What stories do our street names tell? And what happens when those names change?
These were the questions at the heart of Cultural Heritage and Street Renaming: Perspectives from the Polish Community, a recent community project led by Dr Ewa Ochman (History) in collaboration with students and teachers from Polish Supplementary Schools across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. The initiative invited young people to engage in conversations about the ongoing struggles over street naming and renaming in both Poland and the UK. Exploring the history of Polish and British streetscapes offered a unique opportunity to understand the historical differences and similarities between the two countries. It also provided new perspectives on the cultural heritage of Polish migrant communities in the UK and the diverse origins of these communities.
Learning Through Local History
In autumn 2024, in partnership with history teachers from Polish Saturday Schools in Wythenshawe, Urmston, Preston, and Accrington, a series of workshops was delivered for two age groups (11–13 and 14–17). These sessions examined how street names can commemorate historical events, reflect political change, and shape cultural memory. A research competition followed, with each group selecting a commemorative street name to investigate. Students explored its history and the reasons for any name changes (or the lack thereof), considering political, historical, cultural, social, and urban planning factors. Their findings were presented through posters and interactive formats, with many students conducting interviews and creating visual or audio documentation as part of their work. Special thanks go to Justyna Bielec (Polish Saturday School in Wythenshawe), Anna Szymanska (Polish Saturday School in Accrington), Anna Gościmska (Polish Saturday School in Urmston), and Justyna Garczyńska (Polish Saturday School in Preston) for their invaluable contributions.
Celebrating Community and Scholarship
The project culminated in a celebration event at the University of Manchester in spring 2025. Finalists presented their research to an audience of university students, academics, and special guest Consul Radosław Gromski from the Polish Consulate in Manchester. One of the highlights was a talk by Elizabeth Elliott on her BA dissertation about street renaming in Bristol. As part of the visit, students toured the University of Manchester Library and spoke with undergraduates about studying history, offering a glimpse into university life and academic pathways. Special thanks are due to Sonja Bernhard from the Outreach Team and the library staff, who organised an engaging tour.
Looking Ahead
The project will next be showcased by Anna Gościmska (AQA A-Level examiner and teacher at the Polish Saturday School in Urmston) at the Polish Educational Society training conference for Polish A-Level teachers in Edinburgh in September 2025. The aim is to adopt the initiative as a model for research-based coursework in A-Level exam preparation and encourage students to explore history through the streets they walk every day.