Polish Culture in the United States
From singer Pat Benatar to director Gore Verbinski and graphic artist Frank Kozik, Polish Americans have made incredible contributions to the culture and development of the United States. Here’s how Polish culture has been upheld by immigrant communities through US history, and how it continues to thrive today.
POLISH HISTORY IN AMERICA
To get a clear picture of Polish culture in the United States, it’s necessary to look at the history of Polish immigration. This gives us a better understanding of when and how Polish traditions and customs were brought to the US.
When did Polish immigrants come to America? The first Polish people to come to America are widely thought to have come at the beginning of western colonization of North America. Sources indicate that Polish settlers were among the first colonists of the Jamestown Colony in 1608.
During the Revolutionary War, Polish leaders played an important part in the newly formed United States of America. More than 100 Poles came to fight alongside the revolutionists. Two particularly influential Polish leaders were Count Kazimierz Pulaski and Tadeusz Kósciuszko. These men had had experience fighting for independence in Poland, and used their insight to champion the cause of the American Revolution. Pulaski became known as “the father of the American cavalry,” and Pulaski Day is still celebrated by many Polish Americans today.
Polish immigration increased significantly at the turn of the 20th century. The 1910 US census recorded more than 900,000 new Polish-speaking immigrants, and it’s estimated that 2 million Poles had come to the US by the 1920s.
What challenges did Polish immigrants face? Like many immigrant populations at the time, Polish communities faced intense hardship stemming from language barriers, social inequality, and poor labor conditions. The only way to surmount these difficulties was through the formation of strong social connections. Social organizations like The Chicago Society of the Polish National Alliance advocated for improved conditions and helped unite Poles in the face of adversity.
Social clubs also promoted well-being by providing opportunities that nurtured social networks, mental health, and community morale. Communities of Polish Americans maintained strong connections to their language and culture. The Polish language flourished in community newspapers, radio, and even television over time. Polish folklore, music, dance, and literature all persisted in the US—and continue to endure today.
POLISH CULTURE IN AMERICA
The groundwork of Polish immigrants throughout history has led to strong Polish culture and traditions in America today, only expanded by the increased interconnectivity of the modern world. Polish communities have many means of perpetuating and expanding their heritage throughout the US.
In addition to Polish language resources and events, culture is kept alive through Polish cuisine. Traditional Polish food is available in many parts of the US, with pierogi becoming especially popular even outside immigrant communities. While pierogi may be the most commonly recognized Polish food, other dishes that can be found in America include:
Gołąbki (cabbage rolls)
Ogórek Małosolny (pickled cucumber)
Bigos (stew)
Kotlet Schabowy (pork cutlet)
Placki Ziemniaczane (potato pancakes)
Pączki (doughnuts)
Makowiec (poppy seed cake)
Arts and tradition have also been maintained through Polish events, celebrations, and festivals held throughout the country. Festivities often include Polish food, folk art, literature, and crafts, among other activities. Every year in October, Polish American Heritage Month is celebrated as well. These celebrations are especially popular in areas with large Polish populations, including cities like Chicago, New York, Milwaukee, and Detroit.
Here at One New Humanity, we serve many Polish community members in the Detroit and Hamtramck regions of Michigan. Through our nonprofit thrift store, Joy Thrift in Hamtramck, and our community garden, Sylhet Farm, we work to support immigrant, refugee, and low-income communities in our area.
Our thrift store, community garden, and other community initiatives like Sisterhood Fitness and the upcoming C. Love Bakery make an incredible impact on the lives of Hamtramck residents. You can be part of that by donating now to support our work! If you’re in the Detroit area, consider dropping off in-kind donations, organizing a collection drive, or shopping at Joy Thrift! Together we can elevate our beautiful community, and bring joy and support to those who need it most.