The founder of the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw, was elected as patron of gymnasium (middle school) in Podkowa Leśna near Warsaw. Professor Michałowski was among several distinguished citizens of the town proposed as candidates for the school’s patron by local citizen’s organizations.
All guests speaking at the name-giving ceremony were of the opinion that Professor Michałowski and his scientific achievements were a perfect source of inspiration for the school and its pupils. However, the main factor in winning pupils’ votes may have been his supporters’ slogan: “Michałowski – Polish Indiana Jones”.
Even if inspired by this popular-culture hero’s image, the students were involved in many activities by which they could learn of the real-life achievements of the nestor of the Polish school of Mediterranean archaeology, such as debates, presentations and a cartoon competition. The ceremony ended in the spirit of adventure that always accompanies even the most serious archaeological investigations – the students immured a “Time Capsule” containing contemporary documents from their everyday life in the school’s wall. It is to be opened 50 years from now, perhaps by another generation of professor Michałowski’s pupils?
fot. A. Szymczak
