Tracing Polish Genealogy and Heraldry

"Political changes throughout Central and Eastern Europe after 1989 also led, in many ways, to a re-birth for the auxiliary sources of history, notably of genealogy and heraldry.

Nowadays we are witnessing a growth in interest in both these subjects, as well as aspects of honorary titles, nobility and similar questions.

Accepted as a professional, serious science, genealogy can establish the ancestry of peoples' and individuals' origins while heraldry has evolved over the centuries as a system of symbols to identify individuals at court, in tournaments and in battle. Heraldry is the substance of pageantry providing the symbolism and colour of great state occasions. If you visit the castles, palaces and manorial houses of noble families, you are likely to be surrounded by heraldry: the family Arms, badge, heraldic symbols may be set on the gate, over the door and/or the fireplace; on the china and furniture; woven into the curtains and/or carpets; carved in the wooden panels, stone ceilings and tombs.

However, there are few people who are scientifically trained in these subjects and fewer still with specialist knowledge on these matters relevant to Central and Eastern Europe. Yet the people of Poland and/or Lithuanian descent often need to seek assistance in tracing their genealogy and heraldry".

Mr Jerzy S. Kulczycki is an active member of respected heraldry associations. Having spent a number of years researching and writing about these subjects, he is able, if possible, to assist people anxious to trace their genealogy and heraldry.

It would be particularly interesting for him to hear from people maintaining and cultivating traditions originating from the ancient Sudovian (Jadzwings) nation.

Please contact:

Jerzy S. Kulczycki, B.Sc.(Pol.), M.A.
11, Howard House
Dolphin Square
London SW1V 3PE
Fax: + 44 020 7798 8374

E-mail: hbninska@cwctv.net.uk