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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.