Steve’s Genealogy Blog

When I was in Lithuania last year, I visited my cousin Romualda in Panevėžys. Romualda’s mother Anna and my grandmother Helena were sisters. In my family, my grandmother was known simply as ”Ma”. Anna and Ma were very close, and when Ma left for America at the age of 16, Anna could not be consoled for weeks.

My visit last year was the first time anyone from Ma’s family had returned to Lithuania since Helena left in 1913. Romualda and I shared news and photographs, and then Romualda gave me a gift that I treasure: a skirt my great-grandmother Anastasia made for Ma 100 years ago.

Ma’s Skirt

SOURCE: Ma’s Skirt (San Francisco, San Francisco, California). Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 01 Sep 2008.

I was completely unprepared to receive such a generous gift. Both Anna and Romualda after her had lovingly preserved this skirt for 94 years.

The skirt is woven from gold and black wool and includes delicate details of fabric and thread that, at first glance, I thought were buttons. The craftsmanship is exquisite. Every seam is perfectly straight. I tried to examine the stitches, but could barely see the thread.

The fabric shows significant signs of wear. Romualda told me that she washed the skirt once. She noticed that several small holes in the fabric grew larger after washing, so she never washed it again.

This skirt is the oldest family heirloom I have. Now it’s my duty to be sure that it’s preserved for future generations.

Written for the 55th Edition of the Carnival of Genealogy: Show and Tell.

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko

Today, Saturday, April 12, Jeremy Frankel and I presented a workshop in Eastern European Genealogy at the California Genealogical Society.

This was the first in a series of workshops to be hosted by the California Genealogical Society at their library in Oakland.

The workshops are designed to be small gatherings of not more than ten participants so that each person attending the workshop will be able to obtain some one-on-one assistance from the presenters.

Today, Jeremy and I each spoke for about 45 minutes, providing an overview of Eastern European Genealogy. Jeremy’s expertise is in Jewish Genealogy; my own expertise is in Roman Catholic Genealogy in the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

After the presentations, participants were able to ask questions of Jeremy, while I helped people find information about their surnames and villages of origin.

One internet resource that participants found interesting is the website at http://www.moikrewni.pl/ which is an online facility to build your family tree. The site is in Polish and is designed for Polish genealogists. There is, however, one part of the site that was especially useful to participants namely, the Surname Maps at http://www.moikrewni.pl/mapa/ .

In the “Mapa Nazwisk” box, type a Polish surname (including diacritical characters) and click on “Szukaj” to generate a map of the locations of that surname in present-day Poland. If the surname is not found, go down to the bottom of the page and click on the first letter of the surname to browse the surnames in the database. After clicking on a letter, a new page will appear including ranges of names.

For example, clicking on the letter D will bring up a page showing ranges of names such as:

D`amico do Dajborek
Dajbóg do Dammeyer
Dammfeld do Daoud
Daoud-Michalik do Daunderer
Daunheimer do De Dijn

Click on the name range in which your surname falls. Clicking on the range “Dammfeld do Daoud”, will bring up another page with choices of surnames from Dammfeld to Daoud. Remember that, in Polish, letters with diacritical marks such as ą, ć, ę, ł, ń, ó, ś, ż, and ź are arranged alphabetically after the same letters without the diacritical marks.

Here’s the map for the Dańko surname in Poland:

My ancestors were from the red area in the lower right part of the map.

Future workshops at the California Genealogical Society include a Scandinavian Research Workshop to be held on June 14 and a workshop on “Hints on Publishing Your Family History” to be held on August 9. Workshops are free for members and cost $10 for nonmembers.

Copyright © 2007-2008 Stephen J. Danko

The Old Town of Vilnius is one of the largest in Europe, and the churches of the Old Town seem to appear wherever one’s gaze wanders. Some of the churches have been breathtakingly restored. Others remain in a state of disrepair.

The Church of Saint Anne was contsructed in the Late Gothic style over a period of 100 years and was completed in 1581. Napoleon is said to have been so enchanted with the Church of Saint Anne that he wished he could carry it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. Whether Napoleon ever made such a statement is debatable. In fact, he stationed some of his cavalry in the church during the Napoleonic Wars, during which time most of the stained glass was broken and the wax ceilings destroyed by the soldiers’ campfires.

The Church of Saint Anne

SOURCE: The Church of Saint Anne in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The Bernardine Church, properly the Church of Saints Francis and Bernardino, was constructed by Bernardine monks at the beginning of the 16th century. Nestled behind the Church and Belltower of the Church of Saint Anne, the Bernardine Church still contains most of its original Gothic polychrome murals.

The Bernardine Church

SOURCE: The Bernardine Church in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Southeast part of the Old Town is apparently part of the Convent of the Visitants. Both the church and the convent are protected inside a walled courtyard and are in some degree of disrepair.

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

SOURCE: The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

In Vilnius, there are two churches named for the Assumption. The Church of the Assumption in the Southeast part of the Old Town of Vilnius is close to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Missionary Monastery is adjacent to the church.

