(Expanded Preview: Vol. 3, No. 1)

In this issue of Proteviai, there aren’t a lot of short articles; instead we have printed lengthy selections from three substantial pieces that should be full of information from which you can benefit:

Notes on the Evolution of Lithuanian-Polish Nobility by Leon Stevens Part 1 - The first installment is in this issue, and it will be concluded in future issues. As he says, many of the names and terms are Polish because most of the material written on the nobility of the Commonwealth of Two Nations was in Polish; but he has provided a wealth of information on a subject not often discussed in English-language sources, and it applies to Lithuanian nobility at least as much as to Poles. We hope you will enjoy his article and gain a more accurate perspective on any of your ancestors who were noble.

Incidentally, there is a Website for the Lithuanian Royal Nobility Association [English]; [in Lithuanian: Lietuvos Bajoru Karališakoji Sajunga, abbreviated LBKS].

Many of the pages are available in English, so don’t hesitate to visit and learn more on this fascinating subject. And don’t be in a hurry to say “My ancestors weren’t noble.” Nobles comprised a larger percentage of the population of the Grand Duchy and of Poland than in almost any other European nations. If you trace your ancestors back more than a few generations, it becomes almost certain you will find connections with members of noble families - minor nobility, perhaps, but noble nonetheless.

Additional Articles

The Lithuanians of Cleveland Part 1 Charles W. Coulter, Department of Sociology, Western Reserve University Published by Cleveland Americanization Committee, Cleveland 1920 - Leonard L. Brazus, formerly of Cleveland, was kind enough to send us a pamphlet written in 1920 that gives an American view of the history of Lithuania, and how immigrants from that country fared in the Cleveland area. The first part appears in this issue. You may wish to read it even if your relatives did not settle in Cleveland, as it provides information on a number of Lithuanian organizations which existed all over America, and which many of your ancestors surely joined. Some of these organizations have left records, a possible source of genealogical information you never would have known about without this article.

Mr. Brazus also sent photographs and information on the Lithuanian section of the Cultural Gardens in Cleveland, and we have included excerpts in this issue. In a country where Lithuanians have too often been overlooked or ignored, it is gratifying to see that Cleveland saw fit to devote a major portion of its beautiful Cultural Gardens to recognition of Lithuania’s cultural heritage.

Listing of Lithuanian Roman Catholic Parishes in the U.S. compiled by Joe Mickunas - The third major piece in this issue is a list compiled by Joe Mickunas of addresses of Roman Catholic parishes in the United States which served Lithuanian immigrants. Strictly in terms of genealogical research, this may be the most valuable item in this issue. Lithuanian immigrants were generally devout Catholics; they attended these parishes, and when possible, sent their children to their schools. The addresses of these parishes may help you access parish records that could fill in a lot of branches in your family tree!