A hidden cache of military objects from both World Wars has been uncovered during renovation work at the Museum of Crafts in Krosno, located in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship, southeastern Poland.
The cache was discovered during a restoration project in the museum’s basement. According to a statement by the museum on social media, preliminary findings indicate that the cache contains discarded weapon components, fragments of military equipment, pieces of gas masks, and various forms of ammunition.
According to museum experts, most of the items originate from WWI & WWII - reflecting the region’s turbulent history during the early and mid-20th century.
At the outbreak of WWI, Krosno was part of the Austro-Hungarian state of Galicia, located on a frontline battleground between Russian and Austro-Hungarian forces for control of southeastern Poland.
In 1939, the city was occupied by the Germans during the invasion under the Nazi-Soviet Union pact. The town saw significant destruction, brutal occupational policies by the Gestapo, and the devastation of its Jewish community.
Local police, along with the Provincial Conservator of Monuments, have taken oversight of the finds to ensure proper handling of the materials.
Because ammunition was found, extra safety precautions have been put in place. Experts are checking the condition of the items and any possible risks before moving forward. Each object will undergo careful examination, with procedures in place to ensure its safe removal, preservation, and long-term storage.
Museum authorities have yet to confirm whether the objects will eventually be displayed to the public, but the discovery is already being regarded as an important contribution to the region’s wartime past.
Sources : Museum of Crafts in Krosno