In Nova Gradiška, at the premises of the Archive Centre, the exhibition 'Witnesses of Time: School Chronicles of the Nova Gradiška Area' was solemnly opened. This cultural event allows visitors to become acquainted with the rich history of the local education system through preserved historical documents.
The exhibition, prepared exclusively from the archive's holdings, consists of 33 school chronicles. These documents, transferred from the territory of the local elementary school, preserve the memory of generations of teachers and students. Their value lies in the testimony they provide of the changes in social and educational life over the centuries. Of the total number, 26 chronicles have been preserved in their original form, while for the rest only copies are available. This allows for a detailed study of the content and historical context of each individual institution.
The peculiarity of these documents lies in their age. The oldest records in the exhibited chronicles date back to 1830, which testifies to the long tradition of recording school life in this part of Croatia. In addition to their historical value, these documents have significant legal and administrative importance. Based on such records, the curriculum and education were regulated, in accordance with the law on the mandatory keeping of chronicles from 1874, which regulated education in Croatia. The law was detailed by a decree in 1880, which further enhances the significance of these documents for understanding the historical development of the education system.
The exhibition 'Witnesses of Time' is not only a historical overview but also a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Through these documents, visitors have the opportunity to become acquainted with historical periods, changes in the education system, as well as the people who shaped the educational landscape in this part of Croatia. The exhibition is open until the end of the year, and entry is free, which allows a wide range of visitors to become acquainted with the rich historical heritage of this part of Croatia.
