August 31, 2026, exactly on the anniversary of the events from 1980, which gave rise to the NSZZ "Solidarity", in the seat of the Museum Historical Memorial in Ełk at 1 Wąski Tor Street, a unique ceremony took place. The Mayor of the City of Ełk, Tomasz Andrukiewicz, and the Director of the Museum, Dr. Rafał Żytyniec officially received personal souvenirs and documents donated by Ełk residents repressed for their opposition activities in the 1980s.

The event was attended by the heroes of those years – Ełk internees and activists of "Solidarity": Teresa Trocka, Halina Wysocka, Andrzej Bach and Wacław Jankowski.

The museum's collections include extremely valuable items, including m.in personal correspondence, documents - including decisions authorities of the time about internment, prayer books, underground stamps and numerous souvenirs from the period of internment. They show not only the historical dimension of the state of but above all the personal fates and human experiences of people who suffered the consequences for their steadfast attitude.

Exhibits included in the museum's collection in the future will be used to prepare temporary exhibitions and implement programs aimed at children and young people.

The ceremony was also a symbolic expression gratitude and care for the preservation of the local memory of the inhabitants of Ełk, who In the difficult eighties, they were engaged in the struggle for a sovereign and free Poland.