In the article the Author discusses the problem of works devoted to the January Uprising of 1863, prepared by Polish historians for the 50th anniversary of the event. She asks what was the character of the various publications printed on consecutive anniversaries of the uprising, and - more broadly - what were the social functions of these texts. Answering the question. Author claims that these publications had social role going far beyond the traditional, scientific function of a typical historic text

At the turn of the 20th century, the January Uprising of 1863 was one of the focal points of Polish collective memory, shared by the Polish communities abroad. Their press marked the subsequent anniversaries of the Uprising with due solemnity, highlighting its importance for the history of the nation and seeking to engage its readers in a common show of respect. Editors of the Polish-language newspapers in the USA followed the same line, using the commemoration as a means to consolidate the unity of the Polish-American community.