The Polish Genealogical Society of New York State (PGSNYS) was founded in September of 1988 by (the late) Michael Drabik to promote the study of Polish genealogy in the Western New York and Southern Ontario areas and beyond. A tribute to Michael Drabik by his family provides more information about our founder.
The Society became incorporated as a not-for-profit in New York State on May 11, 2015, and exists as a 501(c)(3) Federal tax-exempt organization for the following purposes:
- to provide a Society for persons interested in Polish genealogy, with a primary focus on families with a New York State connection;
- to encourage and promote interest in Polish genealogical research, history, and culture;
- to provide educational programs and publications to foster effective genealogical research skills;
- to provide education on Polish history and culture;
- to provide assistance to persons researching their family history;
- to collect, preserve, and share Polish and related genealogical and historical records and materials; and
- to collaborate with other Polish community organizations in projects and activities that promote interest in Polish genealogical research, history, and culture.
The Society publishes its newsletter, the Searchers, three times per year. The Searchers contains information about the Society and member-submitted articles relating to genealogy and Polish History. Send your articles for the Searchers to searchers@pgsnys.org.
A complete historical list of Historical Roster of PGSNYS Elected Officers is available in PDF format. Current Society Officers and Trustees are:
2020 Officers
PRESIDENT: John Nowak
VICE PRESIDENT: Charles Penasack
SECRETARY: Denise Oliansky
TREASURER: Chuck Pyrak
2020 Trustees
Maureen Gleason
Denise Pisanczyn
Sandra Maciejewski Porter
Patricia Rooney
Jean Vasiloff
Committee Chairs
Hospitality: Sharon Voigt
Library: William Borucki
Membership: Donna Ciulis
Event Planning: Dolores Ferguson
Road Show Production: TBD
Searchers: Denise Oliansky