Eagle PRESERVING POLONIA IN AMERICA

THE POLISH AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

Polonia

The structure of social organizations and community life which has grown up and adapted itself to the needs of successive generations of Polish immigrants to America from mid-nineteenth century to the present.

As one of the largest immigrant populations to come to America from Europe -- an estimated 2.5 million arrived from 1860 to 1918 -- the Poles brought a distinct language, traditions, and values which shaped their group life. Profoundly devoted to the Roman Catholicism which was their predominant faith and to an emergent Polish nationalism, the Poles created an extensive network of organizations.

Handshake Churches and Schools Pencil and Paper The Polish Language Press
PeopleCommunity Organizations and Fraternal Groups Globe Defining the Polish American Identity



Preserving Polonia in America was made possible by ARAMARK Corporation, The Equitable Foundation, and The Kosciuszko Foundation. The web exhibit was created and designed by Colleen Byrne with text by Gail E. Farr.