The Polish Mission

2010-03-23T11:08:00.005-04:00

Please join the Polish Mission in Orchard Lake, Michigan as we welcome spring at our Polish Folkloric Show and Tea on Sunday, April 18. Our event features the POLANIE Song & Dance Ensemble, who will perform a Polish Folk Dance and Fashion Show. The program opens with Chopin's Polonaise A-major “Polonaise Heroique” followed by the Mazur, Krakowiak, Oberek, and Kujawiak. The dancers will explain the traditional costumes and dances from 15 different regions. The Finale will be the Marzanna - Welcoming of Spring. The drowning of the Marzanna straw figure is a traditional folk fest in Poland. The festival is a symbolic welcoming of spring and burial of winter. The ritual hails from Slavic folklore. This fundraiser tea includes Polish refreshments with kompote, a pleasant lightly-sweetened fruit drink, and pastries.
Poster and Order Form

Thank you, PGSM!

2010-03-21T14:32:00.001-04:00

The Polish Mission wishes to thank the Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan for their generous contribution of the following titles to the Polish Mission’s genealogical collection:

Roman Catholic Parishes 1984, L. Mullerowa
Polish Roots, Rosemary Chorzempa
Morbus -- Why and How Our Ancestors Died, Rosemary Chorzempa
Parisville Poles, Masspac
The Latin Church in the Polish Commonwealth in 1772, Stanislaw Litak
Polish Parish Records of the Roman Catholic Church, Their Use and Understanding in Genealogical Research, George Ortell
Following the Paper Trail: A Multilingual Translation Guide, Jonathan D. Shea and William F. Hoffman
Obituary Index Chicago 1900-1909
Obituary Index Chicago 1910-1919
Obituary Index Chicago 1920-1929 A-L
Obituary Index Chicago 1920-1929 M-Z
Obituary Index Jednosc
First Names of the Polish Commonwealth: Origins & Meanings, William F. Hoffman and George W. Helon
Polish Surnames: Origins and Meanings, Second Edition, by William F. Hoffman.
Register of Vital Records of Roman Catholic Parishes from the Region Beyond the Bug River

and journals from the following Polish Genealogical societies:
The Polish Genealogical Society of New Zealand (2008, 2009)
Polish Genealogical Society of Connecticut and the Northeast, Inc. (2008, 2009)
The Polish Genealogical Society of Massachusetts (2008, 2009)
The Polish Genealogical Society of New York State (2008, 2009)
Polish Genealogical Society of Texas (2008, 2009)
Polish Genealogical Society of Greater Cleveland

Ancestry Magazine features MI DPs

2010-03-18T14:02:00.002-04:00

Ancestry Magazine shares the PGSM VP's article on Displaced Persons in their March /April issue. Please see pp.30-33.
This downloadable feature (pdf) from the March/April 2010 issue of Ancestry Magazine follows three projects that showcase how genealogy is being used to expand on textbook history. By focusing on families who were there when history happened, our trio of modern-day researchers is uncovering stories of the everyday that give us all a better understanding of how lives and history intertwine.
http://www.ancestrymagazine.com/2010/03/genealogy/what-a-project

The Polish Mission: Displaced Persons Article

2010-03-18T12:29:00.000-04:00

The Polish Mission: Displaced Persons Article

Displaced Persons Article

2010-03-18T12:25:00.002-04:00

Ancestry Magazine shares my article on Displaced Persons in their March /April issue.
Please see pp.30-33.

This downloadable feature (pdf) from the March/April 2010 issue of Ancestry Magazine follows three projects that showcase how genealogy is being used to expand on textbook history. By focusing on families who were there when history happened, our trio of modern-day researchers is uncovering stories of the everyday that give us all a better understanding of how lives and history intertwine.

What a Project!

2010-03-18T12:24:00.000-04:00

What a Project!

PGSM at the Polish Mission

2010-01-31T15:44:00.001-05:00

10 June - Last Journal Entry - Aboard LOT Flight 1

2009-07-03T23:15:00.016-04:00

We went to Poland with a lot of recent Orchard Lake baggage including naysayers and some concern and apprehension of how we might be received. Would anyone be interested? Who would want to partner with The Polish Mission? Arriving at the beginning of strawberry season and stopping a several roadside stands to purchase the fresh berries, put in a better frame of mind. We left Poland as the cherries were coming into season which seemed to be a harbinger of success for The Polish Mission visit.

Now we know we presented Orchard Lake,The Polish Mission,Michigan Polonia,and ourselves to top government officials and explained the situation so well that we can say that each host greeted us as a fresh and enthusiastic new voice of Polonia. They said they have been waiting for a team with creativity,honesty,and a strong program. We pray that Fr. Dąbrowski is be proud of our efforts to bring his beliefs of Polish heritage, American citizenship, and faith into the 21st century.

As we met with a broad spectrum of leaders: Poland’s First Lady, university professors, ministers of culture and foreign affairs, church leaders, national museums directors, villagers, families and friends, we were treated with professionalism and respect. Each official indicated a place where they can fit into our program. As we prepare for 100th year of the campus and 125 years of the seminary we take Fr. Dąbrowski’s vision and these connections to advance his focus of Polish, American and Catholic culture. The ministers thanked Chancellor Whalen for sending a well prepared and professional team.

The meetings would not have happened without private advocates in the church, communities, and government. Ceil Wendt Jensen and Marcin Chumiecki’s months of preparation and grant writing resulted in this favorable reception and support for The Polish Mission’s programs. These partnerships will allow them to bring a new level of content and professionalism to The Polish Mission.

The team would like to thank the Executive Committee of Msgr. Charles Kosanke,Rev. James K. Mazurek, James Glowacki, and Chancellor Rev. Timothy F. Whalen for their support. It was encouraging to meet with Karen Majewski’s academic circle in Poland as they expressed their admiration for her scholastic work in the past and look forward to working with her in her new capacity as The Polish Mission's Archivist. Fr. Stanislaw Flis,the Liturgical Center director, is already taking an advanced program in Poland to expand his work. The Polish Mission is a team, composed of Karen Majewski, Cecile Wendt Jensen and Fr. Flis, under the management of Marcin Chumiecki who is guiding The Polish Mission in the 21st century. Marcin was proud to use his Polish advocates to promote such a professional team of dedicated people.

