My Polish America

Emblem of the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning in Chicopee, Mass., at Elms College (source: PolishCenter.net)

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When asked to identity what features of my Polish ethnic heritage I am most proud of, I am truly at a loss for words.In my mind, the word "proud" has become a bit vacuous because of its overuse. My view of Polish America may, in many ways, differ considerably from a friend's view.

Still, I do believe that I am an excellent champion of Polish America because I once believed that it was only a shadow, even a caricature, of the real thing. I have come to appreciate the unique qualities of this culture that is deeply rooted in the soil of a Central European nation, with a fascinating, though at times especially tragic, history.

In my experience, Polish communities in America differ a great deal from one another. Perhaps this mirrors to a degree the various 19th-century partitions that Poland suffered because of its neighbors and the different waves of immigration to America. There are, however, common interests, social traits and customs that Polish Americans share, which originated in Poland.

I have always been disappointed by the insensitivity of others who found it necessary to demean my heritage. We are a product of a vigorous Central European melting pot. We share all the beautiful traits of the human race along with all those that beg improvement.

What makes us different from others is our particular history. Our history in Europe and America is as colorful and exciting as are the customs we inherited. Too often, those who do not know us are unaware of the joyful and colorful nature of our culture. As director of the Polish Center in Chicopee, Mass., I endeavor to collect and safeguard objects that illustrate the true nature of that culture.

This year we are celebrating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Poles in America, in Jamestown, VA, in 1608. Soon after that year, there were many others who also arrived.

Of course, the greatest number of Polish immigrants was impoverished farmers who arrived prior to World War I. They sought relief from religious persecution, discrimination and poverty. I am amazed at how these individuals prospered in America!

Stanislaw Radosz is the executive director of the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning at Elms College in Chicopee, Mass. Learn more about the Polish Center at PolishCenter.net.

source: EthnicNEWz.org

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PHOTO BELOW:Archival photos of two Polish immigrant couples in Western Massachusetts, on their wedding day, c. 1931 (left photo) and c. 1912.  Surrounding the photos are the wedding dress (c. 1931) and bridal head-piece (c. 1912) worn by the two brides.  The photos and wedding attire are among the artifacts of Polish heritage collected and preserved by the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning at Elms College, Chicopee, Mass.   (photo:  Stanislaw Radosz for the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning)