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Polish Beneficial Records in Genealogy

Join us for a FREE virtual program on June 30 at 2:30 p.m. ET!

This presentation will explore the importance and usefulness of beneficial, sometimes called fraternal, records in understanding the lives of our Polish and Polish American ancestors. Topics covered will include the history of the beneficial as a core social and financial institution of the Industrial Period, as well as the challenges facing Polish immigrants that made beneficials so crucial in the United States. Additionally, the role of major beneficials, including the Polish Roman Catholic Union of American, Polish National Alliance, Polish Falcons, and Polish Women’s Alliance of America will be described, as well as the records they kept and how to work with them.

Claire Gene Esker, MSc, PLCGS, QG earned her MSc with merit from the University of Strathclyde in 2021. She became interested in genealogy as a result of researching her grandfather’s Polish heritage. As a result, she now runs Past Forward Family History, a genealogical research firm based in Highwood, Illinois, specializing in Polish American and Polish research. She also holds a Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies in Methodology and American Records from the International Institute of Genealogical Studies, is a ProGen graduate, and a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Register of Qualified Genealogists. She is currently serving as Vice President and Secretary of the Polish Genealogical Society of America, as well as Education Chairperson of the Illinois State Genealogical Society.