9 June - Artur Kozlowski, Senate leader and Director

2009-07-03T22:56:00.008-04:00

We were honored to meet with Artur Kozlowski, Senate leader and Director of the Polonia Office in the Senate Chancellery who manages the largest budget of Polonia. The poster on his wall was a good omen of the cordial meeting. He asked for an overview of the Fr.Nir situation sensing we would give him the full and true story.
We discussed the strikes currently erupted in Polish schools in Poland. He spoke about possible Polish government support and asked questions about updating and revamping the Fr. Dąbrowski School curriculum which would award a certificate via the Polish Ministry of Education.
He gave us a copy of the Polish Senate’s resolutions in regard to Polonia for 2009-2011. He encouraged us to submit a plan that demonstrates our capacity to help them deliver their goals. He suggested that we were already on the path to programs with them.

9 June - Government Complex

2009-07-03T22:49:00.004-04:00

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The final day of visits began with a security check and a stop to obtain documents to enter the government buildings and offices. We presented the Minister of Foreign Affairs with a letter of introduction from Chancellor Whalen. They asked personal questions regarding our backgrounds using the materials his staff had researched. We were verified and passed the high level government security as legitimate representatives of Polonia.
We first met with his assistant and explained the status of The Polish Mission. The Minister asked in particular for a written statement of our programs and ideas on how his office could participate in our 1 September 1939 event after Ceil presented the Michigan Humanities Council Grant. He was interested since it would be one government working with another. The Michigan Humanities Council is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
He asked for a full description and expresses his willingness of participation. He represents the Polish Foreign Office and usually works via his offices in the Embassy in the US and consulate. When he receives a written invitation via the Washington office, he will send a representative to the Orchard Lake campus to explore future programs and collaboration.
Marcin presented the campus location as a destination for Polish and North American government meetings citing our proximity to an international airport, the Canadian border, and Midwestern Polish communities.

8 June - Muzeum Wojska Polskiego

2009-07-03T22:15:00.005-04:00

Military Museum
Walked via Nowy Świat to the Military Museum to meet with Prof. dr hab. Janusz Cisek. As we waited for him we noted that a Communist era security aid was still being used - each door was secured with sealing wax and string (we noted that the Senate used plastic tethers coded with digital chips).
We found we have a common project with Dr.Cisek- oral histories of the Children in Exile. We explained our oral history project funded by the Michigan Humanities Grant which guidance from Dr. William Smith of the Walter Reuther Library at Wayne State University.
Dr.Cisek offered to send several military exhibits that have been well received in Poland.
He presented us with a signed copy of his book and copies of "Golden Eagle, Silver Eagle" the story of U.S. and Polish collaboration during World War II.
Afterward, Marcin met for a late dinner with the representative of the Ministry of Culture to report the success of the day’s visits.

8 June - Muzeum Historii Polski

2009-07-03T21:04:00.011-04:00

Monday was the highly anticipated visit with the assistant director of the Muzeum Historii Polski / Museum of Polish History Dariusz Barański and Małgorzata Żaryn, education director. Theirs is a relatively new museum,established by the Ministry for Culture and National Heritage on May 2, 2006. They are currently holding a competition for the design of the building itself.
It could not have been a better time to meet. At first they were speechless, but not due to lack of interest, but because we exceeded their ideal partner profile.They had been brainstorming about their North American programs. We received copies of their pamphlets, booklets and discussed the possibilities of programs, camps,and educational outreach.
We look forward to working with them on projects such as their current “Families Separated by War”.

7 June - European Union Parliament election

2009-07-03T20:51:00.004-04:00

Sunday was also the election of Polish representatives to the European Union parliament. There was a campaign on TV leading up to the election featuring animated wycinanki and a competition to be known as the Navel of the European Union .
The results of the election were interesting. Those living in Poland voted for the coalition government of PO and PSL while the stateside Polonia voted heavily in favor of PIS.

http://www.7czerwca.org.pl/pliki/materialy/37_EUROPARLAMENT_30_EMIS_podmiana_FINAL.mpg

7 June - First Communion

2009-07-03T18:31:00.008-04:00

Marcin began to take photos and Klaudia’s father brought his prized horse with colt out of the barn for the photo session. He also invited Marcin back at 6pm to milk the cows to see if he’d lost his touch. The barn was filled with cats, calves, and pigs all trying to get some of the cow’s milk. After the milking everyone was invited back into the farmhouse of bigos and vodka.

The evening entertainment was dancing outside to music from the car radios. Many of the wives were the designated drivers since Poland had a strict law regarding DUI. Their husbands enjoyed the red and white wine on the tables as well as the moonshine and homemade wine that flowed freely.

7 June - First Communion

2009-07-03T18:12:00.014-04:00

On Sunday we participated in a village celebration which many Polish - Americans hope to experience. We were the guests of the Pakulas who own a summer house in the village - the cozy structure is over 100 years old.

We attended Klaudia's First Communion celebration and joined the family and neighbors in a feast. The tables were laden with a variety of homemade meats that were prepared from their pig which was slaughtered for the feast. A side table featured freshly smoked sausages, several types of bacon, kiszka, liver sausage, head cheese, smoked lard, and smalec. There were also several bottles of homemade vodka ready for the diners. Additional offerings included pork loin with kluski śląskie and kopytka and fresh hams. Oh yes, and home made cakes and pastries!

This event differed from the recent First Communion party for Marcin's daughter in early May with 10 people at Orchard Lake Schools,it brought back memories for Ceil of her First Communion party. It was attended by her parents, brothers, sisters, twenty five cousins, eight aunts and four uncles held in Detroit in the 1950s.

6 June Wedding

2009-07-03T18:01:00.003-04:00

We stopped in a historic church while a wedding was taking place. A parishioner whispered that the lights were going to come on soon. Indeed, a unique feature amazed us: colored lights in orange, violet and chartreuse illuminated the side altars and shrines.

