All the evil of the twentieth century is possible everywhere on earth. Yet, I have not given up all hope that human beings and nations may be able, in spite of all, to learn from the experience of other people without having to go through it personally.” 
― Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918-1956

This website is presented in conjunction with a dissertation that pertains to the Polish grandparents of this researcher.  

Antonina and Zdzisław Lapot were incarcerated in the Russian Gulag system at the start of World War 2 and separated for many years before reuniting and eventually settling in Ireland, where their son Jurek was born. 

They spoke little ever of their experience and it was only many years after their loss, with the realisation that such narratives are slipping away from the consciousness of the general public, did this researcher assert that the time had come to commemorate their lives.

The featured exhibit consists of a timeline, map and narrative and serves best to introduce the unfamiliar reader to the Lapot story. 

A second audio visual exhibit places photos of the couple in context, against the backdrop of St. Mary Magdalene church in Lwow where they married the day after Christmas in 1938.

Thereafter, photographs and documents may be found in the Collections menu that place the lives of the couple in more intricate detail.

Contributions and interactions are welcomed and encouraged.

Thank you for your interest.

Nina (nlapot@yahoo.com)

In memory of Antonina and Zdzisław