Aid for Polish community organisations

At present the Head Office of State Archives collaborates with nineteen Polish organisations outside Poland. Among these there are both the organisations created as far back as 19th century and these created after the World War II. In most cases these institutions operate also as archives, libraries and museums collecting mementoes of Polish culture. In the period of the Polish People’s Republic they became the mainstay of Polishness for Polish immigrants, centres that saved Polish collections dispersed around the world. Majority of them participate in the Standing Conference of Polish Museums, Archives and Libraries in the West started in 1978. These institutions in addition to preserving priceless historical materials and objects perform the role of centres for cultural and scientific life in given countries, bringing Polish history and culture closer to local communities. Due to the change of political situation in Poland, these Polish organisations abroad are supported in various ways by national institutions in this important mission. Free exchange of ideas and experiences on gathering, making available and securing the Polish national heritage dispersed around the world became possible.

For over ten years the Head Office of State Archives has worked with Polish communities outside Poland, offering them professional help in organisation and inventorying of their collections. In the years 2007-2008 two big projects were realised thanks to the significant financial support from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The resources for archival help for the Polish community organisations came from the operational programme: Cultural Heritage – Preservation of the national heritage outside Poland. In 2007 inventorying and organisational works were carried out in eight institutions outside Poland, and in 2008 the number of centres benefiting from this form of support rose to fifteen in Europe and both Americas. In total in the years 2007-2008 more than thirty experienced archivists were sent to help the Polish communities, they were prepared to work with databases, fluent in foreign languages and specialised in organisation of various types of documentation, cartographic and photographic collections, collections of press and leaflets.

Descriptions of individual institutions present their origins and short reviews of collections, mainly in terms of their historical and educational value. They also contain information about the collaboration with the Head Office of State Archives and help offered to Polish communities by state archives in Poland. Institutions are listed in alphabetical order arranged by countries. Descriptions are preceded with information about addresses, useful for all the interested in visiting these organisations.

• Ignacy Domeyko Polish Library
• Polish Catholic Mission in Argentina

• Archive of the “Kultura” Literary Institute in Maisons Laffitte
• Archive of Pallottine Fathers in Paris
• Polish Catholic Mission in France
• Historical and Literary Society – Polish Library in Paris

• Polish Library of POSK
• The Pilsudski Institute in London
• Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum
• The Polish Underground Movement Study Trust in London

• Museum and Archive of the Polish Community in Hungary

• Centre for Documentation and Study of the John Paul II Pontificate
• Papal Institute of Church Studies