6 June Fundacji Polonia Banquet

2009-07-03T17:06:00.010-04:00

We excused ourselves from the 30th anniversary event and rejoined the first day of the Fundacji Polonia congress. The banquet was held at the historic hall next to the president's residence.
The meal was prepared by the Culinary Institute and featured Polish wild meats such as horse sausage, pheasant, pate of boar and venison.
Other Polish foods included smalec, both pickled and creamed herring, and dumplings. The chefs in their torques (and one in a cowboy hat) served the meal and directed guests to a separate vodka bar with freshly squeezed fruit juices.
The entertainment was provided by the president’s military band. It was a great way to end the day and resume our casual discussions with the officials we met earlier.

6 June 30th Anniversary

2009-07-03T16:50:00.006-04:00

The city of Warsaw was celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s first visit to Poland as pontiff at a park near the congress. The nine-metre white granite cross stands on the site where John Paul delivered a mass in 1979 in then-Communist Poland. An outdoor Mass was held and the cross was blessed. Bishop Tadeusz Rakoczy of Bielsko-Biała sent Marcin a special invitation to join the delegation while in Warsaw.

6 June - Krzysztof Pietraszkiewicz

2009-07-03T16:39:00.006-04:00

Krzysztof Pietraszkiewicz, President, Poland Bank Association discussed ways to promote Poland using the unique channels via The Polish Mission and the exclusive location in Oakland County, Michigan.
We also spoke with Katarzyna Sobierajska, the Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Poland, about our “Come Home, Polonia” programs. She asked for the printed presentation and suggested ways to work with their office in the United States. The Polish American Congress rep was busy with contacts as well. We met with the Polonian representatives from Sweden, Portugal, Brazil, Russia and Israel. Marcin was received as a new leader of US Polonia.

6 June Meeting with Waldemar Pawlak

2009-07-03T16:08:00.016-04:00

The Polish Mission and Michigan Polonia LLC discussed their mission statements with the Vice Premiere of Poland and Ministry of Economic Development Waldemar Pawlak, Eugeniusz Grzeszczak Secretary and Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Zygmunt Broniarek, former White House Correspondent 1960-1967 and 1985-1990.

6 June Fundacji Polonia - Warsaw

2009-07-03T16:01:00.005-04:00

XIII Conference “Prosperity for Poland”
We were the invited guests of the Fundacji Polonia president Martyna Lisiecka-Klinz and had a personal liaison assigned to us. He is a recent university graduate beginning his political career.Before the conference started we scheduled several meetings where the Polish Mission and Michigan Polonia LLC materials were presented and suggested ways in which they can use our channels.

5 June Old Town

2009-07-03T15:37:00.006-04:00

The day ended with a tour of Warsaw's Old Town as guests of Andrzej Pakula, an international business man who works with US businesses. We visited a new Jazz Club after our visit to St. John's Cathedral (Katedra św. Jana) and the tomb of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński. The pastor helped set the lights so Marcin could take photos of the ex-votos (votive offerings)at the side altar and suggested we take a handful of paper slips which had “thoughts” of the Cardinal written on them and share them with the seminarians.

5 June Warsaw

2009-07-03T15:24:00.004-04:00

The National Archives of Poland
We met again with Burse, in charge of relations outside of Poland. She reviewed the complexity of the archival system in Poland and was interested in continuing cooperation. She mentioned that the project headed by Montreal resident Stanley Diamond was being renegotiated. Known as JRI Poland the indexing project raises funds from interested researchers and funds the indexing of Jewish archival holdings. The Index can be found online at: http://www.jewishgen.org/jri-pl/
The Polish Mission and Michigan Polonia hope to establish a similar program for records of interest in the Polish regional archives. Using the online catalog tools SEZAM and PRADZIAD one finds that only 20 percent of Catholic records are held by the National Archives.

4 June - 20th anniversary

2009-07-03T15:09:00.003-04:00

The 20th anniversary of Solidarity was celebrated in the town square and national television stations covered the events all day long. There were camera crews in Kraków where the POL party and government officials welcomed European Union officials to the celebration. Later in the day, the delegation traveled to Gdańsk to join President Kaczyński in an evening celebration. Luminaries, of course, included Lech Wałęsa. Here is Tomasz Sarnecki's famous Solidarity poster "W samo południe 4 czerwca 1989" (High Noon June 4th 1989). Gary Cooper, the sheriff from the poster, carries a ballot paper instead of a gun - a symbol of a peaceful revolution and wears a Solidarity logo above his sheriff's badge.

1 June Bielsko-Biała

2009-07-03T13:57:00.006-04:00

We also visited the Development Director of Bielsko Biała to thank Yola who was instrumental in setting up the visits for The Polish Mission and Michigan Polonia.

1 June Bielsko-Biała

2009-07-03T13:43:00.003-04:00

The next day was filled with visits in Bielsko-Biała. The team visited with Bishop Tadeusz Rakoczy who informed us that a digitization project is underway for the diocese records and an index will be created. He said the index could be shared with The Polish Mission to help researchers pin point their ancestral parishes.
When the Bishop found out that Marcin’s daughter had made her First Communion in May, he presented him with a white rosary. It was in a small case with the insignia of Pope John Paul II and had been blessed by the pontiff. The cross was a small miniature of the cross of Pope John Paul II’s crosier.

International Memorial

2009-07-03T13:30:00.005-04:00

The Memorial of Auschwitz-Birkenau had 20 commemorative flagstones in 20 different languages including tablets inscribed in English, Slovenian, Belorussian, Czech, German, French, Greek, Hebrew, Croatian, Italian, Yiddish, Hungarian, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, and Roma. The inscription reads:

For ever let this place be
A cry of Despair
And a warning to humanity
About one and a half million
Men, women, and children,
Mainly Jews
From various counties
Of Europe
Auschwitz-Birkenau
1940-1945

31 May - Auschwitz II-Birkenau

2009-07-03T13:07:00.011-04:00

We first visited the area of the Theresienstandt Family Camp and the quarantine area. We peered into the gates of the prison in a prison set up for potential escapees and political opponents all who would only survive for two weeks in the double security brick compound. Each area had small tributes left by visitors. The train tracks had floral tributes and wreaths made of pine cones which represented the surrounding forest. Ribbons woven into the tributes had messages written in Italian, Hungarian, Russian, and Polish. This reflected just some of the nations and languages of those murdered at Auschwitz.

