No to the Closure of the Upper Silesian Museum – Appeal of the World Silesian Congress

We express our deep concern and strong opposition to the planned closure of the Upper Silesian Museum in Ratingen-Hösel – the only institution of its kind in Germany that has been documenting, preserving, and presenting the heritage of Upper Silesia for over 40 years.

As the World Silesian Congress (WSC) – the largest umbrella organization of Silesians in the world, bringing together communities from Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the international diaspora (USA, Canada, Brazil) – we appeal to decision-makers and public opinion:Let us not allow the history of Upper Silesia in Germany to be erased.

🟡 The voice of millions of Silesians

It is estimated that between 2 and 4 million people in Germany have Silesian roots – the largest Silesian diaspora outside of Poland. For many of them, the museum in Ratingen is a living space of memory and identity – the only such place where they can discover the history of their families and the region.

🏗️ Silesia helped build Germany. And it still does.

For centuries, Upper Silesia was the economic heart of Prussia and the German Reich. From here flowed coal, steel, energy, and labor – which shaped German industry, infrastructure, and export.

Today, in a modern democratic state, the future of a single modest building – the only one still documenting this centuries-long contribution – is being questioned.

It is astonishing that in a country to which Silesia gave so much, there is now no room left for its history.

📈 Silesia remains a strategic partner of Germany

🔹 Over 700 companies with German capital operate in Upper Silesia,

🔹 Cities like Katowice, Gliwice, Zabrze, Tychy, Opole are centers of German investment,

🔹 The region is a key link in Germany’s supply chain.

Is maintaining one institution that connects generations and nations really beyond the reach of a country with such capabilities and ambitions?

🏛️ This is not just an institution. It is a symbol of responsibility.

The closure of the museum is not just an administrative decision. It is a gesture of deep meaning, which will resonate not only among Silesians but also among all who believe in a Europe of cooperation and mutual respect.

It is the last place of its kind in Germany that tells the story of Upper Silesia in a modern and responsible way.

🧭 This is not about the past. It is about who we are today.

The museum in Ratingen is a living center of cooperation, education, and culture. As WSC, we conduct broad consultations with organizations, experts, and families. We do not represent one viewpoint – we represent the shared voice of Silesia.

✍️ Sign. React. Don’t let it disappear.

🖊️ Sign the petition here:👉 https://innn.it/oslm-erhalten

Let us show that Upper Silesia deserves more than oblivion.That identity does not vanish just because someone chooses not to see it.That millions of people have the right to a history that cannot simply be shut down.

With determination and in the spirit of shared responsibility, World Silesian Congress (WSC)

The world’s largest umbrella organization representing all Silesians

🌐 www.wsc-global.org