Dziennik Jadwigi Ankiewicz, napisany w obozie koncentracyjnym na Majdanku w 1943 roku, jest jedynym oryginalnym świadectwem spisanym w całości wewnątrz murów obozu. Ta historia zasługuje na pamięć.
(English: The diary of Jadwiga Ankiewicz, written in the concentration camp at Majdanek in 1943, is the only original testimony written in its entirety within the camp's walls. This story is critical and deserves to be remembered.)
There are some stories that history forces us to remember, and then there are those that seem to whisper to us across time, demanding to be heard. For me, it is Jadwiga's story.
Jadwiga was imprisoned at KL Lublin, more commonly known as Majdanek, during World War II. Yet, in the face of unspeakable horror, she did something extraordinary. She wrote. Her diary, penned between January 15 and May 17, 1943, stands as the only known original testimony written in its entirety within the camp's walls. Carrying a notebook and pencil was a capital offense, so every word she jotted down was an act of quiet, profound defiance.
She was a very talented writer. In the face of horror at Majdanek, her demeanor was unflinching. What strikes me most is her unique cursive script and, as the museum describes it, her ability to keep her head up with a positive attitude. Her writing is not just a historical document; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. And it is documentation of what happened to her before she was supposedly released and joined the resistance force.
A Personal Journey to This Discovery
My own journey to find this diary was a lesson in persistence. I reached out to several institutions for help with research on related materials, but most showed little interest. It was disheartening. Some of the replies I received were one sentence replies stating, "I'm afraid not". They never bothered to ask who I was or what materials I was working with. It left me speechless and in disbelief.
That is why I am incredibly grateful to the State Museum at Majdanek. Of all of the folks I've interacted with in this arena, it is evident they have a current understanding of the depth of what happened before and after. Not only did they reply to my emails with kindness and professionalism, but they also provided me with scanned documents to work with before I even return. Their dedication to preserving this history, and helping others do the same, stands in stark contrast to the indifference I encountered elsewhere.
The Diary Itself
Thanks to their work, this invaluable diary has been published in a beautiful English-language edition. The book contains a reprint of the original diary, a full transcription, and extensive historical commentary that details Jadwiga's life, her family's fate, and the process of bringing this testament to the world. It was made possible through a grant from the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The folks at the State Museum at Majdanek are clearly dedicated to remembrance.
You can find the diary and learn more about it at the museum's official bookstore: Majdanek. 15 I–17 V 43 r. Diary.
If you are going to purchase this book, I recommend that you order it directly from the Majdanek book store. Here is the English language link. https://ksiegarnia.majdanek.pl/en_US/p/Majdanek.-15-I17-V-43-r.-Diary/273
The book was only released in 2020 so you can be sure that you get an authentic copy of it.