Derby Public Library

Local History Page  

 

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   

 


 

Remembering Old Derby

 

  

                                Griffin Hospital

       

 

        

                         Derby High School

 

 

 

 

                           Half-Way House

                                   Old Town Well

 

 

Sterling Piano Company

(current Home Depot Parking Lot)

Commodore Hull Theatre