Right on Henryka Wierzchowskiego street we are standing now. Have you ever wondered about the person behind the street’s name? Let me tell you about two remarkable individuals both named Henryk Wierzchowski.
One Henryk Wierzchowski was a dedicated educator and expert on Warsaw. He was born in Sandomierz. He studied at Stefan Batory University in Vilnius. He specialized in history. After graduating in 1928, he taught in eastern Poland. In 1931, he moved to Ostrołęka.
During the Nazi occupation, he was arrested while teaching a lesson. He was sent to a camp but managed to escape. In 1950, he settled in Warsaw with his family. He became the principal of the XIX LO im. Powstańców Warszawy. This school was then located on Boremlowska Street. After two years, he took a similar position at LO im. Stefanii Sempołowskiej. In 1953, he joined XXVI LO in Anin now H. “Kuba” Jankowski where he worked for nearly 25 years. From 1964 to 1969, he was the deputy director.
Henryk Wierzchowski published extensively on the history of Warsaw’s eastern settlements. His works include “Anin Wawer,” “Las – rolnicze osiedle Warszawy,” and “Zerzeń i jego historia.” He also wrote “Z dziejów Międzylesia” and “Praga Południe 1939-1945. Wydarzenia historyczne upamiętnione pomnikami, tablicami Pamięci Narodowej.” Further, he penned “Śladami Powstania Listopadowego. Grochów – Wawer.” He contributed numerous entries to “Encyklopedia Warszawy”. He was an active member of the Polish Teachers’ Union. Henryk Wierzchowski died in Warsaw. He is buried in Powązkowski Cemetery.
The other Henryk Wierzchowski was also a teacher. He was a soldier in the Home Army AK. Born in Łuków, he fought in the Warsaw Uprising as a corporal. He served in the Armament Service of the “Kryska” Group. After the uprising’s suppression, he was deported to Auschwitz. After liberation, he returned to his hometown and taught in local schools.
This street was named in their honor on May 22, 2000. It was previously part of Teodora Axentowicza Street. It is important to remember the people who shaped our city. Henryk Wierzchowski’s dedication to education and history is truly inspiring.
There is also a third Henryk Wierzchowski but he was a folk sculptor, born in Zawidz Kościelny in 1937 and died there in 1990. He began sculpting in the 1960s influenced by Wincenty Krajewski and Stanisław Dużyński. Wierzchowski quickly mastered the craft. He became a leading artist. Initially, his work focused on religious themes. Later, he expanded to include multi-figure compositions. He also created bas-reliefs, openwork reliefs, furniture, and depictions of legendary figures. Wierzchowski’s sculptures were exhibited in numerous museums and galleries.