For the past 400 years, Polish people have been an integral part of America’s history and culture. Millions of our Polish ancestors immigrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing with them a love for independence, their culture, their new country, and values that are shared by Poles and Americans alike.
The first Polish American Heritage month event took place in Philadelphia PA in 1981, and became a national celebration of Polish history, culture and pride. The idea soon gained national interest, and in 1984 House Joint Resolution 577 was passed, officially naming the month of August as Polish American Heritage Month. In 1986, the observation was moved to October, in part to honor the arrival of the first Polish settlers in Jamestown, Virginia in 1608, and also to commemorate the deaths of General Kazimierz Pułaski (11 October, 1779) and Tadeusz Kościuszko (15 October, 1817), two renowned military leaders who fought for our independence during the American Revolution. This October, Polish Americans celebrate the 38th Anniversary of the founding of Polish American Heritage Month. During 2019, we will also mark the International Year of Kościuszko, and 240th anniversary of the death of Father of the American Cavalry General Casimir Pulaski.
Looking for ways to celebrate, and observe Polish American month, or introduce your American friends to Polish culture?
The following article lists events organized in honor of the Polish Heritage Month in Chicago, Illinois:
https://interactive.wttw.com/playlist/2019/10/03/polish-heritage-month-programming