31 May - Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau

2009-07-03T12:46:00.008-04:00

We returned to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau at 3:00 am to begin the second stage of the Auschwitz series.
Chumiecki brought his three specialized cameras including a Nikon fitted with an Infra Red lens. His goal was to capture dawn, symbolizing the new era that came after World War II.
The theme was reinforced by the sights and sounds of nature! The rainy, damp morning was greeted by a chorus of crickets, cuckoos,and chirping birds masked in the haze. We were escorted by the night guard who unlocked buildings, grounds, and towers for us.
Each turn of the road found red fox passing under the barbed wire, red deer darting across the fields, and a lone stork. The most impressive and symbolic sight was the flock of white seagulls on the roads that flank the railway tracks which brought the inmates to the camp. As we approached the gulls took off in flight, like the souls of those murdered at Birkenau.

Auchwitz Museum Security Chief Józef Góra

2009-07-01T01:00:00.002-04:00

The access to the proper departments and staff was arranged by Security Chief Józef Góra. He arranged for early entry to the grounds which are closed to visitors from 7:00pm- 8:00am. Góra also arranged appointments with Szymon Kowalski, Deputy Head of the Archives, Igor Bartosik PhD, Director of the Collections Department and Art Historian Agnieszka Sieradzka.

Survivor art work

2009-07-01T00:54:00.003-04:00

The 1 September 1939 Commemoration on the campus of Orchard Lake will include exhibits of two Catholic Auschwitz survivors Jan Komski and Adam Grochowski. Dr. Cywiński was well acquainted with Komski’s work. They received a large collection of his work in 2006. An exhibition was held shortly thereafter. The Barracks visited included offices in barrack 25, The storehouse in Barrack 23 and the former hospital currently closed to visitors in Barrack 28.

Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau

2009-07-01T00:41:00.004-04:00

Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau
Dr. Piotr M. A. Cywiński, Director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum

The Polish Mission Director arranged a meeting with the Director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, Dr. Piotr M. A. Cywiński.
Marcin Chumiecki presented Dr. Cywiński with a limited edition book comprised of images Chumiecki created in 2007 during a night shoot at Auschwitz. The Director gave Chumiecki permission to return at dawn to shoot the second part of the photo series.
The meeting included the presentation of the history and holding of The Polish Mission and Orchard Lake Schools. The focus of the discussion was the World War II museums on campus and the 1 September 1939 Commemoration funded by the Michigan Humanities Council.
Ceil Wendt Jensen, grant writer and educator, outlined the curriculum she will develop and share with classroom teachers as part of the grant work. Chumiecki extended an invitation to visit the campus of Orchard Lake. It was accepted by Dr. Cywiński.

30 May - Kraków

2009-07-01T00:35:00.003-04:00

The last visit in Kraków was with the Director of the State Archives. Cecile presented her with a copy of “Detroit’s Polonia” and Marcin presented the history of Orchard Lake and The Polish Mission. The Archivist visited the Orchard Lake campus in the early 1980s and would like to visit again. She was impressed with the plans for the archives, galeria and museums. She pledged her support to help in any way she can and looks forward to an announcement from her director detailing the scope of participation.

29 May - Kraków

2009-07-01T00:26:00.002-04:00

The only downside of the day was that the rain took down the free WI-FI signal for the Rynek (Market Square). The rain did provide a perfect back drop for evening photos.

29 May - Biblioteka Jagiellonska (The Jagiellonian Library)

2009-07-01T00:19:00.003-04:00

The Polish Mission Director Marcin Chumiecki and Cecile Wendt Jensen of Michigan Polonia LLC met with Professor Zdzisław Pietrzyk, Director of the Jagiellonian University Biblioteka Jagiellonska (The Jagiellonian Library) on 29 May 2009. Although his mentor’s funeral was scheduled for noon, he made time to meet with The Polish Mission. We were warmly greeted and after a few pleasantries Cecile presented him with a copy of her book “Detroit’s Polonia”. Professor Pietrzyk asked her to sign her book because after fifteen years of working with manuscripts he values a book with the handwritten signature of the author. It will become part of the Jagiellonian Library Collection.
Professor Pietrzyk developed a rough draft of a plan that includes a grant proposal. Marcin Chumiecki will present this information to Chancellor Whalen for consideration by the Executive Council. Director Chumiecki extended an invitation to visit the campus of Orchard Lake and Professor Pietrzyk accepted and set a tentative date in August, 2009.

27 May - UJ. Jagiellonian University, Krakow

2009-07-01T00:15:00.003-04:00

After the long and exhausting session we were given a walking tour of the Jagiellonian University campus. We walked over the 13th century cobblestones and passed the oldest building on campus, The Collegium Maius. We stopped for a photo in front of the Collegium Novum. We ended our tour at the Jagiellonian University Guest House situated at ul. Floriańska. It was a great location, only a few blocks away from Krakow's most splendid monuments,the Florian Gate with the Barbican on one side and the Market Square on the other.

27 May - UJ. Jagiellonian University, Krakow

2009-07-01T00:11:00.001-04:00

Cecile Jensen MA, spoke of the dual role of the Polonica Americana Research Institute, a new department of The Polish Mission, which offers professional genealogical services to family researchers and CEU for K-12 teachers based on the campus holdings. Immediately after the two hour presentation the professors began to offer plans and their expertise to help The Polish Mission. It was an overwhelming and positive response from this esteemed academic group. Professor Pietrzyk, Director of the Jagiellonian Library, invited Marcin Chumiecki and Cecile Wendt Jensen to his office the next day to discuss ways in which his department can become involved.

27 May - UJ. Jagiellonian University, Krakow

2009-07-01T00:06:00.004-04:00

This has been a hectic but productive trip. The Krakow visit was a success. The Jagiellonian University professors gathered to hear about The Polish Mission.
The professors congratulated Father Timothy Whalen and the Board of Regents for establishing The Polish Mission, beginning a new era for the campus of Orchard Lake. Several of the professors sent their regards to Karen Majewska PhD while several more spoke of their attempts to access the Orchard Lake archives for their doctoral studies.
Director Chumiecki gave a general overview of the situation, condition, and holdings of the archives, Galeria, and museums and the plan for the future.

