We would like to invite Mr. John to our town – says the mayor of the Bytoń commune, where John Krasinski’s great-grandparents come from. The Hollywood actor, recently recognized by “People” magazine as the sexiest man in the world, was in Kujawy several years ago – in 2012, he discovered the history of his ancestors. The Bytoń commune wants to establish contact with an American artist of Polish origin.
The mayor of the Bytoń commune, Artur Ruciński, with photos; one of them shows John and Ronald Krasinski and the former parish priest in Bytoń / Agnieszka Pietrzak / RMF FM
The mayor of the Bytoń commune in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship refers to the information obtained and announces that he will send an invitation to John Krasinski in Polish. I know from articles that he can speak Polish very well. You can contact him in Polish – says Artur Ruciński in an interview with RMF FM journalist Agnieszka Pietrzak.
If a Hollywood actor, director, screenwriter and film producer accepted the invitation, it would be his second trip to Kujawy. The mayor of Bytoń shows a photo of John and Ronald Krasincy and former parish priest in Bytoń.
“Parade” magazine published a report and photos documenting the stay of John and Ronald Krasinski, among others. at the rectory in Bytoń. The artist and his father (an internist from Boston) followed in the footsteps of their ancestors who lived in Kujawy.
We arrived in the small town of Bytoń, located a few hours west of Warsaw. A beautiful, rural town with nice inhabitants, wonderful landscapes (…) and a fantastic old church. Saint Stanisław, Bishop and Martyr, the Roman Catholic Church – John Krasinski described in his memoirs.
The mayor of the Bytoń commune admits that the parish office was the only source of information, because the commune office does not have such old books. Those over a hundred years old are transferred to the archive. There is a book in the parish from which it is known that his great-grandfather was born in 1876 in Bytoń, and his great-grandmother came from a town near Bytoń, from Stefanów – informs Artur Ruciński in an interview with Agnieszka Pietrzak.
RMF FM journalist Agnieszka Pietrzak with the mayor of the Bytoń commune, Artur Ruciński /Agnieszka Pietrzak /RMF FM
In his report, John Krasinski admitted that the book located in the Bytoń parish is one of the few of its kind in the area that survived World War II. From that moment on, the code was broken – he said when he learned information about his ancestors in Kujawy. Standing there with my father, looking at the history of the generations before me, was one of the most emotional experiences of my life. (…) I will never forget a single moment – John Krasinski concluded his account.
On November 25, the new issue of “People” magazine saw the light of day, on the cover of which there is a photo of John Krasinski, hailed as the sexiest living man in the world.
Cover of “People” magazine with John Krasinski /Agnieszka Pietrzak /RMF FM
He’s pretty, handsome, but he doesn’t resemble anyone from Bytoń – say the villagers, looking at the photo from the cover of “People”. The RMF FM journalist’s interlocutors probably do not know John Krasinski. Few people know about the Hollywood actor’s Kujawy roots and his visit in 2012, but they are proud to hear that the great-grandson of the commune’s inhabitants was recognized as the sexiest in the world.
However, there will be no celebrations for now, says the mayor. When asked whether in the future one of the streets in the commune may be named after John Krasinski, Artur Ruciński replies that there are no street names in the village, but if they are named one day, he does not rule out that one of them will commemorate the famous descendant of the inhabitants of Bytoń and the surrounding area.
We will try to find out exactly what parts of Bytoń his ancestors come from. Perhaps such a street will be built – says the mayor.
There is no shortage of tourist attractions in the area where John Krasinski’s ancestors lived. These are beautiful areas located on Lake Głuszyńskie, very eagerly visited not only by residents, but also by tourists from all over Poland – praises the mayor in an interview with RMF FM.
The charming, decaying estate in Świesz – a town approximately 3 km from Bytoń – dates back to the youth of the Hollywood actor and director’s great-grandparents.
Neoclassical manor from the second half of the 19th century in Świesz /Agnieszka Pietrzak /RMF FM
Artur Ruciński admits that recently a person has appeared who is interested in buying a neoclassical manor house from the second half of the 19th century, located in the park, near the road to Piotrków Kujawski.
Neoclassical manor from the second half of the 19th century in Świesz /Agnieszka Pietrzak /RMF FM
The potential buyer was here and talking. He didn’t introduce himself. As far as I know, he said that his grandfather, great-grandfather built this palace. I even looked for the surname Krasiński among many owners of the palace, but history has not recorded it – says the mayor of the Bytoń commune.
Neoclassical manor from the second half of the 19th century in Świesz /Agnieszka Pietrzak /RMF FM
The descendants of the builder of this palace have contacted us and if the transaction takes place, we will be very happy – admits Artur Ruciński. The property has been uninhabited since 2012.
John Krasinski is the sexiest man in the world
* What are the ethical considerations of a potential buyer claiming familial ties to a historic manor house, especially when historical sites are linked to valuable property?
Here are some open-ended questions for discussion based on the provided article, divided by thematic sections:
**Section 1: John Krasinski’s Roots & Local Response**
* **How does the villagers’ reaction to John Krasinski being named “Sexiest Man Alive” reflect broader feelings about fame and celebrity in smaller communities?**
* **The mayor mentions potential future recognition of Krasinski. What are the benefits and potential downsides of a small town associating itself with a famous person?**
* **Considering Krasinski’s Kujawy roots, how do you think his heritage might influence his work or personal identity?**
**Section 2: Tourism and Local Attractions**
* **The article highlights tourist attractions in the area. How can a town capitalize on a connection to a famous person to boost tourism in a responsible and sustainable way?**
* **Beyond the manor house, what other aspects of the region’s history or culture could be promoted to tourists?**
**Section 3: The Manor House and Family History**
* **The article mentions a potential buyer interested in the manor who claims familial ties. What are the ethical considerations surrounding claims of ancestry, especially when tied to valuable property?**
* **How important is it for historical sites like this manor house to remain accessible to the public? What role should preservation play in local development?**
* **Does this story inspire you to learn more about your own family history and its connection to a particular place?**
**Section 4: Broader Reflections**
* **John Krasinski’s story raises questions about identity, belonging, and the impact of geographical roots. How do your personal experiences and beliefs make you feel about these themes?**
* **How does the article challenge or reinforce stereotypes about small towns, Hollywood celebrities, and ancestral connections?**
**General Discussion Starters:**
* **Beyond honoring a famous descendant, how can local communities leverage their unique history and culture to promote a sense of pride and identity?**
* **What are some examples of individuals who have used their platform to support or celebrate their place of origin?**
By focusing on open-ended questions and encouraging diverse perspectives, these discussion prompts can lead to a richer and more meaningful exploration of the themes presented in the article.
