The Mackiewicz Family in the Memories of Kazimierz Orłoś

Abstract

Michał Siedlecki presents the history of the Mackiewicz family based on the memories of Kazimierz Orłoś. The researcher mentions that they remain extremely colorful in their biographical aspect. In his publication, he presents the most important, in his opinion, fate of the representatives of this family. These are unique figures in Polish history and culture. They are characterized by deep patriotism. The Mackiewicz family comes from the native nobility of the Bożawola coat of arms. Many of them took an active part in the Kościuszko and January Uprisings. They fought for Poland’s independence in 1918, supported the actions of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, and later held high socio-cultural and political positions in their free homeland and in exile. Their achievements are remembered to this day. Kazimierz Orłoś – the nephew of Stanisław and Józef Mackiewicz – continued the work initiated by his great ancestors and, as a writer and political oppositionist in the Polish People’s Republic, was one of the important figures who fought in the cultural field for a sovereign Poland.