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Polish genealogical research often requires
writing to Poland for information. This is especially true when the Genealogical
Library does not have records
for the locality where your ancestor lived or when the microfilmed records
at the library do not cover the time period you need.
In order to get information from local parishes, you must write directly to
the parish. When writing to local parishes, it is best to write in Polish.
All Polish state archives can be reached by writing in English to the Directorate
of State Archives. You can also get information from local civil records offices
by writing in English to the Directorate of State Archives. The Directorate
will forward your request. If you wish to write directly to the local civil
records office, you should write in Polish.
If you need to write a letter in Polish, use this Letter-Writing Guide. Read
the sentences in English and choose those that best express what you want to
say. Be sure your sentences are consistent and fit logically together. It is
best not to ask for too much at once (one or two items, particularly in your
first letter). Be sure to give your own return address.
How to address your letter
| Local parish: |
Catholic: Parafia Rzymsko-Katolicka |
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Orthodox: Parafia Prawosławna |
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Lutheran: Parafia Ewangelicko-Augsburska |
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[Post Code*] [Town], woj. [Province**] |
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POLAND |
| Local Civil Records Office |
Urząd Stanu Cywilnego |
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[Post Code*] [Town], woj. [Province**] |
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POLAND |
* Use the Post Code (ZIP) if you have it; otherwise
make sure that you include the województwo [Province].
The Post Code can be obtained from the Oficjalny Spis Pocztowych Numerów
Adresowych.
**To determine the Province [województwo] use
the latest administration map of the Polish Republic.
| Examples: |
Parafia Rzymsko-Katolicka |
or
|
Parafia Rzymsko-Katolicka |
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36-140 Sokołów Małopolska |
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Sokołów Małopolska |
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POLAND |
|
woj. Rzeszów |
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|
|
POLAND |
Remember, if you address your letter to a parish or
local records office, you must write the letter in Polish.
| Directorate of State Archives: |
Naczelna Dyrekcja Archiwów Państwowych |
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ul. Długa 6, skr. poczt. 1005 |
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00-950 Warszawa |
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POLAND |
You may write in English to the Directorate of State
Archives and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate local
civil records office.
How to send Money
This Letter-Writing Guide includes several sentences regarding payment or the
sending of money. When writing to the Directorate ot State Archives or to the
local civil records office do not send money. They will bill you for their services
which can be quite expensive. When writing to a local parish you may send money,
if you wish. A donation of $10 or $20 is appropriate. The safest way to send
money is in the form of a New York bank draft which you can obtain at your local
bank. Some researchers send cash. If you do not feel comfortable sending money
through the mail you may indicate your desire to make a donation and ask how
they would like to receive it. Money should not be sent to parishes as payment,
but always
as a donation.
Names of months: (Dates are written day-month-year
e.g., 21. marca 1885 r.)
| January |
stycznia |
May |
maja |
September |
września |
| February |
lutego |
June |
czerwca |
October |
października |
| March |
marca |
July |
lipca |
November |
listopada |
| April |
kwietnia |
August |
sierpnia |
December |
grudnia |
| Greetings: |
Dear Sir, |
Szanowny Pan, |
[Civil Records Official] |
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Dear Father, |
Drogi Księże, |
[Catholic or Orthodox] |
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Reverend Priest, |
Szanowny Księże |
[Catholic or Orthodox] |
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Dear Pastor, |
Drogi Pastorze, |
[Protestant] |
General letter form to be used with the specific information forms:
I live in the U.S.A. and am preparing a history of my ancestors who
came from Poland. I would appreciate receiving any help you may be able
to give me with this project.
The information on the enclosed form (forms) is all the data
about this individual (family) that I have. Please send me the information
you have in your records for this person (persons).
I thank you in advance for your assistance. Enclosed is $(amount) as
an offering for your parish.
Mieszkam w Stanach Zjednoczonych i pracuję nad historią swoich
polskich przodków. Będę bardzo wdzięczny [or
for a woman, wdzięczna] za wszelką pomoc w tej pracy.
Podajęna załączonym formularzu wszystkie dane jakie
posiadam o tej osobie
(rodzinie). Proszę o przesłanie mi wszystkich danych znajdujących
się w aktach parafii o tej osobie (o tych osobach).
Dziękuję uprzejmie za pomoc. Załàczam $____
jako ofiarę na parafię.
Closings: with regards, Z
wyrazami szacunku,
respectfully, Z poważaniem,
My address:
Mój adres:
The following may be used to thank the individual
Thank you for the information you have sent. It has helped me very
much.
Dziękuję za informacje, które mi Państwo przesłaliście.
Bardzo mi one pomogły.
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