This pioneering work on Polish family history is designed to provide
the American researcher with the kind of information he needs in order to
succeed in his genealogical research. Written by a national director of
the Polish Genealogical Society of America, it throws cold water on the
myth that successful Polish genealogical research is beyond the powers of
ordinary people. Mrs. Chorzempa begins with an examination of
Polish-American resources, touching first on records kept by the
Polish-American family, then veering off into a discussion of the standard
records employed in genealogical research, such as census and
naturalization records, ships' passenger lists, vital records of birth,
marriage and death, records of fraternal societies, newspapers, church
records, and military records. She treats each of these record groups in
the context of Polish-American research, setting a framework for her
discussion of the records held by the LDS Church in Salt Lake City. She
also provides a breakdown of libraries and archives with Polish
genealogical materials and a comprehensive list of Polish genealogical
societies.
The bulk of the book is focused on research in Poland, as the author
shows the reader how to find and use church and civil records; how and
where to locate research services, libraries, and archives; how to make
sense of Polish names and the naming practices of the major ethnic groups;
and how, ultimately, to deal with the Polish language. To clinch it, there
is even a letter-writing guide, a transliteration of queries and requests
to be sent to Polish churches, civil record offices, and institutions for
purposes of obtaining assistance.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"Genealogists whose research includes Polish roots will find they are
consulting this well-done reference more than once."--THE
PENNSYLVANIA GENEALOGICAL MAGAZINE, Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 273-274.
"Here is good, sound advice on both basic and specialized
genealogical research. Ms. Chorzempa writes clearly and specifically, but
with a warm touch."--FEDERATION OF GENEALOGICAL SOCIETIES FORUM,
Vol. 7, No. 2, p. 23.
"...a comprehensive research guide...Chorzempa's book fills a void
that eastern and central European researchers have long recognized, and it
would be a valuable asset to any library or personal collection."--ASSOCIATION
OF PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGISTS QUARTERLY, Vol. IX, No. 2, p. 55.
"This book is indispensable for genealogical societies, research
institutions, and government service units. Many individuals will find the
book useful both for themselves and for their children, in this era of
heightened interest in roots and old-country traditions.:--AMERICAN
REFERENCE BOOKS ANNUAL (1994).
"This is a well-written, fact-filled guide for the genealogist with
roots in Poland."--THE NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL
RECORD, Vol. 124, No. 4.