26 May - Iwona Purzycka, Director, Museum of Bielsko-Biała

2009-06-30T23:58:00.004-04:00

The last scheduled meeting was with the Iwona Purzycka, Director of the Museum of Bielsko-Biała and related scholars. The three hour meeting began with Marcin Chumiecki reviewing the Polish Mission presentation and showcasing the holdings of the Galeria and Museums. Ceil shared the need for Americans in general, and Polish descendants in particular, to learn the past and current history of Poland and understand the Polish influence in the U.S.
We met the director who is skilled at reading the Gothic church records. He enjoys genealogical research when he is not working on his professional assignments.

26 May - Bielsko-Biała

2009-06-30T23:47:00.006-04:00

We visited the Bielsko-Biała town square and browsed several antique galleries discussing the current interest in artifacts and archival documents including manuscripts and rare books. We talked about the frequency such items appear in the Polish market. Pictured here Marcin Chumiecki, Director of the Polish Mission, and the shop owner.

26 May - Evangelical Parish of the Church of the Savior

2009-06-30T23:35:00.003-04:00

Our next appointment was with the archbishop of the diocese of the Evangelical-Augsburg Church. His office is located at Martin Luther Square, comprising the Evangelical Parish of the Church of the Savior, presbytery, “Augustana” publishing house and two schools. A bronze statue of Martin Luther stands in the center of the square and is the only statue of this theologian and reformer in Poland. During our interview the Archbishop mentioned the records are hard to read and they too rely on the local scholar to transcribe the records. He had a map that showed the past and present boundaries for the Evangelical parishes thought out Poland.

26 May - Parafia Św. Mikołaja, Bielsko-Biała

2009-06-30T23:24:00.005-04:00

We visited Parafia Św. Mikołaja, St. Nicolaus Cathedral in Św. Mikołaja Plac [St. Nicolaus Square] – a 15th century Gothic church, last rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century. Once an Evangelical church it holds six centuries of birth, marriage, and death records in bound volumes. The records from the 1500s are narrow books protected by archival covers. There are bound indices to help find entries in the records. There is a notation that the death records from 1890-1945 are held at the USC. The records room was supervised by a Sister of the teaching order of Notre Dame. She told us members of her convent teach in New Baltimore, Michigan! Sister gave us the name of the local expert who can read the Gothic script in both the Catholic and Evangelical records prior to 1900. He is sought out by professors in the region due to his skill and finesse in reading and transcribing the old hand writing and language.

May 26 Mother’s Day in Poland

2009-06-30T23:05:00.002-04:00

Fr. Josef is a history buff and has found old tombstones and ironwork that once marked graves in the old cemetery that surrounded the church. He has positioned the pillars, sculptures and stones on the church grounds. Marcin is pictured here taking photos of the grave art.

May 26 Mother’s Day in Poland

2009-06-30T22:48:00.003-04:00

May 26th was also Mother’s Day in Poland.

It is celebrated by school children who have special events for their mothers at school with planned programs, theater presentations with kids as actors,and handmade cards. The day would not be complete without special foods including cakes and singing Sto Lat for the Moms.
We visited with Fr. Josef at the parish of Holy Trinity Church on Sobieskiego St. – erected at the beginning of the 17th century in late Gothic style as the first new Protestant place of worship. The street's name derives from the fact that Jan Sobieski passed this way before the battle of Vienna. It was taken over by the Catholics during the Counter Reformation.
The parish school specialized in Polish-English instruction. We were surrounded by children during their recess and they tried out their Hello, My name is,and What is your name? phrases. One wonders if the “devil signs” held over the other student's head (in the photo) is an English import or a home grown prank.

25 May - Jewish Cemetery

2009-06-30T22:38:00.008-04:00

The team also visited the historic Jewish cemetery founded in 1849 which is still extant. The latest burials were in 2003 and 2008. The Jewish cemetery in Biała was closed in the 1960s. The Bielsko cemetery is on Cieszyńska ul. The graves are marked with stone and iron, while one is adorned with a Communist hammer and sickle.

25 May - Cemetery of Świętego Mikołaja

2009-06-30T22:22:00.003-04:00

We visited with the sexton of the cemetery of Świętego Mikołaja, the oldest Catholic cemetery in Bielsko-Biała. He shared books, site plans, and maps and looked up documents for our case study. The sexton is writing the history of the cemetery which opened in the 1880s. As families periodically come in to make payments for the term graves, he solicits materials, family stories, and pictures for inclusion in the forthcoming book. He currently has two thick binders of documentation showing the history and families associated with the cemetery. Families have shared original prints of wakes, family portraits, and documents. Michigan Polonia will collaborate with him by putting out a nationwide call for additional contributions.

25 May: Bielsko-Biała - Urząd Stanu Cywilnego

2009-06-30T22:14:00.001-04:00

The team traveled to Bielsko-Biała which is the base for the stay in Poland.

Our first visit with the Civil Records Office (in Polish, "Urząd Stanu Cywilnego", abbreviated "USC") obtaining an agreement with the Director to expedite requests of individual records and /or complete family records. She also developed a Finding Aid for us to identify the USC for regional villages.

Genealogy Seminars

2009-06-27T22:54:00.007-04:00

Szczyrk will be the genealogy conference center for instruction and relaxation, the first phase of the seminar, followed with research in the Archives in Krakow and pre-arranged visits to individual parishes. The drive from Szczyrk to Krakow will take several days with stops at important sites such as the Auschwitz Museum (Oświęcim), the hometown of Pope John Paul II in Wadowice, the pilgrimage site of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, and additional visits to historic roadside parishes such as Św. Erazma founded in 1327. Researchers will have an opportunity to photograph unique small roadside shrines devoted to Mary.

24 May 2009 - Matki Boskiej w Sanktuarium

2009-06-27T22:29:00.004-04:00

The hotels in Szczyrk are near the shrine Matki Boskiej w Sanktuarium created to commemorate the 24 July 1894 appearance of Mary before three local women. The stone shrine on the edge of the hill has a striking similarity to the grotto on the campus of Orchard Lake.

