Poles in Cherkasy Region in the Second Half of the 19 – First Half of the 20 Century (According to the Documents of the State Archives of the Cherkasy Region)

The purpose of the article is to analyze the informative potential of documents of fonds of the State Archives of Cherkasy Region, that touch life and activity of Poles on region; to identify prominent representatives of the Polish ethnic group – culture, education, art, public, political, and military fi gures who enriched the history of the Cherkasy region; to examine the cultural, ethnic, social, and political features that distinguished Poles from other communities. The research methodology involves adherence to the principles of historicism, scientifi city, comprehensiveness in the study of historical sources, civilizational and systemic approaches. The implementation of methodological principles was ensured by applying the methods of generalization, critical analysis and synthesis, studying the chronological aspects of territorial and demographic changes, and the dynamics of Polish communities. The scientifi c novelty of the article is determined by the introduction into the scientifi c circulation of documents of the State Archives of the Cherkasy Region and the need in expansion of the source base on this research problem. With the help of archival sources as ones of the elements of scientifi c research the establishing of the numerical composition of the Polish population and the reproducing of the process of settlement and economic development of the Cherkasy lands, caused by a set of complex ethno-cultural processes became possible. The contribution of Poles to the development of the region is one of the least studied aspects that needs a comprehensive study. The conclusions emphasize the interrelationships of the Ukrainian and Polish peoples, which are united by the proximity of languages, cultures and traditions, and a common centuries-old history. It is emphasized that outstanding representatives of the Polish ethnic group made a signifi cant contribution to the art, culture, politics, and economy of Cherkasy. Prospects for further research. Continuation of search work with the aim of introducing into scientifi c circulation new archival documents about the peculiarities of life activities of Poles on the territory of Cherkasy region, which will contribute to a comprehensive and objective study of the history of the Polish people in Ukraine.