On Friday evening, 16 January, we welcomed representatives of the Sybirak community of Białystok as well as friends of the museum.

New Year’s greetings were extended by Prof. Wojciech Śleszyński, Director of the Sybir Memorial Museum, and Teresa Borowska, Vice President of the Białystok Branch of the Association of Sybiraks. Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Białystok was Edyta Mozyrska, Director of the Department of Culture, Promotion and Sport of the City of Białystok.

A highlight of the gathering was the presentation of the second act of the play Sierociniec (The Orphanage), performed by the Theatre Group “Her Majesty’s Servants” of the Terra Felix Foundation, directed by Piotr Klinger, accompanied by live music. Inspired by the memories and life of Hanka Ordonówna, the play tells the story of efforts to establish a Polish orphanage for children who survived Soviet deportations. In the presence of Sybiraks, the performance acquired profound significance, serving as a form of artistic testimony and a space for reflection on exile, loss, and memory.

The evening concluded with refreshments, fostering conversation, reflection, and the sharing of impressions following the performance.