Embark on a journey through time as you delve into the captivating world of genealogy. Our blog is your compass, guiding you through the intricate pathways of Polish ancestry, the stories hidden within European records, and the tales whispered by ancestral winds. Here, history comes alive, and every post unveils a piece of the past. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or a curious novice, our blog promises insights, discoveries, and a deeper connection to your roots. Dive in, and let the exploration begin!
Who founded Poland? The answer has two layers. In legend it was Lech, who saw a white eagle against the setting sun and founded Gniezno. In history it was Mieszko I, whose baptism on 14 April 966 brought Poland into Latin Christendom, and his son Bolesław the Brave, crowned the first King of Poland on Easter Sunday 1025.
Polish-American holidays bring together two histories: the Polish liturgical and folk calendar carried by emigrants since the nineteenth century, and the official commemorations created on American soil.
From a Soho tavern named after King Jan III Sobieski in the 1680s to the post-2004 wave that made Polish the second most spoken language in Britain — the Polish population in London has been built across more than three centuries of trade, exile, war and free movement.
Polish beliefs and superstitions explained, from Slavic folk roots to everyday customs. Origins, examples, and cultural context based on ethnographic sources.
History of Germans in Poland, from medieval Ostsiedlung through partitions and WWII to the modern minority. Dates, sources, and key facts explained.
Discover the origins of concentration camps, from 19th-century Cuba and South Africa to the Nazi system. Historical facts, sources, and timelines explained.
A factual guide to the Polish Armed Forces in World War II, explaining why Poland was defeated in 1939, how Polish troops continued the fight in the West and in the East, and what is historically documented about Wojtek the bear.
A factual overview of the Jewish community in Poland today, explaining population estimates, the main cities where community life is concentrated, key institutions, and the historical events that shaped today’s demographics.
A factual overview of Polish culture that explains how customs and traditions grew from history, religion, and regional diversity, and what everyday norms visitors and descendants most often notice during heritage travel.