North East Digital Village

October is Polish Heritage Month

Let's all join Polish American organizations, schools, churches, libraries, and cultural groups throughout the United States in celebrating Polish American Heritage Month.

"Throughout the 1970's and 1980's Poles stood alone in their struggle for freedom against communist tyranny; they became the beacon of hope for all other Eastern bloc countries and proved it was possible for small countries to receive their national identity and break away from the USSR. The contributions which Poles have made to science, technology, music, art and literature are outstanding."
Excerpt from the Polish American Journal-October, 2002

This celebration was begun in 1981 and has grown into a national celebration. October was chosen as the month to celebrate, in part, because in is the month General Casimir Pulaski died. A proud, perseverance people, the Poles have a history of struggle and success against adversity, fierce love of their independence throughout a history of invasions as kings and conquers swept back and forth across Europe - through strategically located Poland. Surviving these invasions, the Holocaust and their own individualism, Poles came together be a strong force in the emergence of Eastern Europe from domination by the former USSR. A friend to the new Americans in the Revolution, Poles later migrated to this country by the thousands. Want to learn more about Polish Heritage, and Polish folks who have made important contributions? See our links below.

Poles in America / Polish-Americans

• Famous Poles & Polish American
• Tadeusz Kosciuszko: The first of a galaxy of foreign officers to receive a commission from the Continental Congress to serve in General Washington's army. Kosciuszkos skill as an engineer in charge of fortifications was instrumental in earning him the rank of brigadier bestowed upon him by congress in 1783.
• Tadeusz Kosciuszko: Colonel of the American Revolutionary Army
• Tadeusz Kosciuszko - The Kosciuszko Uprising: Despite victory at Raclawice, the pressure on Kosciuszko's forces grew . . .
• NYC Pulaski Day Parade
• Polish American Cultural Center
• Polish National Alliance
• Shoulder to Shoulder: The history of Polish immigrants and their descendants in Rochester, New York, beginning with the arrival of the first Polish settlers at the end of the 19th century and continuing through the present.
• The Kosciuszko Foundation: The Kosciuszko Foundation is dedicated to promoting educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and Poland and to increasing American understanding of Polish culture and history.
• Polish Folk Dancers

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Poland - History, Land, People and Rebirth

• The History of Poland
• Polish American Association
• Poland on the Internet: Archive of information about Poland, a land of rich history and beautiful national parks.
• Polish National Tourist Ofifce
• Polish National Parks
• Emerging Ally

Poles & the Holocaust

Kids - it is very important to how about what happened during the Holocaust - and you will find many stories of bravery, sacrifice and heroism through the links below. But, learning about the Holocaust is never an easy journey. Remember that it's okay - even a good thing - to talk with your parents, grandparents, and teachers about the information you find, the things that happened and your questions and feelings about what you learn.   - JT

• Polish-Jewish Relations: Readings on the Nazi treatment of Poland, the situation of Poland's Jews, and Polish-Jewish relations, past and present.
• Righeous Gentiles: Profiles and oral histories of ten Polish rescuers of Jews. Their stories reveal what transforms people from indifferent bystanders into heroic saviors.
• Exploring the Holocaust on the web: Resource for further study on the Holocaust

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Let's Polka!

Polka, Oberek, Waltz! When you are in Eastern Connecticut, listen to our friends (and cousins) on the Polka Jam at our local college/community radio station WCNI out of Connecticut College at 90.9 FM on your radio dial! Ray & Mary Szymanski are live every Thursday between 6 PM & 9PM. They have a great show that, although they've been doing it for years, is always fresh and fun. Listen live here.

You can reach them on the air at 860-439-2850. Ray & Mary describe their show as:

"Vibrant Polkas for the young at heart, and the new generation of high energy polkas. Dedications, contests, guests and polka happenings."

All About the Polka

• International Polka Association
• A Polka Dictionary
• Polkas Online
• Polka: Wisconsin's State Dance
• Polish Polka
• Polish Dances

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