Witamy! The Chicagoland area has long been home to one of the largest Polish populations outside of Europe and Polish immigrants have played a vital role in shaping our City’s cultural landscape since the early 1800s, when political exiles from Poland first arrived. From the Polish Museum of America, Pulaski Park, Copernicus Foundation, and Thaddeus Kosciuszko Monument, to the annual Polish Constitution Day Parade and Taste of Polonia Fest, Chicago is rich with Polish heritage and tradition that has deeply shaped the city’s culture for generations.
Join the Chicago Public Library in celebrating Polish American History Month in October as we recognize the impact people of Polish descent have made to our country in the arts, academia, business and many other fields of endeavor.
Events
We invite you to explore Chicago’s Polish landmarks and immigrant history with a variety of special events for all ages, including:
Polish Chicago Tour
Join Chicago author and historian Dan Pogorzelski for a delightful tour of Chicago’s “Polish Downtown,” exploring the connections between the Windy City and figures such as pianist Ignace Paderewski, preservationist Richard Nickel, photographer Vivian Maier, and artist Stanislav Szukalski, as well as Nobel Prize laureate Henryk Sienkiewicz, among many others.
Wednesday, October 1, 12:00 p.m., West Town Branch
Wednesday, October 15, 12:00 p.m., Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch
Author Talk with Victoria Granacki
Join Victoria as she shares a multimedia presentation of the story of her father, Leon Granacki’s experience in the South Pacific during WWII, featuring hand-drawn pen and ink maps, jungle watercolors, journal illustrations, photos and family letters.
Thursday, October 2, 6:00 p.m., Harold Washington Library Center
Polish Museum of America Tours
Join us for a tour at the Polish Museum of America as they celebrate their 90th year! Learn about the rich history of Polish contributions to the growth of America and of the Polonia community within Chicago.
Saturday, October 4, 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, October 5, 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, October 30, 10:00 a.m.
Two Hearts: Dwa Serca - Stories of Living Between Two Cultures
Join Michelle Kaczor, the daughter of Polish immigrants, as she shares moving and humorous personal narratives of life and cultural identity. This will be a welcoming space to connect and share stories of belonging.
Wednesday, October 15, 6:30 p.m., Clearing
Thursday, October 23, 6:30 p.m., Edgewater
Celebrating the Music & Dance of Poland
Join us for a performance of Polish dances such as the Polonaise, Mazur, and Oberek, featuring authentic songs and melodies of various regions with traditional Polish costumes.
Wednesday, October 22, 6:00 p.m., Austin-Irving
Discover the Life and Art of Florian Durzynski
Join author Gail Tanzer and a panel of historians for a multimedia presentation exploring the riveting story of Polish immigrant Florian Durzynski.
Sunday, October 19, 2:00 p.m., West Town
Friday, October 24, 12:00 p.m., Dunning
Wycinanki: The Art of Polish Paper Cutouts
Learn about the intricate and beautiful folk art, Wycinanki, from expert Polish American artist Grace Bazylewski. All levels of experience are welcome!
Saturday, October 18, 2:00 p.m., Garfield Ridge
Monday, October 20, 6:00 p.m., Portage-Cragin
Sunday, October 26, 2:00 p.m., Oriole Park
Polish American Month Reads!
Discover more about Polish-American and Polish history and culture by checking out our CPL librarian-recommended reads that inspire reflection and connection:
Polish American Heritage Month: Books for Kids
Polish American Heritage Month for Teens
Polish American Heritage Month: Books for Adults