6th National History Competition for Youth “Our History – Katyń 2026”
The 6th edition of the National History Competition for Youth “Our History – Katyń 2026” is now open. This year’s edition encourages young people to explore the history of the Katyń Massacre and its victims through artistic, educational, and theatrical activities.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the subject of historical memory, learn about the lives of individual Katyń Heroes, and reflect on how history can be communicated in a contemporary and meaningful way.
The main goal of the competition is to promote knowledge about the Katyń Massacre and its victims, foster interest in the history of twentieth-century Poland, and encourage civic and patriotic attitudes. Participants are invited to explore historical sources, speak with “guardians of memory,” regional historians, and victims’ families, and discover local stories connected with Katyń.
Who can participate?
The competition is open to young people aged 13–18 from across Poland and is divided into two age categories:
- 13–15 years old (primary schools)
- 16–18 years old (secondary schools)
Competition categories
Participants may enter one or more of the following categories:
- postage stamp design - design a postage stamp or a series of three stamps dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims of the Katyń Massacre. This is an individual project.
- information leaflet design - prepare a double-sided leaflet presenting a selected Katyń Hero, with particular attention to their biography and local roots. This is a two-person team project.
- school theatre performance - prepare and record a short theatrical performance, dramatic sketch, or spoken-word and music presentation devoted to the Katyń theme. This category is intended for teams of up to eight students working under the supervision of a teacher.
Schedule
- 17 September – 26 October 2026 – submission of competition entries
- 2 November 2026 – publication of formal evaluation results
- 16 November 2026 – announcement of the Jury’s verdict
- 28 November 2026 – 6th Young Historians’ Conference “Our History – Katyń 2026” and the Final Gala in Warsaw
Awards and distinctions
Laureates and finalists will be invited to participate in the 6th Young Historians’ Conference “Our History – Katyń 2026”, during which the official award ceremony will take place.
Participants can win: commemorative statuettes and diplomas, attractive material prizes, publication of their work on the project websites, participation in a nationwide historical event in Warsaw.
Why participate?
“Our History – Katyń 2026” combines history, art, and creativity. Participants can develop their artistic, journalistic, theatrical, and research skills while learning about the lives and experiences of the victims of the Katyń Massacre and discovering how to tell historical stories responsibly and thoughtfully.
The competition is also an opportunity to work as a team, explore local history, and meet peers from across Poland during the final Young Historians’ Conference.
Have questions?
For more information, please contact:
Małgorzata Włodarczyk
malgorzata.wlodarczyk@parafiada.pl
Updates and news about the competition will be published at:
katyn-pamietam.pl and parafiada.pl.
