Archives of the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales
The Polish Catholic Mission (PCM) in England and Wales is one of the oldest and most significant pastoral institutions serving Polish emigrants in the British Isles. Its archives play a key role in documenting the history of the Polish emigration community, preserving unique testimonies of religious, cultural, and social activities.
History Archive
The establishment of the PMK archive is inextricably linked to the history of Polish emigration to Great Britain, the largest waves of which occurred as a result of World War II and the political changes in Central and Eastern Europe. The collections document the activities of Polish parishes, social organizations, and the daily lives of emigrants.
Archival Collections
The archive collects documents divided into 17 thematic sections. They include:
PMK administrative documentation,
Correspondence of Polish parishes and pastors,
Photographic and audiovisual materials,
Evidence of emigration culture, such as event programs, leaflets and posters.
Challenges and Contemporary Times
Although a significant portion of the collection was lost due to the war and the passage of time, the archive is currently being actively organized and made available to researchers and the Polish community. It enjoys considerable interest among both historians and descendants of emigrants.
Supporting Archives, Libraries and Museums Outside the Country
Since 21 February 2024, the Archives of the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales have been working under the Support for Archives, Libraries and Museums Abroad programme, financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland from the state budget.
The work involves inventorying and digitizing archival collections, as well as promoting them on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the PMK. It is taking place on seven levels:
preparing archival documentation for scanning
digitization of archival materials
supplementing existing databases
preparation of the Year of National Remembrance team
preparation of document registers
preparing an exhibition for the 130th anniversary of PMK.
preparing a bilingual guide for the exhibition on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of PMKwAW
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage for supporting the work of the Archives of the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales.
October 15, 2024
