Family research inevitably leads back to the homeland. Here, an even larger number of challenges await the researcher than those in the new world. For those whose ancestors came from the Galician Lemko region now in Poland, the poverty-driven immigration of the early twentieth century and the forced deportations of the 1940's mean that few, if any, family members remain to help with a search. Massive destruction of homes, churches and documents took place under the Communist regime which replaced the generalgouvernment of the Nazis. In addition to these challenges, anything found will of course require translation and interpretation.

Perhaps it is because of these challenges that the European part of our genealogical search can be so rewarding. Mass immigration, wars, Nazis, Communists, conscriptions, forced labor camps, deportations--that anything has survived at all seems a wonder. That so much has been found seems a miracle.

Included in this site are stories of successes and frustrations as the challenge of homeland research is undertaken. Practical tips and recommendations are offered. Records which have been uncovered to date are included to aid others as are examples of actual documents. All contributions from other Peregrymka descendants are most welcome.