A new crown for the statue was sent to the Vatican and blessed by Pope Benedict XVI, was blessed by Pope Benedict for the statue of Mary. Fr. Marek Dąbek, the custodian of the Shrine, explained that through the act of blessing the crown, the church authority validates what happened here in 1894.

23 May 2009 - Bielsko-Biała, visit to Szczyrk

2009-06-27T21:46:00.017-04:00

The team traveled to Bielsko-Biała which became the base for our stay in Poland.

We visited several resorts in the nearby ski town of Szczyrk to discuss the possibility of the Polonica Americana Research Institute and Michigan Polonia holding genealogy seminars and conferences featuring local experts from Bielsko-Biała and Krakow.
We were guests of the owner of Orle Gniazdo (Eagle's Nest) in picturesque Szczyrk and attended an outdoor party,complete with grilled kiszka, kabobs,a blazing bonfire,and a talented Highlander band.

22 May 2009 - Grób Nieznanego Żołnierza

2009-06-27T21:39:00.004-04:00

The current economic crisis extends to Poland and makes it extremely hard to ask anyone for financial help. But by the end of our meeting the advisors asked us to present a concrete business plan for the next three years for Orchard Lake Schools. They want to know how they can be involved and offer support and services. A second meeting is scheduled for June 9th where Chumiecki will present the strategy.

After the meeting Martin Chumiecki and Cecile Wendt Jensen visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Grób Nieznanego Żołnierza), a monument dedicated to the unknown soldiers who gave their lives for Poland. It is one of many such national tombs of unknowns erected after World War I.
A candle was lit in memory of all veterans.

22 May 2009 - Ministerstwo Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego

2009-06-27T21:22:00.006-04:00

On Friday May 22 we met with a group of advisers to the Ministry of Culture and Director of National Heritage (Ministerstwo Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego). Also present was the Deputy Director of the Biblioteka Narodowa Dr. Joanna Psztalaniec-Jarzynska.
The three hour meeting began with The Polish Mission Director Marcin Chumiecki presenting the history of Orchard Lake and the responsibilities of The Polish Mission. He covered the archives, galeria, and museums. He mentioned that he was thankful for the opportunity to represent Orchard Lake and that all official letters and agreements will be exchanged between Chancellor Whalen and the Ministers.
Cecile Wendt Jensen, director of the Polonica Americana Research Institute, presented a copy of her book "Detroit's Polonia" and spoke of the grant she obtained for The Polish Mission from the Michigan Humanities Council of Michigan ( the state funding agent for the National Endowment for the Humanities).
The grant will provide funding for two campus events: Commemorating 1 September 1939 and Celebration SS Cyril and Methodius Seminary 1909-2009. Jensen also provided a copy of her book "Sto Lat: A Modern Guide to Polish Genealogy” published by Michigan Polonia LLC which outlines the process American researchers follow in documenting their Polish heritage. There was also a discussion regarding indexing civil records.

21 May 2009 The Polish Mission Visits Poland

2009-06-27T20:34:00.009-04:00

21 May began the first official visit of The Polish Mission of Orchard Lake and Michigan Polonia LLC, representing United States Polonia to the top government, universities, and museums, archives officials of Poland.
At 5:45pm we arrived for a private meeting with Poland’s First Lady Maria Kaczyński in Łazienki Królewskie Museum and gave her The Polish Mission presentation and extended an invitation to visit Orchard Lake in 2010 for the 125 Anniversary of SS Cyril and Methodius Seminary.
She said she was leaving for Tel Aviv the next morning, but would like to schedule a follow up meeting in early June. After the meeting we attend a gala.
Throughout our busy schedule in Warsaw, Krakow, and Bielsko-Biala the official letters from Chancellor Timothy Whalen were presented to the Ministry of Culture, Foreign Affairs, and the Head of the National Archives. We met with the president of the Holocaust Survivors Foundation when we present the photo album from Auschwitz and discussed future cooperation and start discussions between our communities. The names and emails of the visits are available upon request.

Next PARI Open House 3 May 2009

2009-04-06T20:18:00.001-04:00

If you missed out on Sunday’s Open House, please mark 3 May (Sunday) for your visit. The campus will be active with celebrations in honor of Poland’s 3 May Constitution Day. PARI guests will be greeted by our own Góralka Michelle Chumięcka, dressed in regional costume and offering Polish candies. Researchers, please bring your ancestral questions and documents that need translation. We will have volunteers on hand to help. Access will be provided free of charge for online databases from both North America and Poland. A schedule of the 3 May events will be posted on the new Polish Mission website: http://polishmission.com/.

5 April 2009 First PARI Open House

2009-04-06T20:14:00.003-04:00

Subject: Open House for the Polonica Americana Research Institute (PARI)
3535 Indian Trail
Orchard Lake, Michigan

On Sunday 5 April The Polish Mission held the first Open House for the Polonica Americana Research Institute (PARI) . Guests were greeted by Betty and Joe Guziak, respected founders of the Polish Genealogical Society of America (Chicago), and The Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan. They also distributed the PARI survey which allowed researchers to respond and request forthcoming programs. Also helping with the opening was Dr. Hal Learman who, when away from his practice, helps researchers at the Family Research Center in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Guests received the list of names of the 106 Polish figures represented in the Panorama and their significance. The room was active with the moving figures of the Panorama, the “how to” PowerPoint showing the steps to research and document family in the United States and Poland, and visitors browsing the large library of research materials.

Visitors were not limited to family researchers.

Chancellor Timothy Whalen stopped in carrying palms distributed during Palm Sunday Mass, as well as Richard A. Walawender J.D., member of the Orchard Lake Board of Regents, and newly appointed head of The Polish Mission Board of Directors. Walawender is a Senior Principal at the law firm Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, PLC, an international firm with global offices including Poland. Their homepage states “With a global presence and clients and connections around the world, we ask the right questions, know the right resources, and create the right legal strategy for you.” He co-founded the firm’s Polish partnership in 1991 and served as the lead attorney on the first corporate commercial paper issuance of a U.S. company in Eastern Europe, as well as on the establishment and capitalization of Solidarity Bank, one of the first private commercial banks in Poland.

