At this time of year I'm often helping the harcerki (girl scouts) learn about Polish history. To illustrate my talks I sometimes use the works of the 19th century painter...
May 16, 2019
The battle of Monte Cassino, part of the Italian campaign is known as one of the decisive battles of WWII. The battles of the II Polish Corps meant the sacrifice of so...
May 1, 2019
The month of May is bursting at the seams with important days for Poles, but some of the celebrations in Poland are very different to those we celebrate. I would...
March 4, 2019
Valentine’s Day has long gone and the shops are no longer awash with red and pink paraphernalia. But did you know that originally, it was the ‘Kaziuki’ tradition which popularised...
December 4, 2018
When the cold wind bites and the rain patters on the window, listen carefully for a gentle knock on the door. If you open it even just a crack, the bajka...
November 7, 2018
On Saturday 3 November I travelled to Edinburgh for a weekend of 100 year celebrations since Poland regained its independence, yet Saturday itself was all about this forgotten war hero. The...
October 26, 2018
The story of Wojtek the bear conjures up fond childhood memories of reading Lasocki's book about him at Polish Saturday School. It is a unique and remarkable tale, one I...
October 23, 2018
Separated by 6000 km, what do Poles and Indians most have in common? Pierogi and samosas perhaps? More than anything, it’s definitely an overwhelming sense of hospitality. The Polish saying ‘Gość...
October 12, 2018
Pope John Paul II was chosen as the first Polish Pope on 16 October 1978. It was for Poles I suspect, the greatest surprise of our whole lives. I barely remember...
September 21, 2018
The internet and genetic testing have truly revolutionised family history and it is astounding what you can find. Books that have rarely seen the light of day are published page...
August 24, 2018
It’s a bit like emigrating yourself, as this new museum is placed right on the water’s edge in the renovated Dworzec Morski (Maritime Station), one of the most imposing buildings...
August 6, 2018
For the last few days I’ve been in the beautiful English countryside on an obóz harcerski (scout camp). I have been on well over 30 obozy at least, a tally...
July 20, 2018
Ready for a fairytale? Or is there some truth in the legend of the three brothers, one of whom set up the Polish nation? Recently my harcerki (girl scouts) were...
June 29, 2018
Reading posts about pierogi with truskawki (strawberries) or jagody (bilberries)and other delights such as fruit soups posted recently, I have been savouring the wonders of summer produce and how somehow...
June 15, 2018
"To Moscow, to Moscow" said the sisters who languished at home, bored of their country life in Chekhov's "Three Sisters". The long days of June do seem to go on...
About This Site
Polish identity, culture, history and heritage for those of us born around the world. For more click here.
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1.Tracing Family History pre-WW2
2. Tracing Family History WW2