What Is Polish Roots Project?
Polish Roots Project is a free research resource built for the estimated 20 million people of Polish descent living outside Poland who want to reconnect with their ancestry, understand their family history, or explore what it means to have Polish roots.
We publish practical, step-by-step guides on four core topics:
- Genealogy Research — how to trace Polish ancestors through archives, databases, and historical records
- Citizenship by Descent — how to establish eligibility, gather documents, and navigate the Polish citizenship application process
- Surname Origins — the history, meaning, and regional patterns behind Polish family names
- Heritage Travel — how to plan a meaningful trip to ancestral villages and historic sites in Poland
Who This Site Is For
This site is built for:
- Descendants of Polish immigrants living in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and elsewhere
- People just beginning to research their Polish family history
- Experienced genealogists looking for specific guidance on Polish records and archives
- Descendants exploring whether they qualify for Polish citizenship
- Anyone planning a heritage trip to Poland
Whether your great-grandparents left Galicia in 1905 or your parents emigrated in the 1980s, the resources here are designed to help you move forward with your research.
What You Will Not Find Here
Polish Roots Project is an independent research guide. We do not sell genealogy services, citizenship application assistance, DNA kits, or ancestry subscriptions. Where we link to external services or professionals, we note that clearly.
Start Exploring
The best place to begin depends on what you are trying to do:
- If you are new to Polish genealogy — start with How to Trace Your Polish Ancestry
- If you want to research citizenship — start with Am I Eligible for Polish Citizenship by Descent?
- If you want to understand your surname — start with How Polish Last Names Work
- If you are planning a trip — start with How to Plan a Heritage Trip to Poland
Or return to the homepage for a full overview of everything this site covers.