Szanowni Czytelnicy!

This successive issue of “Ochrona Zabytków” starts with information about the annual celebrations of the International Monuments Protection Day. The events were organised by the National Heritage Board of Poland at the Monastic Complex of the Congregation of St. Philip Neri on Święta Góra in Gostyń, which this year the President of the Republic of Poland included onto List of Monuments of History. The ceremonies were accompanied by a scientific session on fundamental problems connected with the definition of a historical monument and an excellent concert. The unforgettable ambience of all the events, which attracted numerous participants, was due to the hosts’ involvement in the preparations and cordial welcome. At this point, in the name of all those attending the meeting on Święta Góra, I wish to express my profound gratitude to Rev. Zbigniew Starczewski, Procurator of the Congregation of the St. Philip Neri Oratorium in Poland. Reminiscences of the beauty of the church, the appeal of the monastic buildings and the hospitality of the Congregation members will be long cherished in the hearts of Polish conservators. Among the numerous interesting articles presented in this issue of “Ochrona Zabytków” we particularly recommend a text on contemporary electronic memory carriers, which leads to further reflections about the urgent necessity of devising cohesive principles and methods of conservation and the protection of information recorded in this manner. This postulate is of particular relevance today, in an era of a dynamic progress of digital media. Neglect in this domain can cause an irreversible loss of the register of numerous invaluable information, images and events associated with the most important stages in the development of contemporary art. On the other hand, an article on the development of traditional forms of recording information about historical parks and gardens refers to history. The text in question attempts to sum up heretofore experiences and achievements in the documentation of the properties and current state of the protection of valuable areas of composed vegetation. At the same time, we sincerely hope that it will become an additional justification for the much more extensive undertaking planned by the National Heritage Board of Poland, whose intention is to supplement the still numerous gaps in domestic registers of historical garden and residential premises. I would like to invite our readers to become acquainted with other presentations and permanent sections, and remind future authors that ”Ochrona Zabytków” has received four points in the parametrical assessment of scientific units conducted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Respectfully yours Marcin Gawlicki Director of the National Heritage Board of Poland