Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan

Benefits
What are the benefits for becoming a member of the society?


 * PGSM publishes a journal called the Polish Eaglet and a newsletter News from the Nest. PGSM offers free meetings in March, April, May, June, September and November. The seminar is held in October. Members have access to secure databases on the website.  Members are encouraged to submit their personal family histories or extractions for publication in the Polish Eaglet.


 * Non members have use of the PGSM public database.

History of the society

 * The Society was founded in June, 1978 in Hamtramck, Michigan. Its first workshop was held in the Explorer Room of the Detroit Public Library a few months later. Eventually the newsletter turned into the Society's journal, first called The Eaglet and later renamed the Polish Eaglet.
 * Mission of the Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan: To promote and encourage research in Polish genealogy, as well as the preservation of historical materials which aid in the documentation of family histories. PGSM is dedicated to educating its members and the public about Polish genealogy, genealogical research methods and techniques as well as the Polish culture.
 * In 2008, PGSM celebrated its 30th anniversary with a dinner at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy Michigan.
 * In 2013, PGSM celebrated its 35th anniversary with a research seminar and dinner at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy Michigan.
 * On June 24, 2018, PGSM celebrated its 40th anniversary with a dinner at the American Polish Cultural Center. PGSM received an award/certificate from the Michigan Genealogical Council on its anniversary.
 * The Society has three awards as a means of thanking those who contribute to the genealogical community. The J. William Gorski Award, previously named after Władyslaw Reymont, is given to members who have demonstrated a committment to preserving Polish genealogy and its history. The Dziękuję Award is given to members or non-members for their efforts in developing projects related to Polish research and history. The Hall of Fame award is given to members who have made significant contributions to the genealogical community and have received the Dziękuję and Gorski awards.


 * PGSM is a non profit, tax exempt society.
 * The Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan is a member of the Michigan Genealogical Council.
 * Members donate materials to libraries and archives.

Society Officers

 * Therese Leszcz, President
 * Valerie S. Koselka, Vice-President
 * Jill O'Sullivan, Treasurer
 * Debbie Szukala, Recording Secretary
 * Mary Gryka Ammar, Corresponding Secretary

 Directors at Large 


 * Mary Gryka Ammar, Editor of the Polish Eaglet
 * Robert Kramek,Webmaster
 * Veronica Singleton, Newsletter editor
 * Therese Leszcz, Project Director
 * Patricia Hallman, Director
 * Roger Laske, Director
 * Fred Kuplicki, Project Director
 * Mark Jarocha Director
 * Frank Slanczka, Director

Current Projects
Death notices from local newspapers



Past Projects

 * Hamtramck Birth and Death Indices
 * Sweetest Heart of Mary Cemetery Project
 * Indexed funeral cards

Website and Facebook

 * https://www.facebook.com/groups/84920869072/
 * http://www.pinterest.com/pin/79938962109371565/
 * http://www.pgsm.org

Journal/Publications

 * The Polish Eaglet (published 3x/year, Spring, Summer, Fall editions)
 * Back issues, also available on a DVD, may be purchased from the Society:
 * []Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan
 * Chene Street Story by Helen Kraft
 * Breaking Bread, cookbook published by the Society on its 40th anniversary
 * Parisville/Paris Township, The Oldest Polish Settlement in Michigan by Charles Chase
 * U.S. Army Polar Bears in North Russia edited by J. William Gorski and Arthur A. Wagner

Newsletters

 * News From the Nest, contains updated information on Society Projects, Events and Members, is normally published at times between the publication of our journal, Polish Eaglet, and sent to members electronically (as an attachment to e-mail). For those without the benefit of e-mail or access to the website, it is sent by mail.

Collections

 * Record collections or papers to which your society has access
 * How these records can help researchers (May link to a Wiki article connected with the location)
 * Where the record is located (online, on site, at nearby repositories)
 * How to access it from a distance (order information, if any)
 * Indexes for records about this area
 * Where the index is located (online, book, or on site)
 * Look ups, and copying records from local repositories, if any (here or in Q &amp; A below)
 * Directions on how your society does this, and sends the information back to the patron

Events

 * (also include society trips to areas of interest here, in workshops, or in training below)
 * Annual seminar, October 21, 2023

Society Meetings

 * http://www.pgsm.org/eventListings.php?nm=49

Board Meetings

 * Board meetings are held the morning of a regular monthly meeting.

Training Meetings

 * Meetings and Research Programs are generally held the 3rd Saturday of March, April, May, June, September, October &amp; November at locations throughout southeast Michigan. Member and guest speakers are featured. Check the calendar on the website for details.
 * http://www.pgsm.org/eventListings.php?nm=49 The Annual Fall Seminar is a full day of lectures by experienced Polish genealogical researchers, as well as a time for networking with others.
 * Frequently Asked Questions

'''How does a person become a member? '''

Regular/Household -digital ($25),Regular/Household - print($35). Membership is based on the receipt of three Polish Eaglets per year. An application form is available on the society website: http://www.pgsm.org

Do members help with genealogical research and lookups?

Yes. PGSM offers research assistance for members only, through the PGSM website. PGSM maintains a Facebook group page and volunteer at FamilySearch Centers.

'''How can I attend meetings? Where are they held?'''

The Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan meets in various locations, usually libraries, around the Detroit metro area on the third Saturday of each month except December, January, February, July and August, unless otherwise noted on the website. The general membership meetings are held from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Our website lists the meeting locations and specifics about each meeting. Monthly regular meetings are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

PGSM will meet using the Zoom platform until further notice.

http://www.pgsm.org/eventListings.php?nm=49

Nearby or Alternate Repositories


The Burton Historical Collection contains microfilms of Detroit area churches, census and immigration records, biographies, city directories death indexes and much more for anyone researching in Detroit.

http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/featuredcollection/burton-historical-collection

The Bentley Historical Library contains valuable resources for Michigan researchers as well.

http://bentley.umich.edu/

Archives of Michigan: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-54463_19313-54043--,00.html

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