The creator and long-time curator of this museum, established in 1978, was Stefan Ząbczyński (1912 - 2002), long-time president of the Olkusz Volunteer Fire Brigade and HonoraryOlkusz citizen. It is thanks to his collecting passion that today we can see a rich and unique collection of firefighting equipment, cars, horse-drawn fire extinguishers, helmets, belts, axes and firefighting uniforms from the 19th and 20th centuries. One of the museum's most valuable exhibits is an alarm bell from 1642, which was formerly in the church at the Augustinian monastery. Of particular interest to visitors is the GAZ-AA fire truck. Such cars modeled on the American Ford AA were produced in the USSR in 1932-1950. The museum's collection also includes documents, photographs, medals and medals, and old coins. Among the rich collection of more than twenty banners, the oldest banner of the Olkusz fire department, dating back to 1885, attracts attention. The museum's collections also include a rich collection of firefighters' helmets from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The exposition dedicated to the fight for Poland's freedom is special. Here you can see uniforms, weapons, photos, documents and personal memorabilia. Among the exhibits is the uniform of a soldier of the Pilsudski Legions, a field bed from the army of General Anders, or an 1863 eagle dobosz from the unit in which Colonel Francesco Nullo, who was killed in the Battle of Krzykawka, fought. Also noteworthy are artifacts from the Auschwitz concentration camp, such as a pasiak or rosary from one of the prisoners, as well as camp letters from Olkusz prisoners from the occupation. The rich collections of the Museum of Fire Fighting are not only a record of the history of the Olkusz fire department, but also the history of the city. Stefan Ząbczyński Museum of Fire Fighting of Olkusz Land, 8 Floriańska Street, 32 300 Olkusz, Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Saturday, Sunday: telephone reservation for groups of more than 10 people. Tickets; voluntary fee for the museum.
07.10.2013
