Stories

The complete collection of our published work, featuring in-depth family histories, scholarly articles, and insights from the archive.

Featured

Family History

The One Where Jöran Polman Ripped Off a Beard

Contrary to his image as a steadfast captain, this chapter of Jöran Polman's story catches him red-handed in a drunken brawl.

Research & Methods

Finding the Unfindable: Mastering Google for Historical Research

Stop letting hidden sources slip past. Learn how to speak Google's language with precise queries that surface portraits, records, and documents most researchers will never find.

Travel Guides

Tallinn: An Offbeat Travel Guide for History Lovers

Join us on a chronological journey of Tallinn through the 13th-19th centuries at some of the city's most enchanting landmarks.

Commanding the seas: Hanseatic League and the Victual Brothers

An exploration of the major seafaring powers active in the North and Baltic seas during the Middle Ages.

August 7, 2025 · 4 min read

Early Vasa Era

Sons of Vasa

No less than three of Gustav Eriksson Vasa's sons spent their lives embroiled in a bitter rivalry for the Swedish throne.

June 13, 2025 · 7 min read

Announcements

Step Inside the Reimagined Polmanarkivet

A year in the making, we are proud to share the reimagined Polmanarkivet with a new platform, memberships, a refreshed identity, and more. Dive in and read about all the new exciting features.

May 23, 2025 · 5 min read

Research & Methods

How We Organise Six Centuries of History

Inside the Polmanarkivet Research System: How do you organise a history that spans more than 500 years, crosses multiple empires, and intersects with many disciplines? Here’s how we do it.

May 2, 2025 · 23 min read

Jöran Polman

The Story of Captain Jöran Polman’s Portrait at Skokloster

Jöran Polman served with diligence, and was one of twenty soldiers whose portrait adorns the walls of Skokloster Castle. Explore the story of his portrait and the intricate fashion details of the seventeenth century during Sweden's Great Power era.

April 18, 2025 · 10 min read

Early Vasa Era

Protector of the Realm: Gustav I of Sweden (1496 – 1560)

Despite the consistent power struggles between the monarchy and nobility, Gustav Vasa rose to power from a nobleman to king of a liberated Sweden.

March 31, 2025 · 7 min read

Jürgen Polman

Rediscovering Jürgen Polman the Elder's Obscure Portrait

For over 50 years, this 17th-century portrait of the family patriarch has remained hidden — until now. Polmanarkivet unearthed this important artwork and invites you to explore its origins and the story of how it was rediscovered.

February 28, 2025 · 16 min read

Research & Methods

Digital Tools Every Historian or Researcher Should Know

Discover the top digital tools to help clarify your thinking, speed up your research, streamline your note-taking, and organise your references. Plus, learn the best AI tips to bring your research to life.

January 31, 2025 · 17 min read

Middle Ages

Semiramis of the North: Margaret I of Denmark (1353 – 1412)

Often referred to as the "first great ruling queen in European history," Margaret I beat the odds to ascend the throne of a uniting Scandinavia.

December 27, 2024 · 4 min read

Modern Era

Seeking the Cederstrøms in Stavanger

Peter [Cederström] had achieved all that he could in his home country when he decided to take his trade elsewhere. [...He] landed in Stavanger, a port city in the west of Norway, in 1828.

November 29, 2024 · 8 min read

Polmanarkivet is funded by the people who believe it matters.