Christmas Presents for a Polish Genealogist

Do you need a Christmas gift list for the family genealogist? You may want to consider genealogy-related books, a subscription to a genealogy database, or a DNA test kit.

Books are great gifts. There are many sources for Polish genealogy books on the Internet, but I suggest starting your search with Polish-related webpages such as PGSA.org, the Polish American Journal bookstore, and the Polish Art Center. Here are some books that I found helpful.

Books on Research and Translation
• Polish Genealogy: Finding the Polish Records by Stephen Szabados (2023) – The book outlines a simple process that will help identify where your ancestors were born and where to find their Polish records.
• In Their Words: A Genealogist’s Translation Guide to Polish, German, Latin, and Russian documents (4 books (2003, 2007, 2013, 2017) – each covering a different language) by Jonathan D. Shea and William F. Hoffman – Four separate books covering the languages found in Polish records. The books discuss documents and extracts from American and European sources, as well as a glossary of genealogy terms to help translate the documents.
• Going Home – A Guide to Polish American Family Research by Jonathan D. Shea (2008) – Another great guide discussing where to find U.S. and Polish records for your ancestors.
• The Study of Obituaries as A Source for Polish Genealogical Research by Thomas E. Golembiewski (2009) – This book provides information on deciphering and using Polish language obituaries.
• Haller’s Polish Army in France by Paul S Valasek (2006) – An excellent reference for information if your ancestor was part of the Polish Army in France, aka Haller’s Army, aka the Blue Army (only available on eBay).
• Slownik Geograficzny by Filip Sulimierski, Bronisław Chlebowski, Władysław Walewski, and others, Warsaw, multiple volumes published between 1880 and 1902 – available on DVD from Polish Genealogical Society of America (PGSA.org)
• A Translation Guide to 19th-century Polish-Language Civil Registration Documents: including birth, marriage, and death records by Judith R. Frazin. Great translation guide for Polish records found in the Russian Partition.
• First Names of the Polish Commonwealth: Origins & Meanings by William F. Hoffman and George Wiesław Helon (1998) – This is an excellent reference to decipher the correct first name for your ancestors.
• Polish Surnames: Origins and Meanings by William F. Hoffman (2012) – This is a must-have reference to determine the proper Polish surname for ancestors.

Books on History, Culture, and Customs
• Polish Immigration to America by Stephen Szabados (2016) – This book gives excellent insights into the emigration and arrival in America. A must-read for the family historian.
• Daily Life in Immigrant America 1820-1870 by James M. Bergquist(2019) – This book will give us great insights into the lives of our ancestors who arrived in the 1800s.
• Daily Life in Immigrant America 1870-1920 by June Granatir Alexander (2009) – This book will give us great insights into the lives of our ancestors who arrived in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
• Jadwiga’s Crossing: A Story of the Great Migration by Aloysius A. Lutz, Richard J. Lutz (2006) – Must read to gain insights into the challenges of crossing the Atlantic on a sailing ship in the 1800s. It will change your perspective of your ancestors.
• God’s Playground: A History of Poland: In Two Volumes by Norman Davies (2005) – Best and most accurate Polish history book.
• Polish Customs, Traditions, and Folklore by Sophie Hodorowicz Knab (1996) – Must have to learn more about your Polish heritage.
• Forgotten Doors, The Other Ports of Entry to the United States edited by M. Mark Stolarik (1988) – Not all immigrants arrived through New York. This book covers the history and describes coming through the other major U.S. ports.

Subscriptions
• Ancestry.com – One of the premier resources for U.S. records.
• MyHeritage.com – Their databases may overlap with other resources, but Europeans tend to use their family trees and DNA databases. I have found multiple 2nd cousins using MyHeritage who have shared information and helped extend my family history.
• Newspapers.com – one of the largest collections of searchable newspapers. Check their inventory to ensure it includes newspapers from the areas where your ancestors lived.

DNA Test Kits
Are you contemplating buying a DNA test kit for yourself or a family member as a Christmas gift? However, before purchasing a test, it would help if you answered a few questions about how the results can be helpful and whether you are ready for the type and limitations of information it shows.

The test results give two types of information. The first set is a list of diagrams showing the possible areas their ancestors left, implying these are your roots! The second data set is a list that matches your DNA to other submitted samples. This set gives a range of relationships, such as 2nd to 4th cousins, 3rd to 5th, and more. Promotional ads suggest that the test results magically produce a complete family tree and point to a location on a map. Unfortunately, this magic does not happen. The DNA test results will only give clues, not the solution to your questions. Detailed research and analysis are required to finish the job. Have you done any research, or are you ready to start?

DNA testing is not magic. It is a science and a tool that may give you clues to your family history. Genealogy research also is not magic. It is detective work where you need to apply sound and detailed research to be successful. You will have to commit to many days and nights of work uncovering your family history. Please don’t jump into DNA testing without knowing why you are doing it. It can lead to fantastic information, or it may be a waste of your money.

Your genealogist should love all of the above suggestions. However, be prepared! Genealogy may be considered a hobby, but for many, it is a fun addiction. Listen to the stories and have fun with them.

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