The Sanguszkos in the history of Pidhirtsi castle (1865–1939): sources for the study (based on the archival materials from Kraków and Tarnów)

Abstract

The article outlines a list of archival sources upon the history of the Sanguszko family and their activity in the Pidhirtsi castle (1865–1939). The main goal is to introduce some archival sources from the archive of the Sanguszkos in Kraków and Tarnów such as «Guestbooks», «Castle chronicle», and also private correspondence, various documents about property, and photo materials. The further research can be realized via the anthropological approach to the history of this castle, with focus on the owners, workers, and guests. This article offers some perspectives and views upon the functions of the Pidhirtsi castle: a house, a public museum, and a residence. The archival materials allow us to analyze the private history of the castle owners – Eustahy Sanguszko, Konstancja Sanguszkowa, and Roman Sanguszko. In addition, they outline their significance at the local level – in Pidhirtsi and Galicia (through correspondence upon employment, receptions of the state officials and clergymen). Moreover, available primary sources contain information potential for historical anthropology, the cultural history of architecture, and memory history. The archival data indicates that the Sanguszkos properly assessed the value of this castle and its assemblies. Therefore, they carried out the extensive restoration work though the constant increase of expenses, provided access to researchers (i.e. financing of professional photographers and scholars in the preparation of the research), and maintained contacts with artistic, social and public institutions (openness of collections to the public; artistic and public events in the 1920s and the 1930s). Many warm recollections upon the visits to the castle, mentioned by Konstancja Sanguszko, give grounds for treating it as a home and a place of rest, whose remoteness from big cities was rather an advantage. Article received 23.02.2019