„Like a drop falling on a stone...”. Local activity of the Tarczynski family as an example of work for the independence of Poland

Abstract

In the second half of the 19th century, the slogans of organic work and basic work became popular in the Kingdom of Poland. They were realized by the positivists who believed that they would win independent Poland in this way. The Tarczyński family was a good example of such positivists in Mazovia. Members of this family were active in many areas of social and cultural life in the Kingdom of Poland. The head of the family was Kazimierz Tarczyński – a coin collector, an amateur archeologist, and a researcher of the history of the bells. He had a great impact on the education of children who, after reaching the age of majority, actively participated in public life. Franciszek Tarczyński participated in the January Uprising. As part of the repression, he was sent to Ufa. After returning, he worked as a drawing teacher, he was also interested in archeology. Józef Tarczyński was a musician and teacher at the Institute of Music in Warsaw. He took part in patrotic manifestations in 1861. Władysław Tarczyński was a piano tuner, but he became famous as the creator of the Museum in Łowicz, a co-organizer of the local fire service, a writer and a social activist. Hipolit Tarczyński was a teacher in elementary schools in the Płock Governorate. He also worked as a clerk on the Warsaw–Vienna Railway. At the same time, he was active in the field of literature. He wrote articles and moralizing books that encouraged social work. Helena Tarczyńska was a homework teacher and a librarian. The Tarczyński family influenced the social and cultural development of Płock, Łowicz and other towns of Mazovia. Although not everyone lived to see independent Poland, their work was of great importance on the way to a free homeland.