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Sherlock's Genealogical Adventures

Follow Sherlock on his adventures into genealogical mysteries.

1 minute reading time (218 words)

Cemetery in Maków Podhalański

Polish Genealogy

Tim Firkowski

Friday, 19 August 2016

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2 Comments

After the time spent in the church office, it was time to pay a visit to the cemetery. I had a photo of one grave and was hoping to findit. I know that graves most often are "recycled" so I knew I may not find the grave I was looking for. I showed my photo to the keeper of the cemetery and he did not recognize the name & showed it to others working for him. It was along a fence in the photo so there were only a few places it could be. One section of the cemetery was new and he knew that it would not be there. Everyone helped try to find it but it was not to be found.

I then searched and photographed every grave with a surname I had on my list. This is a very tedious task and one should be prepare for a workout. Cemeteries here in Poland are not what they are like in the States, as land is at a premium, so they are very close together and they are built up in stone.

I would recommend you wear a good pair of hiking shoes because of walking between graves, your feet and shoes will take a beating.

The helpful nun & I in front of the church books. Thank you!

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About the author

Tim Firkowski

I have been doing genealogy research since 2002 & have worked full time as a Professional Genealogist since 2008. I specialize in Polish and American-Canadian Genealogy. As a member of APG, I was the 2010/2011 President of the New England Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (NEAPG). I have Certificates of Completion for studies in "Foundations of Forensic Genealogy" and "Advanced Forensic Genealogy Techniques". I have been a volunteer librarian at the local Family History Center, and a genealogy research consultant at “Ask the Expert” Ancestry Road Shows. I have traveled to Poland numerous times & researched in churches and archives. At conferences and special events, you may find me dressed up in my Sherlock Holmes outfit, or my Kujawy (the folk costume from the region in Poland where my ancestors came from).

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Comments 2

Guest - Connie on Thursday, 02 February 2017 09:56

Tim, you described exactly how I experienced researching records for my Jurek ancestors in the Makow Podalanski church in September 2016. And, indeed, the cemetery was overwhelming and challenging to explore. But so worth. What is your English translation of the name of the Church? Perhaps I missed that in your blog.
Thank you.

1 Reply

Tim Firkowski on Thursday, 02 February 2017 11:44

Connie, I guess you were there shortly after I was there! The church name was on the sign on the outside of the church & written in English as "Santuary of Makow Mother of God Patroness & Queen of Families".

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