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
PAC is grateful to President Biden
The Polish American Congress is grateful to President Biden for stopping in Poland during his trip to Europe and recognizing Poland’s significance as a crucial ally on the eastern flank of NATO. Poland is now on the front line of the crisis that has unfolded as a...
Polonia for Ukraine Donors’ List
Thank you to all those who donated to Polonia for Ukraine campaign. We have fundraised $178,337. 61 at the time of publishing this list. You can still donate at https://tinyurl.com/PAC-Polonia-for-Ukraine-Fund
Polonia For Ukraine – Radiothon
Be a part of a greater action of solidarity with Ukraine and join the fundraising campaign organized by the Polish American Congress. DONATIONS can be made by: DURING NATIONAL RADIOTHON:Friday, March 11 6am‐6pm CST, Saturday, March 12 8am‐6pm CST, Sunday, March...
Urgent Request to Contact the White House
Please contact the White House and ask President Biden to support Ukraine. To contact the White House, please call: (202) 456-1111 or visit the website at: whitehouse.gov/contact Sample letter to President Biden Dear President Biden: I am...
Featured Stories
Ukraine and the rejection of imperial enslavement
So fascinating to Angela Merkel, Catherine II liquidated Sich by violence - the last refuge of self-government for free Cossacks under her rule, the last vestige of Ukraine's political tradition. By Prof. Andrzej Nowak Chancellor Merkel has often referred to Russia as...
Polish American Congress at VI Worldwide Polonia Council Conference in Warsaw and Pułtusk, Poland.
Polish American Congress at VI Worldwide Polonia Council Conference in Warsaw, Poland July 28th- June 2nd. (VI Zjazd Poloni i Polaków z Zagranicy) By Małgorzata Margo Schulz, Polish American Congress National Vice President for Media and Publicity. At the Presidential...
Saturday Morning Rest No More: Polish Schools Abroad
For many school-aged Polish and Polish-American children abroad, Saturday mornings are not spent sleeping in or spending time with friends, relaxing from the long school days of the week prior. Rather, these mornings are filled to the brim with Polish culture,...
Polish American Congress History and Chronology
This booklet covers the Polish American Congresss history and chronology, and contains archival PAC photographs. It was composed by Professor Emeritus Donald Pienkos and updated by PAC First Vice President Mark Pienkos. Social...
Latest Press
Polish Sejm Recognizes Russia as a State Supporting Terrorism
Resolution of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland of 14 December 2022 on the recognition of the Russian Federation as a state supporting terrorism Social Media
W siedzibie Związku Narodowego Polskiego w Chicago otwarto wystawę w hołdzie ofiarom “Akcji Reinhardt.”
Tak, jakbyśmy nie istnieli” – w hołdzie ofiarom „Akcji Reinhardt” Przedwojenny wizerunek sztetli, miasteczek zamieszkałych przez polskich Żydów, przepadł na zawsze 80 lat temu w wyniku „Akcji Reinhardt” – niemieckiej operacji mającej na celu zagładę ludności...
PAC Resolution on Poland and the Poles during World War II
POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS RESOLUTION ON POLAND AND THE POLES DURING WORLD WAR II VOTED-UP WITHOUT OPPOSITION BY THE COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DIRECTORS ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 AT THEIR MEETING IN ROSEMONT...
The 2022 Polish American Congress Council of National Directors’ meeting
Annual Polish American Congress (PAC) Council of National Directors’ Meeting was held Oct. 19-20, 2022 at the Polish National Alliance (PNA) in Chicago. The PAC meeting was a very successful discussion of current issues affecting Polish- Americans, and Poland....