When Bernard Milski began Gazeta Gdańska in 1891 and printed 950 copies of the inaugural issue on April 1, his aim went beyond delivering local news.
With support from a Poznań publisher, Dr. Władysław Łebiński, described as a dedicated worker of the Polish cause, the new magazine was envisioned to ensure the preservation and growth of the Polish language and family customs. This commitment stood three years before the appearance of Danziger Neueste Nachrichten and framed language and cultural identity as a gift from the Almighty for salvation, not a source of loss.
The mission of Gazeta Gdańska was to foster patriotism, curb emigration to distant lands, and support a broader movement of associations that would flourish within the country under sound governance.
Another aim was the preservation of nationality through law, education, work, and economic vitality.
In Gdańsk, that is in Poland
Without Westerplatte, without the Polish Post Office, without Gedania, without Bratniak, and without the parish of Father Komorowski, Reverend Górecki, and Reverend Rogaczewski, Gazeta Gdańska would be essential to sustaining the Polish community’s national dignity in the German, Nazi-controlled city of Gdańsk.
In Gdańsk, meaning in Poland, not in Gdańsk only, not elsewhere.
Today there is talk about a perceived erosion of socio-cultural identity in the immediate area and a continuing official narrative about Polish hardship. The memories of those harmed or murdered by the occupiers—grandparents, grandmothers, and the generations that followed—are a sobering reminder of the price paid by the people of this region.
What is meant by the claim that the future lies in Poland carries a different weight than the mere utterance of a slogan. It speaks to a future anchored in history and responsibility, not a vague optimism.
To speak of a future for Poland is to acknowledge the complicated past in places where German rule once asserted itself within Polish territories. It is a call to recognize the values that sustain a national community, rather than to glorify domination as a supposed blessing.
132nd Birthday of Gazeta Gdańska
By clarifying these constitutive differences for the public, Gazeta Gdańska’s 132nd anniversary, entering its 133rd year of publication, becomes a meaningful milestone that reflects continuity and resilience.
The publication remains committed to informing and cautioning citizens against predatory practices and cunning exploitation, following the example set by its founders.
The content above reflects interpretations previously published on wybrzeze24.pl, with historical context and perspectives that illuminate the newspaper’s enduring mission.
Additionally, insights are drawn from the analytical discussions in wPolityce, which contribute to understanding the regional and national significance of Gazeta Gdańska’s legacy.