visited the museum dedicated to their school's namesake in Solothurn.
The journey took them through several important Swiss cities and places that are connected to Polish history, as well as to prominent individuals who supported Poland from within Switzerland. After visiting various sights and spending a night in Lausanne, the students arrived in Solothurn.
The charming city left a deep impression on the young visitors. A special lesson held at the Kościuszko Museum introduced them to fascinating, previously unknown aspects of the general’s life and legacy. The encounter left a lasting impact. Kościuszko’s ideas and values remain relevant today – and continue to inspire young people around the world.
Kosciuszko and his women
8 March is International Women's Day.
To mark this holiday, a women's meeting was held at the museum, with flowers and a glass of sparkling wine and interesting discussions touching on important women's issues. An interesting discussion developed on the topic of ‘Kosciuszko and his women’, starting with his first love, Ludwika Sosnowska, women played an important role in the general's life.
He held them in high esteem, knew how to talk to them and they always helped him, not only in Poland, but also in America and Switzerland. He treated them with respect and had a weakness for women, but always remained a gentleman. The women of Solothurn also sent him red roses or carnations in winter, which he then wore in the lapel of his frock coat. The women of the town presented Kościuszko with a bouquet of flowers embroidered on an atlas with the inscription ‘The value of the spirit and modesty form the bouquet of his life, and this bouquet is the expression of our hearts’ reverence’.