Poster designed by footnoteMaven!
During the month of October, which was Polish-American Heritage Month, I presented a challenge to all genea-bloggers, regardless of their ancestry, to learn more about the history and culture of Poland and write about it on their blogs. I’m happy to say that a few folks did just that! The following bloggers participated in this challenge:
Alwierz at the Polish-American Genealogy Research Blog writes about Polish genealogy every day! But specifically for this challenge, Al turned his focus on the histories of his ancestors’ hometowns in Poland. Al says, “I’ve researched and attempted to translate the histories of the area and parishes within the Kujawy area of Poland, specifically within Powiat Aleksandrow. Polish history is very rich and proud, so I had tried to translate these histories with the utmost respect. I had used two online translation tools, Google Translator and Poltran, along with my Polish – English English – Polish (Langenscheidt’s Pocket Dictionary). Any errors with any of the translations are my fault and will be corrected as they are pointed out.” His articles for this challenge are:
- Kujawy – Urban Gmina Aleksandrow-Kujawski History
- Kujawy – Powiat Aleksandrow
- Kujawy – Gmina Raciążek History
- Kujawy – Gmina Aleksandrow – Kujawski History
- Kujawy – Gmina Zakrzewo History
- Kujawy – Straszewo Parish History
- Kujawy – Siniarzewo Parish History
This was a fascinating look at the Kujawy area in Poland. Thanks, Al!
Jasia at Creative Gene also wrote a series of posts. Her series focused on the crafts of Poland. The slide shows and photographs in Jasia’s posts are beautiful, and really show the best of Polish art. Her series about her Polish art collections are:
- Polish Folk Art (Wood Carving and Wycinanki)
- Jasia’s Amber Collection
- Polish Pottery and Crystal
- Polish Christmas Ornaments
Aren’t they beautiful? Thanks, Jasia!
Next, Sheri Fenley, The Educated Genealogist, learned how to polka. Well, she tried to learn how to Polka! Who knew it would be so hard? Disappointed, but still wanting to participate in the challenge, Sheri instead offers a wonderful look at the polka in The Problem with Polka! A-one, and a-two, and a dziękuję to Sheri!
Lisa, at 100 Years in America, writes about the connections and friendship between Poland and Hungary in Two Good Friends: The Pole and the Hungarian. What a beautiful proverb! Thanks for participating, Lisa, and for your friendship!
The footnoteMaven has presented us with the fascinating life story of a little-known Pole who was quite famous in her day. Read all about Madame Helena Modjeska in Today I am an Honorary Pole! We’re grateful for this glimpse into her life, and you’re welcome to be an honorary Pole any day. In fact, in appreciation you shall be called footnoteMavenska for today! Thanks so much.
Finally, I offered a hodge-podge of various posts here at What’s Past is Prologue as follows:
- Polish Literature
- From a Far Country
- Featured Site: PolandGenWeb
- Michigan Polonia: An Interview with Ceil Jensen, CG
- Push Not the River: An Interview with James C. Martin
I hope my readers enjoyed this challenge and the wonderful posts from those that participated. Thanks to all! Or rather, to say it in Polish, dziękuję!
What's Past is Prologue 
Donner:
Thank you so much for this challenge. I really enjoyed the research into Madame Modjeska. A fascinating woman I knew nothing about.
And thank you for allowing me to be an honorary Pole!
footnoteMavenska (I do like the sound of it!)
Great job Donna! I really enjoyed participating in your challenge. I learned a great deal from all the articles and my Polish pride is now buffed, polished, and shining brightly! THANKS!
I have always wanted to visit Poland! The history and culture sound so amazing! Thanks!