Our History
The Polish American Congress was established in response to the threat to Poland’s freedom caused by German and Soviet aggression in September 1939 and to express in one voice; support for the restoration of a free and sovereign Poland once the war was won. The Congress of Polonia met in Buffalo, New York, from May 28 to June 1, 1944. Composed of roughly 2,600 delegates representing Polish and Polish-American organizations, the Congress created the PAC, defining its goal of a free Poland and underscoring its support for the US war effort against the Axis powers.
The PAC was the first umbrella organization representing a majority of Polish-Americans, who had been represented by a wide range of smaller, mostly local organizations. Creation of PAC was enthusiastically welcomed by most of the Polish-American community. Shortly after its creation, it boasted 6 million members and followers.
The Congress elected Karol Rozmarek as the first president of the PAC. He was succeeded in 1968 by Aloysius Mazewski, who served until his death in 1988. Under Mazewski, Leonard F. Walentynowicz served as executive director of the PAC for a number of years. Edward Moskal was elected president in 1988, and he, too, served as president for the remainder of his life. Its current president is Frank J. Spula.
About Polish American Congress
The Polish American Congress is a National Umbrella Organization, representing at least 10 million Americans of Polish descent and origin. Its membership is comprised of fraternal, educational, veteran, religious, cultural, social, business, political organizations and individual membership.
Recent News
THE POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WILL TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 13TH 2024 IN CHICAGO.
Poland National Independence Day is celebrated on November 11th.
On November 11th Poles celebrate National Independence Day (Narodowe Święto Niepodległości). This day commemorates the anniversary of Poland regaining its sovereignty from the German, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian Empires in 1918. Poland was absent from world maps for...
Annual Polish American Congress Council of National Directors, Chicago October 24-25th.
Annual Polish American Congress Council of National Directors’ meeting took place at the Polish National Alliance (PNA) building in Chicago on Tuesday, October 24 and Wednesday, October 25th.The PAC National Directors voted in the election of officers, serving at the...
Today is 79. Anniversary of Warsaw Uprising.
Today, we commemorate all the brave men and women who stood up against the terror of the German occupation during the Warsaw Uprising, on August 1st, 1944. On this day, 79 years ago at 5 pm local time, on “W” hour, Poland Home Army (Armia Krajowa), started The Warsaw...
Featured Stories
The Polish American Congress Annual National Directors Council, took place on Saturday October 12.
The Polish American Congress, Annual National Directors Council meeting took place on Saturday, October 12th at the Polish National Alliance building in Chicago.The Polish American Congress was established in response to the threat to the independence of Poland,...
Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress.
On Sunday, October 13, in Chicago, a ceremony will be held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Polish American Congress. "For freedom now and always, for all nations and people of the whole world. Let this remain our goal" – Charles Rozmarek The Polish...
80ta Rocznica Powstania KPA.
Już w Niedzielę 13 października w Chicago, odbędzie się uroczystość upamiętniająca 80-tą rocznicę powstania Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej. „Za wolność teraz i zawsze, dla wszystkich narodów i ludzi całego świata. Niech to pozostanie naszym celem” –...
Historia Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej.
W niedzielę, 13 października odbędą się w Chicago uroczyste obchody 80tej rocznicy powstania Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej. Jest to bardzo dobra okazja do przypomnienia historii KPA. Historia Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej „Za wolność teraz i zawsze, dla wszystkich...
Latest Press
Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress.
On Sunday, October 13, in Chicago, a ceremony will be held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Polish American Congress. "For freedom now and always, for all nations and people of the whole world. Let this remain our goal" – Charles Rozmarek The Polish...
Historia Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej.
W niedzielę, 13 października odbędą się w Chicago uroczyste obchody 80tej rocznicy powstania Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej. Jest to bardzo dobra okazja do przypomnienia historii KPA. Historia Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej „Za wolność teraz i zawsze, dla wszystkich...
The Polish American Congress 80th Anniversary Celebration will take place on October 13th in Chicago.
Looking forward to celebrate with you!