Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Polish Heritage Society is to develop a spirit of pride and sharing of Polish history, culture and traditions.
Why?
Our society was founded by a group of Polish Americans who responded to a need to educate others about the history, culture, and traditions of the Poles and Poland in a spirit of friendship and solidarity.
Why Northeastern Wisconsin?
Our society has members from the Upper Midwest to San Diego, to Coeur d'Alene, to Montreal, and to Ocala, Florida. Poles were the second largest immigrant population in Wisconsin and put down roots in all corners of the state, from the industrial center of Milwaukee to the forests "up north" to farmland around Stevens Point. Our founding and largest membership are in the east-central and northeastern Wisconsin area.
Our Activities
- Newsletter - We keep members aware of their heritage and the society's functions with an informative newspaper six times a year. The newsletter contains stories and information on local, national, and international events of interest to Polish Americans.
- Special Observances - Among many, we observe Paczki Day, the Easter season, Polish Heritage Month, and the Christmas season.
- Local Events Participation - We present educational and cultural programs in area schools, at Green Bay's ArtStreet and ArtiGras, Two Rivers Ethnic Fest, Pulaski's Polka Days and Casimir Pulaski Days, and the International Film Series of the Neville Public Museum.
- Language Instruction - Members have conducted beginning and intermediate Polish language classes through St. Norbert College's Outreach & Language Services and through the Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
- An Area Resource - We proudly serve as a community resource to those interested in Polish culture, language, and history.
Our Commitment
Through membership, sponsorship, event attendance, or publication in our bi-monthly newspaper, we support organizations and activities of Polish culture throughout the State of Wisconsin.
- Pulaski Area Historical Society
- The Polish Heritage Awareness Society of Central Wisconsin and Dozynki Harvest Festival
- Polish Center of Wisconsin, Franklin (Greater Milwaukee area)
- Polish Legion of American Veterans, Wisconsin
- Polanki, Polish Women's Cultural Club of Milwaukee
- Polish Heritage Club of Wisconsin, Madison
- The Kosciuszko Foundation Grants and Scholarships
- Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota (PACIM), Minneapolis/St. Paul