The Church of the Assumption

SOURCE: The Church of the Assumption in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko

On Wednesday, 24 October 2007, my cousins Vitas, Liliana, and I visited Seirijai, Lithuania where Vitas’ and Liliana’s grandparents Jonas Samsanavicius and Ona Chmielewska lived. Ona was the sister of my own grandmother, Helena Chmielewska.

The original foundation of the Samsanavicius house is still visible a short distance from the place where the house is now located.

Original Foundation of the Samsanavicius House

SOURCE: Original Foundation of the Samsanavicius House in Seirijai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

The house has been significantly expanded since the time Jonas and Ona lived there. Two things that haven’t changed, however, are the woodburning stove in the kitchen and the toilet facilities in an outhouse a short distance from the dwelling. The Samsanavicius family no longer lives in this house.

Present Appearance of the Samsanavicius House

SOURCE: Present Appearance of the Samsanavicius House in Seirijai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

The present owner of the house grows black currants (Ribes nigrum). Black currants are highly favored in central and northern Europe and are used to produce juice, jam, jelly, cordial, liqueur, candy, and ice cream. Black currants were once cultivated in the United States (although not native to the United States), but cultivation was banned in the early 20th century when scientists discovered that species of Ribes serve as the alternate host to White Pine Blister Rust and, as such, were a threat to the White Pine forests of the eastern United States. Most North Americans are unfamiliar with black currants.

Black Currant Shrub (Ribes nigrum)

SOURCE: Black Currant Shrub (Ribes nigrum) in Seirijai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

Not far from the Samsanavicius house is Pirčiuko Lake. When Vitas and Liliana were young, their grandmother made them run from the house to the lake for exercise. Seeing Pirčiuko Lake for the first time since they were children brought many fond childhood memories back to Vitas and Liliana.

Pirčiuko Lake near Seirijai, Lithuania

SOURCE: Pirčiuko Lake near Seirijai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko

Two popular stops for tourists in Vilnius, Lithuania are the Hill of Three Crosses and Gediminas Hill.

The Hill of Three Crosses commemorates 14 monks who were killed by pagans in the 14th century. Seven of the monks were killed outright and the rest were tied to crosses and floated down the River Neris. The crosses were removed in 1950 by the Soviet government. The Hill of Three Crosses offers an impressive view of the Old Town of Vilnius.

The Hill of Three Crosses

SOURCE: The Hill of Three Crosses in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Providing a backdrop to the Vilnius Cathedral, the Higher Castle is reached by a cobblestone path up Gediminas Hill. The walk up the hill was particularly pleasant on this sunny and warm day in Autumn, with leaves changing color and falling to the ground, littering the path up the hill.

Atop Gediminas Hill

SOURCE: Atop Gediminas Hill in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The top of Gediminas Hill is home to the ruins of the Higher Castle. Originally a wooden structure, the Higher Castle was replaced with a brick and stone Gothic castle in the 14th and 15th centuries. Originally the Higher Castle boasted three towers, only one of which remains.

The Higher Castle

SOURCE: The Higher Castle in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The only remaining tower of the Higher Castle has been partially renovated. The tower is home to the Castle Museum which displays armor and models of Vilnius in medieval times. At the top of the tower is an observation platform from which most of the old town of Vilnius can be seen.

The Western Tower of the Higher Castle

SOURCE: The Western Tower of the Higher Castle in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko

The Roman Catholic Vilnius Cathedral is built on the site of an ancient pagan temple dedicated to Perkūnas, the god of thunder and fire. Five different cathedrals have been built on this site, each one destroyed by war or natural disaster.

The Vilnius Cathedral

SOURCE: The Vilnius Cathedral, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Under Stalin and Soviet rule, the statues of Saints Helena, Casimir, and Stanislaus on the roof were destroyed. The Cathedral was used as an auto repair shop. After Stalin’s death, the Cathedral was converted to an art gallery. In 1988 the structure was returned to the Roman Catholic Church and  eight years later the statues of Saints Helena, Casimir, and Stanislaus were replicated and replaced.

Altar of the Vilnius Cathedral

SOURCE: Altar of the Vilnius Cathedral, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

In Cathedral Square, surrounding the cathedral itself, there exists one paving stone that is different from all the others. On it is the word “stebuklas”, the Lithuania word for “miracle”. Local legend says that you must search for the miracle stone yourself - no one can reveal the exact location. When you find the stone, you can make a wish while turning 360 degrees clockwise.

The Miracle Stone

SOURCE: The Miracle Stone in Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Like other cathedrals, the Vilnius Cathedral contains many small chapels. One such chapel is the 17th Century Baroque Chapel of St. Casimir which survived the destruction of the previous cathedral and was incorporated into the present one. This chapel contains the remains of St. Casimir, patron saint of Lithuania, who died of Tuberculosis in 1484 at the age of 25. Casimir was the son of Casimir IV Jagiellon and grandson of Władysław II Jagiełło both of whom, in their respective times, served as Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland.

