Finding records from Poland for genealogical research is a critical step in exploring our Polish ancestry but Poland’s complex history and the language barrier can be confusing. After a brief overview of Poland’s changing borders and their impact on the languages in which historical records were created, Julie will explain the process of identifying one’s ancestral village and illustrate the use of gazetteers to determine the parish and civil registry offices. She will introduce key websites for locating historical records online and offline, with an emphasis on sites that offer indexed records and digital images. Julie will suggest strategies to help you get around the language barrier, and demonstrate how you can trace your Polish ancestry from the comfort of your own home.

Zoom Registration Required: https://tinyurl.com/rp2zubuw

Presenter: Julie Roberts Szczepankiewicz

Julie is a genealogist, writer, and speaker with nearly 30 years of experience in researching her family’s origins in Poland, Germany, the U.S., and Canada. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the State University of New York in Buffalo and a master’s degree in endocrinology from the University of California, Berkeley. She currently serves as President of the Polish Genealogical Society of New York State (PGSNYS) and has previously served as Vice-President for the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium, Inc, and Secretary of the Polish Genealogical Society of Massachusetts (PGSMA). Her articles have been published in the newsletters of a number of genealogical societies, and she is the author of a genealogy blog, From Shepherds and Shoemakers.

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The Holy Cross Choir and a chamber orchestra will perform a vibrant program of Polish sacred choral music spanning more than four centuries, from the splendor of the early Baroque to the powerful spiritual language of modern Poland. Many of these remarkable works are rarely performed in the United States, making this a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Poland’s sacred musical tradition.

Holy Cross Director of Sacred Music Samuel Backman writes:

“During my years at Holy Cross, I’ve grown more and more fascinated by the rich cultural traditions of Poland—especially its sacred music. After a great deal of research and many hours preparing and performing editions from the original sources, I’m thrilled to bring these beautiful and often overlooked treasures of Poland’s musical heritage to a twenty-first-century American and Polish-American audience.”

The program will feature music by distinguished Polish composers, including Szarzyński, Gorczycki, Mielczewski, Jarzębski, Surzyński, Klonowski, Dankowski, and Górecki, highlighting the depth and beauty of Poland’s sacred choral tradition. A special highlight of the evening will be Wojciech Dankowski’s beloved Mass in E Minor, cherished in Poland for its noble simplicity and devotional character.

Admission is free, and all are warmly welcome. Whether you come to celebrate Polish culture, rediscover the music of your heritage, or simply enjoy a beautiful evening of choral and orchestral music, we would be honored to have you with us.

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