He is enthusiastic about the launch of PARI and looks forward to inviting second, third, and fourth generation Polish Americans to campus to connect with their Polish heritage. Rick and Ceil Wendt Jensen, MA,CG, PARI director, discovered they have relatives in neighboring villages in the area of Tczew, Pomorskie, Poland.

Our international visitors included the artist Jan Siuta and his sister, noted art professor Maria Siuta of Krakow, accompanied by art collector Halina Malinski. Kasia Aldin, local artist , arrived with her husband and children to become familiar with the resources available at PARI.

If you missed out on Sunday’s Open House, please mark 3 May (Sunday) for your visit. The campus will be active with celebrations in honor of Poland’s 3 May Constitution Day. PARI guests will be greeted by our own Góralka Michelle Chumięcka, dressed in regional costume and offering Polish candies. Researchers, please bring your ancestral questions and documents that need translation. We will have volunteers on hand to help. Access will be provided free of charge for online databases from both North America and Poland. A schedule of the 3 May events will be posted on the new Polish Mission website: http://polishmission.com/.

Polonica Americana Research Institute Open House

2009-03-30T16:07:00.003-04:00

This Sunday 5 April 2009 we are holding an Open House for the Polonica Americana Research Institute.
Open from 11am to 4pm we are located on the OLS campus in the Activities Building.
You will find us in the Panorama Room.
http://mipolonia.net/pari.html

Please take the PARI survey

2009-03-23T15:15:00.001-04:00

The Polonica Americana Research Institute (PARI) is a new department of The Polish Mission on the historic campus of St. Mary's of Orchard Lake, Michigan.
We are developing classes, seminars, and workshops for family historians.
While Polish is our specialty, we are planning sessions for genealogists in general, as well.
Please give us feed back on our tentative topics.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=PyEfGzM27gTTavwaSGXTRA_3d_3d

Archive, Library, and Museum of the Association of Former Political Prisoners of World War II

2009-03-22T20:45:00.000-04:00

The Archive, Library, and Museum of the Association of Former Political Prisoners of German and Soviet Concentration Camps was opened on December 2, 1990. The archives contains documents of actions undertaken by the Association in order to help all former prisoners of German and Soviet camps obtain legal status. In additional to appeals, it has the correspondence to different political figures in various countries regarding the status of war prisoners.

Personal documents are complete in this section.
Collections in the Library consist of literature pertaining to the history of particular camps at Brzezinka, Majdanek, Dachau, Gross-Rosen, Oswiecim, Ravensbrück, and Sachsenhausen. There are also complete sets o periodicals s, such as Zeszytach Oświęcimskich an alphabetical listing of c. 900 Auschwitz prisoners whose names appear in the books of the 'karnej kompanii,' the 'punishment company' and Przeglad Lekarski (Medical Review).

The Museum contains enormous artworks illustrated the martyrdom of prisoners and their tragic life. Original photographs which were taken in various concentration camps set a dramatic scene. A showcase contains samples of ground from Oświęcim, camp wire, and prison uniforms. A large tapestry of St. Maxmillian Maria Kolbe, prisoner and martyr of Oświęcim, hangs on one of the walls along with maps of Nazi concentration camps on Poland, Germany, and other occupied terrorizes. These collections have an enormous educational significance for the younger generations.

Archive, Library, and Museum of the Polish Air Force

2009-03-22T20:41:00.001-04:00

The Archive, Library, and Museum of the Polish Air Force was opened on September 1, 1990, on the occasion of the 18th World Congress of the Polish Air Force in Detroit. This collection is composed of reports and minutes of air force groups. Personal folders are filled with identification cards, photographs, and various documents. Museum objects are located in showcases.

The walls of the Museum are filled with original air force uniforms, distinctions, coats of arms, caps, diplomas, materials from world meetings, and photographs of airplanes and pilots. Models of airplanes used by Polish pilots also hang in the Museum.

The Library contains a complete set of publications connected with the World Congresses of the Polish Air Force and Polish pilots from the United States and Canada. Other publications concern the activity of the Alliance of Polish Pilots. The Library also has a set of the monthly periodical Skrzydaa, published in London. Special attention is given to documents concerning the plane crash and death of Gen. Władysław Sikorski at Gibraltar.

Archive, Library, and Museum of the First Polish Armored Division

2009-03-22T20:38:00.002-04:00

On July 2, 1989 the Museum, Archive, and Library of the First Polish Tank Division, which was named after Gen. S. Maczek, was opened. The Museum consists of sections: I Polish Tank Division, the Voluntary Polish Army in Canada, and Women Soldiers AK. Each section has its own archive, library, and collection.

The Library contains literature concerning the history of I Division and other Polish military formations. It contains also a set of the periodical, Pancerniak. Showcases hold exhibits of original weapons, soldiers' equipment, and uniforms. A special showcase contains miniature military equipment of I Division. The exhibits of the Polish Army in Canada and Women Soldiers AK enrich the entire, impressive Museum.

Polish Army Veterans' Association of America

2009-03-22T20:28:00.001-04:00

In 1993 the collection of the Society of Polish Army Veterans in America was established as a separate collection. The Museum contains banners of posts of District VI of the Society of Polish Army Veterans in America, military uniforms, badges, diplomas, identification cards, and various memorabilia. The walls are covered with photographs of different veterans' observances.

The Archive owns a great number of diverse reports and minutes from sessions of the Society's directors and plenary meetings of the board of the Society of Polish Army Veterans in America. The minutes of all the congresses of District VI of the Society in Hamtramck, annual reports of particular posts of the Society; financial accounts, reports of the general adjutant of the Society of Polish Army Veterans in America, and programs of various national and social sessions and enterprises are also in the collection.

The Library contains accounts from conferences of the Society of Polish Army Veterans in America, the Women's Aid Corps, and the Society of Friends (Zwiazku Przyjaciól). Separate collections consist of diaries of posts in the United States published upon their 25th, 35th, 50th, and 60th anniversaries. There are also printings for the anniversaries of military actions: The 50th Anniversary of the Campaign from 1920 (1920- 1970); The Memorial Book of the 60th Anniversary of Military Actions of American Polonia; The Memorial Book of the 70th Anniversary (1917-1987) of Military Actions of American and Canadian Polonia.

