“Called by Name” – Family Histories. A Contribution to Research on (Post)memory

Abstract

The present paper will attempt to outline the issues of the collective historical memory in the families of people murdered for aiding Jews during the Second World War. The reasoning is based on analyses of the results of questionnaires filled in by family members of people commemorated as part of the “Called by name” project, carried out by the Pilecki Institute. The interviews were conducted during a workshop at the first meeting of the victims’ families, held in Brok on 24 November 2019. The study was performed using the survey method and a standardized questionnaire. The completed questionnaires were digitized and imported into the MAXQDA qualitative analysis program. The answers were coded and then subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis. This analysis revealed the varying approach of different generations to the issue of their family history. Despite the relatively small research sample, interest in the tragic fate of their ancestors during the war is visibly increasing among the members of the younger generations. Research has also shown that the project undertaken by the Pilecki Institute clearly inspires younger family members and the local community, and contributes to a deeper interest in their own history.