Tadeusz Podgórski papers, 1952-1986

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Summary

Creators:
Podgórski, Tadeusz
Abstract:
Correspondence, writings, printed matter, and photographs relating to activities of the Polska Partia Socjalistyczna in exile and to Polish émigré affairs.
Extent:
12 manuscript boxes (4.8 Linear Feet)
Language:
Polish
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Tadeusz Podgórski papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection documents the activities of Tadeusz Podgórski in his role as a journalist, political activist, member of the PPS (Polska Partia Socjalistyczna), and editor of the section on Polish labor issues of Radio Free Europe-Munich. The collection is largely composed of correspondence, photographs, Polish émigré affairs documents, PPS administrative documents and publications, Radio Free Europe documents, and writings by Podgórski and some of his colleagues.

Biographical / historical:

Tadeusz Podgórski was born November 15, 1919, in Zakroczym, Poland. He spent his youth in the working class Wola district of Warsaw. In 1939 he graduated from the Warszawskie Liceum Techniczno-Kolejowe and, in 1942, enlisted with the Armia Krajowa (Polish Home Army). During the war years he finished Officer Cadet training in the rank of Second Lieutenant.

From 1942 until 1944, Podgórski studied economics and sociology in the underground Warsaw University. During the Warsaw Uprising, he fought in the group "Radoslaw" and was wounded on two occasions. During that time, he was also captured and interned in the Stalag X-B prisoner-of-war camp in Sandbostel, Germany. Podgórski was active in his journalist career from very early on. During his military career he wrote for the military weekly Taran and underground magazines such as Zryw and Kadra. He immigrated to England in 1946, where he became involved in Polish émigré affairs.

Podgórski is perhaps best known for his heavy involvement with the Polska Partia Socjalistyczna (PPS - Polish Socialist Party) and his close friendship with Adam Ciolkosz (publicist, politician, and an important leader of the Polish Socialist Party). His involvement with the PPS was both as a member and a chairman. In 1965 he moved to Munich, where he became the Chairman of the main PPS committee in Germany. While in this role he represented PPS in the Émigré Parliament – National Council of Poland (Rada Narodowa RP) both in England and Germany. Beginning in 1965, and for 20 consecutive years, he was editor of the section on Polish labor issues of Radio Free Europe in Munich. His broadcasts were positively received, gaining him wide popularity.

Tadeusz Podgórski was one of the most influential political activists for Polish émigré affairs of his time. A lifelong advocate of Democratic Socialism, he is credited with bringing into the ranks of PPS various activists from the Solidarnosc (Solidarity) party. He retired in London in 1985 and died there on August 5th, 1986. His final resting place is the Putney Vale cemetery next to his mentor and friend Adam Ciolkosz.

Acquisition information:
Materials were acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 2014.
Physical location:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.

Terms of access:

For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Tadeusz Podgórski papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Location of this collection:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003, US
Contact:
(650) 723-3563
hooverarchives@stanford.edu
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