On August 26th, a ceremonial awarding of the “Meritorious for the Treblinka Museum” Medal took place, honoring Ms. Katarzyna Kozłowska.
This medal honors the exceptional contributions of individuals and institutions to the activities of the Treblinka Museum. The German Nazi Extermination and Labour Camp (1941-1944). It is a token of gratitude for commitment and assistance in fulfilling the Museum’s statutory goals.
In 2023, Ms. Katarzyna Kozłowska donated to the Treblinka Museum steel elements that had been anti-tank barriers surrounding the German Nazi camps in Treblinka. These barriers were intended to hinder the escape of prisoners and prevent external attacks on the Extermination Camp. After the camp was liquidated in 1943, the barriers were relocated in front of the fence of the Treblinka I Labour Camp. Years later, these steel elements were discovered on the grounds of a former elementary school in the village of Żochy, which Ms. Kozłowska had acquired.
Ms. Katarzyna Kozłowska was deeply involved in determining the origin of the elements in her possession. Thanks to her initiative, these items—one of the few remaining original components of the camp’s infrastructure—were transferred to the Treblinka Museum. They are now on display at the Treblinka II Extermination Camp Memorial Site, as well as in front of the Treblinka Museum building.
Following the medal ceremony, the awardee, along with the attending guests, toured the Treblinka II Extermination Camp Memorial Site and the site of the former Treblinka I Labour Camp.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Katarzyna Kozłowska for her openness and for promoting the history of Treblinka. We look forward to further fruitful collaboration.
