400th Anniversary of the First Polish Settlers in America   1608-2008   Contributor: Joseph S. Wardzala of Derby

On October 1, 1608, the English ship Mary and Margret arrived at Jamestown, Virginia.  Aboard the ship were several persons of Polish descent who had been hired by the Virginia Company of London, at the request of Captain John Smith who was the leader of the Jamestown Colony.  Captain Smith, who had first learned of the polish craftsmen's work while traveling in Eastern Europe, invited them to Jamestown for the specific purpose of helping to establish a glass industry in the colony.  Upon their arrival, the Poles made a vital contribution to  the survival of the colony by digging a well to provide fresh drinking water, which was seriously lacking in the colony.

Source: Polish/American News, Oct/Nov 2008   

 

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Remembering Old Derby

 

Griffin Hospital
Derby High School
Half-Way House                                    Old Town Well