Frequently Asked Questions

PolandGenWeb
Help Pages

1) Where is [insert name of Polish town here] located?
Well, we are not the experts in Polish geography, but there are some good web sites that will help you locate the position of your ancestors' towns. Try:

Mapa.Szukacz.pl -- enter the town name in the box labeled Miejscowosc and click on the button labeled Pokaz; wildcards (*, %) can be used

JewishGen Gazetteer

Still need help . . . the above sites didn't help at all

Mailing Lists for Polish Research -- many very helpful people who may be able to help you determine where your ancestors' towns are located

2) What is the meaning of my surname?
Although the meaning of a surname is rarely connected to the origin of our ancestors, it can be fun to learn what our surnames mean.

Notes on Selected Polish Surnames -- William "Fred" Hoffman is the author of Polish Surnames: Their Origins and Meanings. If you are truly interested in Polish surnames, buy this wonderful book. This page is part of PGSA's site, and here Fred discusses some particular surnames.

3) Where can I find others with the same surname?

Try the Poland Query Boards. Many researchers have posted their surnames to these query boards. The Ancestry Message Board Search will search every surname posted to every query board on their site. These boards represent almost every country throughout the world.

4) How can I research my family? (Or, my grandfather [fill in name here] came from Poland in the late 1800s - please give me more infomation about him.)
Unfortunately PolandGenWeb can not research your family history. Please don't ask me to, or your request will be ignored. However, I can help you research your family by leading you to helpful information. Here are some great starting links to show you how:

Basics of Research -- our own list of the most basic types of records and what value they have
Genealogy and Poland - A Guide -- Lukasz Bielecki shows you how to begin researching your family in Poland.
Treasure Maps -- A "How-To" genealogy site.

5) I don't speak/read Polish/German. How can I write to an archive in Poland?
It's not too hard, with a little help. Here are some sites that offer "form" letters in Polish or German to assist you:

Finding Parish Addresses -- the lower portion of this page lists a few translation aids
How to write to Poland -- from Lukasz Bielecki's Genealogy and Poland Guide

6) Where can I find more information on Poland?

Polish Genealogical Society of America
The Official Website of Poland
Polish World -- search for a surname, find an address, online bookstore, and more
The Polish American Journal
MasterPage - All About Poland -- huge listing of web sites pertaining to all aspects of Poland, including links to Polish city/town web sites

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