Archive, Library, and Museum of the Polish Army 2nd Corps

2009-03-22T19:50:00.008-04:00

In 1983 the Foundation and Center of the Polish Army Second Corps established the Archive, Library, and Museum of the Second Corps at the Orchard Lake Schools. The Archive consists of documentation of personal acts of soldiers from the Second Corps.

Folders contain identity cards, letters, diplomas, distinctions, correspondence and pictures from the battlefield. The collection includes a large group of operation plans, movies, videos, and documentation of the Archives of Kola Karpatczykow and of the Association of the Soldiers of the 5th Kresowa Infantry Division from Chicago.

There are separate materials regarding the P.S.K. and an abbreviated history of 316 and 317 Transport Companies (Kompanii Transporterów) P.S.K. in the Second Corps.
The library contains books, brochures, jubilee diaries, periodicals, and records with an inventory arranged according to general sections. Photo albums depict activity of Great Units of II Corps (Wielkich Jednostek 2 Korpusu).

The section devoted to Katyn is also very extensive. The Monte Cassino section contains battle plans in Polish, English and Italian. In addition to scientific works, the collection includes diaries, albums, publications and letters of soldiers killed and buried at the Military Cemetery at Monte Cassino. Diaries and reminiscences form the most extensive book section. Also valuable are periodicals and occasional publications.

The Museum of the Second Corps contains hundreds of original exhibits connected with soldiers' daily life. The walls and showcases are filled with medals, commendations, uniforms original operation maps, hundreds of pictures, and different memorabilia.

The accumulated collections testify that the soldiers of the Second Corps are very concerned with preserving their history for posterity.

Establishing Division 3

2009-03-20T22:49:00.003-04:00

Establishing Division 3

The weekend of 4-6 September 2009

Attendees are invited to the Panorama Room building to listen to Grzegorz Dąbrowski. He is a member of WWII Polish Army Historical Association, 12 Pułk Ułanow Podolskich, a reenactment group that commemorates the Polish Army. They will give an overview of their organization and announce the formation of Division 3 at Orchard Lake. It is non-profit organization and becomes the support group of the military collections on campus. (Appendix D) They will display their uniforms and weapons, and show documentation of their reenactment held in August, 2009. The military museums will be staffed with docents and open for viewing in the Panorama Room building.

Catholic Survivor and Artist Jan Komski (1915 -2002)

2009-03-20T22:46:00.001-04:00

Catholic Survivor and Artist Jan Komski (1915 -2002)

Presentation: 5 September 2009

Lecture and exhibit of the work of Jan Komski, a retired Washington Post artist who, during five years of World War II, survived five concentration camps in Poland and Germany.

On June 14, 1940, Mr. Komski was in the first group of about 750 prisoners assigned to Auschwitz, in southern Poland, on the day it opened. On April 29, 1945, he was in the Dachau concentration camp in Germany when the camp was liberated by the U.S. Army. In 1949, after four years in displaced-persons camps in Germany, Mr. Komski came to the United States He continued painting and drawing until shortly before his death, producing art scenes of death, barbed wire, brutality and starvation from the concentration camp years, 1940 to 1945. His work has been displayed at the Auschwitz memorial museum in Poland, at shows in Houston and Chicago, and in the collection of The Polish Mission. The reason I am doing these paintings is because I always thought it only destiny or providence that allowed me to live when I knew there were tens of thousands of people who died there.

Survivor and Artist Adam Grochowski Grant (1924-1992)

2009-03-20T22:43:00.001-04:00

Survivor and Artist Adam Grochowski Grant (1924-1992)
Presentation on: 5 September, 2009

Peggy Grant, Art Director and Curator, will present the work of her husband Adam Grochowski (Grant) a survivor of concentration camps. A Roman Catholic growing up in Poland, he was an 18-year-old arrested in a Nazi roundup in January, 1943. He was sent to the Mauthausen concentration camp, surviving largely because of his artistic talent, which Nazi officers made use of. After the war, the artist lived in a displaced persons' camp in Germany for five years before being allowed to immigrate to the Polish enclave of Hamtramck, Mich.

Harvest Fest Dożynki Sunday, October 4, 2009

2009-03-20T22:40:00.002-04:00

Harvest Fest Dożynki (Victorian House Grounds)

The community is invited to experience an old fashioned Polish harvest fest Dożynki on the ground of the Victorian house. We want to recreate the spirit of the Polish harvest fest on the shores of Orchard Lake. There will be an area set up for those who bring their own picnic baskets, as well as picnic fare for sale. Artisans will demonstrate how to create the traditional wheat weavings and wreaths. It is opportunity to incorporate community members so that a wider audience can share and learn about Polish customs, culture, and contributions to society and community.

2009 Events: Commemoration and Celebration

2009-03-02T18:07:00.001-05:00

The Polish Mission is developing two weekend events.
Commemoration 1 September 1939 and Celebration 1909-2009

5 September 2009 – Commemorating the Invasion of Poland 1 September 1939

We are inviting Polish and American veterans to campus for a commemoration which honors those who fought and those who died during World War II. We have four museums of Catholic –Polish survivor oral histories, art work, diaries, including the museum of the underground army of Polish resistance fighters during WW II- known as the Home Army. Over 3 million Catholic Poles were killed by the Nazis – but the stories are seldom told outside Polonia. The Polish Mission will also bring the collections to the web. Many of the Home Army soldiers came to Michigan as Displaced Persons and lived their adult lives in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. We will record the oral histories of the last surviving Home Army vets.

October- Polish Heritage Month
Celebrates SS Cyril and Methodius Seminary’s 100th Anniversary on the campus of Orchard Lake
The core exhibit will celebrate the pastors, parishioners and parishes, many now closed, which served the immigrant Poles of Michigan. The parishes were shepherded by the priests trained at the seminary. A call will be sent throughout the state to family historians, genealogists, and parishioners to develop exhibits to supplement the core event. Photos, stories, and ephemera exhibited will become part of the Polish Mission digital virtual archives for future researchers. The seminary sent priests to 80% of the Pol-Am parishes in the US. We will hold an old fashioned Polish harvest festival “Dożynki” on the grounds. We are striving to become a community resource at large and an ethnic tourist destination.