Medynia
The pottery tradition in Medina dates back to 19th century. At that time over 120 ceramic workshops were running and firing took place once in a while in one of the kilns in the village. Along with the development of the pottery making in the area potters from all over Poland flocked into surrounding villages. A potter, as the tour guide explained, has to have broad knowledge and experience with clay as well as be talented to master the craft. It requires patience and long hours of practice. The clay itself has to be prepared beforehand which is a long and time-consuming process. After the extraction it has to be cleaned of grass, small stones and other impurities, rolled with a special equipment, whittled and knead as a dough.
Each of the Erasmus students was given a piece of clay and could get carried away and prepare personalized souvenir form the workshops. Moreover, students got the chance to sit behind the potter’s wheel, follow the instructions of Szymon, the potter-in-chief and make own jug, bowl, or a flask. Students enjoyed the experience a lot, but admitted that making a vessel by hand is not an easy task for beginners.
Markowa
The Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II in Markowa emerged in late 2007 as a first museum in Poland commemorating rescuing Jews on the occupied territories of the region during the Holocaust. The exhibition shows documented cases of aid to Jews on the territory of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The arrangement of the museum, interactive stands and the form of the presentation has engaged students in learning about history and brought a reflection.