Click on the photograph of the Chapel of St. Casimir and look closely at the white plaster depiction of the Madonna and Child behind the altar and notice how oddly broad the Blessed Virgin’s smile is. Though not clear enough in this photograph to notice, the silver portrait towards the bottom of the photograph shows St. Casimier with three hands, depicted in this way to emphasize his generosity.

The Chapel of St. Casimir

SOURCE: The Chapel of St. Casimir in the Vilnius Cathedral, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 October 2007.

Outside the cathedral stands the Clock Tower. The lower tier of the Clock Tower was part of the 14th century fortifications of the Lower Castle and contains many gunports. Two additional tiers were added in the 1520s to convert the structure to a bell tower. A fourth tier, added still later, contains a clock.

The Vilnius Cathedral and Clock Tower at Night

SOURCE: The Vilnius Cathedral and Clock Tower at Night, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 October 2007.

Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko

As a whole, Lithuania’s population is Roman Catholic, but as a result of the strong Russian influences throughout history, Vilnius is home to several Russian Orthodox Churches, including the Church of St. Nicolas and the Church of the Holy Spirit.

The Church of St. Nicolas (Exterior)

SOURCE: The Church of St. Nicolas (Exterior). Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The Church of St. Nicolas is located on a busy part of Didžioji Street, close to a bustling flea market. Candlelit and serene, this small church is a quite respite from the activity outside.

The Church of St. Nicolas (Interior)

SOURCE: The Church of St. Nicolas (Interior). Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

In stark contrast to St. Nicolas, the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit is a busy destination for tourists. The exterior courtyard is currently being renovated, but the modest exterior of the church belies the opulence inside.

The Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit (Exterior)

SOURCE: The Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit (Exterior). Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The focal point of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit is a glass topped case containing the bodies of Saints Anthony, Ivan, and Eustace, martyrs killed when they refused to renounce their faith.

The Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit (Interior)

SOURCE: The Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit (Interior). Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko

In Trakai, a group of people called the Karaites have had a significant influence on local architecture and culture. The Karaites are an offshoot of Judaism, although they are not Semitic. Karaites are of Turkish origin and were living in the Crimean peninsula when Grand Duke Vytautas brought them to Lithuania (some as prisoners of war).

View of Lake Galvė in Trakai, Lithuania

SOURCE: View of Lake Galvė in Trakai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

In Lithuania, the Karaites were allowed to practice their own religion. They served as guards in the fortresses and as personal bodyguards to Vytautas. The Karaites culture has permeated daily life in Trakai and many restaurants serve kibinai, a delicious pastry filled with mutton or mushrooms or other delicacies.

Karaites Houses in Trakai, Lithuania

SOURCE: Karaites Houses in Trakai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Karaites still live in Trakai. Their houses are distinctive with three windows facing the street. In fact, the houses are typically constructed sideways to the street, with the length of the houses extending away from the street and the entrance on the side. Many of the houses are built on stone foundations.

More Karaites Houses in Trakai, Lithuania

SOURCE: More Karaites Houses in Trakai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Just down the street from the houses of the Karaites stands the Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. The church was consecrated on 22 September 1863 in commemoration of the defeat of the Polish-Lithuanian Uprising against the Russian government.

Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary in Trakai, Lithuania

SOURCE: Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary in Trakai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko

On Tuesday, 23 October 2007, my cousin Liliana and I traveled to Trakai to visit the Trakai Historical National Park, the smallest of Lithuania’s five national parks.

We traveled from Vilnius to Trakai by bus and then walked the remainder of the distance to the Island Castle on Lake Galvė. The Island Castle was left in ruins after the 17th century wars with the Russians, but was restored between 1951 and 1962. The Island Castle is one of Lithuania’s most famous sights.

Trakai itself dates back to the 12th century. The city was conquered by the Teutonic Knights, but later became one of Europe’s strongest fortresses under Grand Duke Vytautas.

The Island Castle across the Water - Trakai

SOURCE: The Island Castle across the Water - Trakai. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

The Island Castle - Trakai

SOURCE: The Island Castle - Trakai. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Interior Courtyard of the Island Castle - Trakai

SOURCE: Interior Courtyard of the Island Castle - Trakai. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Artifacts in the Island Castle - Trakai

SOURCE: Artifacts in the Island Castle - Trakai. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko

While living in the Lithuanian village of Likiškės, my grandmother’s family attended church in Butrimonys, although some records show that, at times, they attended church in Stakliškės.

The Church in Butrimonys - 1

SOURCE: The Church in Butrimonys - 1. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

The Church in Butrimonys - 2

SOURCE: The Church in Butrimonys - 2. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

Shrine at the Church in Butrimonys

SOURCE: Shrine at the Church in Butrimonys. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

Memorial to the Lithuanian Martyrs in Butimonys

SOURCE: Memorial to the Lithuanian Martyrs in Butrimonys. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko