Instytut Śląski (1934-1948)
The Silesian Institute (1934-1948)

Summary/Abstract: The article presents the genesis and the main trends within the Polish studies in the humanities conducted in Silesia on the turn of the 19th and 20th century with special emphasis on istoriography. The main focus is on the activity of Instytut Slaski (Silesian Institute) based in Katowice during the Interwar period and directly after the War. The author analyzes the political goals set by Michał Grazynski, the then Voivode, as well as the main directions of the scientific research carried out by this institution at that time. According to the intentions expressed by M. Grazynski, the Institute was meant to constitute – beside Muzeum Slaskie (Silesian Museum) and Komitet Wydawnictw Slaskich (Committee for Silesian Publications) of Krako´w – an element of the Polish political offensive in the field of historical politics. The five-year-long activity of the Silesian Institute before the War ended with an impressive number of 270 published books of various length and character. The popularizing activity in the form of lectures, meetings and special radio programs was also carried out. Directly after the War, there dominated another form of activity, which was connected with the primary political aim of bringing the Regained Territories closer to the society inhabiting them.

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