EN
The paper deals with the documentation of modern history in museums. It features specific problems connected with the interpretation of the recent past. These difficulties are the reason of little interest of many traditional museums in dealing with history of the 20th century. Collecting activity focused on the modern history has to reflect the plurality of past stories. Thus it is necessary to look for corresponding collecting methods appropriate to this period. Growing interest of the public and activities of many not-for-profit organisations (civic societies) encourage museums to develop their educational potential in modern history issues.