Dr. Tomasz Śmigielski, a historian and regionalist, demonstrates through his dedication and research that history is not merely about textbook dates and grand events but, above all, about real people and their lives. As he emphasizes, regional history is his mission and passion—a key to understanding the past and building the identity of local communities.
Śmigielski often addresses the challenges of historical relativism and the erosion of collective memory. He explains that after World War II, Poland was subjected to a black-and-white view of history, where communist propaganda distorted the truth. It was only after 1989, with the fall of communism, that there was an opportunity for objective historical research—an opportunity not fully realized. „Historical truth is the mortal enemy of bad people,” Śmigielski notes, underscoring the crucial role of regional historians in restoring historical justice.
One of Śmigielski’s most significant achievements is the monumental publication Wysokie Mazowieckie 1918–1939: A Chronology. This 660-page book, enriched with 450 unique photographs, meticulously documents the life of a small town during the interwar period. With the assistance of his son Ignacy, Śmigielski spent years collecting information, documents, and photographs to reconstruct the realities of that era. „Our work was like assembling a puzzle, with many pieces lost forever,” he recalls. The aim of this extensive effort was to reconnect the current residents of Wysokie Mazowieckie with the legacy and achievements of their ancestors.
Śmigielski sees regional history as a source of inspiration for young people. „Pop culture heroes like Rambo or Spider-Man no longer resonate with today’s youth. They seek authentic role models, which they can find in local history,” he says. Examples include figures like Józef Alicki, aide-de-camp to Major Henryk Dobrzański, also known as „Hubal,” and Staśka Turowski, a scout who lost his life during the Nazi occupation. Śmigielski shares such stories with young audiences through educational initiatives, such as meetings organized by the School Memory Guardians Club.
A crucial aspect of Śmigielski’s research is the role of religion in historical education. He draws on Mircea Eliade’s concept of homo religiosus, highlighting the need to integrate the sacred with history. Quoting Poland’s esteemed Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, he says, „A nation without history, without a past, will soon become a nation without land, a homeless nation, a nation without a future.”
The work of Śmigielski and his son Ignacy also offers ready-made material for cinematic storytelling. „The lives of figures like Wincenty Skarżyński, Jan Roszkowski, or Father Marian Godlewski are compelling tales of heroism and sacrifice,” he notes. Continuing the family tradition, Ignacy Śmigielski published Heroes of Wysokie Mazowieckie County, Volume 1: Hallerczycy in 2024, which fills gaps in regional history and commemorates the soldiers of General Józef Haller’s Blue Army—a unit integral to Poland’s fight for independence after World War I.
„History is not mythology. It is about real people and events. We should take pride in our past, as it is the most beautiful heritage we possess,” concludes Dr. Tomasz Śmigielski. His research and educational activities stand as a testament to the vital role of local history in fostering community and passing down values to future generations.
Family News Service