The Kirklees area in West Yorkshire includes towns and valleys with strong, distinct identities which during the last 50 years has developed a rich and diverse mixture of cultures and faiths. Families who first settled here in the 1950s are now in their third generation.

The National Moving Here project presented an opportunity for Kirklees Museums to build on its commitment to both cultural diversity and its unique archive of oral migration history.

These stories represent a variety of experiences from a selection of communities in Kirklees covering; journeys here, adaptation, work opportunities, housing, school, faith, festivals and some of the critical viewpoints surrounding identity from the perspective of different generations.

These following Polish life accounts are edited versions of migration interviews conducted in 2006 by Kirklees Museums. The stories describe different experiences of upheaval and loss during the German and Soviet Union invasion of Poland during the Second World War. Many Polish people settled in the UK as they could not return to Poland when it was under Communist control through fear of arrest and because many of their home towns were no longer part of Poland.

For further information on the project contact: Carmen Taylor, Moving Here Project Officer on 01484 223800. www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/museums

Maybe you have a story which relates to these stories so why not Tell your Story? You can include photographs or items from the catalogue to be displayed with your story. You can also go to our search form to find a story which may be related to the places you are interested in.

Page 1 of 1
Poland during the War 1940 - 1949 contributed by: Anna Mankowska
From Poland to Cannon Hall 1940 - 2006 contributed by: Anna Mankowska
The Second World War in Poland 1920 - 1949 contributed by: Janina Stanowska
Coming to the UK via the Army 1940 - 1959 contributed by: Janina Stanowska
Moving to the UK from Poland after the War 1940 - 1989 contributed by: Waclaw Mankowski
	Page 1 of 1

Has someone or something been written out of the history books which you feel should be included in the story of migration ? Here is your chance to tell your own story.

If you have any enquiries about Moving Here please contact us.