Newsletter Vol. 6, No. 1 January 2026
A Word From the President
It is December again and with it comes the moment to extend holiday wishes and pause, if only briefly, to reflect. For the first time in fifteen years, I was able to spend the end of December in Poland with my parents. I arrived on December 14 — the first day of Hanukkah — and the following evening I was invited to friends’ home for the lighting of the second Hanukkah candle. This is what December should be about: the warmth of holidays shared with family and friends; lights that soften long, dark evenings; and food — because nowhere are latkes/placki ziemniaczane and barszcz z uszkami better than in Poland.
The first days I spent in Gdańsk were marked by the Christmas market, a tradition that appears to be joyfully returning to Poland. With great delight, I learned that my hometown won first place in the Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2025 competition. It is a lovely recognition and one that acknowledges the warm atmosphere created here.
The tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the Middle Ages. It was in the German-speaking lands that the first such fairs emerged, organized in both large and small towns. One of the most famous examples is the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, first held in 1434. As a historic trading city, Gdańsk has a long and well-documented market tradition. From the seventeenth century onward, stalls were set up around Christmas time, offering sweets, toys, and decorations. After World War II, this tradition almost vanished, only to be reborn in recent years in a new, colorful form that blends historical charm with modern joy. The market in Gdańsk, with its beautifully decorated streets, the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine, and handmade crafts, has become an important meeting point for residents and tourists alike.
For a historian, and especially for someone living abroad, such moments are an opportunity for deeper reflection on how our traditions evolve and how important it is to nurture ties with the places we come from. At PIASA, we strive to do the same — building bridges between the past and the present, between Poland and America. Our scholarly, archival, and cultural activities aim not only to preserve heritage but also to make it vibrant and inspiring for future generations.
In this academic year, we are planning many events, including our annual conference, which will take place in June. I hope that for many of you, it will be an opportunity to meet, exchange thoughts, and celebrate our achievements together.
I wish you all that this new year brings peace, health, and many joyful moments spent with your loved ones. May the light of the Hanukkah candles and the glow of the Christmas lights remind us of the hope and solidarity that are so much needed in today’s world.
See you in New York or at one of our upcoming online events.
Anna Müller President, PIASA
