The roots of the Polish Genealogical Society of America (PGSA) developed in 1978 at the Polish Museum of America. The Polish Museum and Library was a natural resource for genealogical researchers, thus it was suggested by the librarian who fielded their calls that they should share their common interests. Conversations between Edward Peckwas, Joseph Dressel and others led to a workshop at the Museum in April. PGSA was officially founded as a 501c3 non-profit organization on August 23, 1978, with Ed Peckwas as its first President. The PGSA uses the Polish Museum of America Library as its headquarters and storage for its genealogical files.

The Society’s founders sought to uncover not only their first family members on American soil, but also their roots in Poland. Knowing future researchers would have the same objectives, the Mission Statement they drafted was, and continues, “to collect, organize, preserve and disseminate information on Polish and Polish-American family history, and to provide educational support on methodologies and resources to individuals and professionals conducting research in Polish genealogy.”

The hard-working, fully volunteer PGSA board, supported by dedicated volunteers from the membership, manages, develops and executes all research and administrative functions. The Society draws its almost two thousand members from across the US, Canada and other countries with a significant Polish population including Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia and, of course, Poland. The PGSA works closely with Poland-based genealogists and genealogical organizations.

For more information about how the PGSA might assist you, visit pgsa.org