In the heart of American Polonia, on the historic Orchard Lake campus, a new tradition is born. In a year when we look to the past with respect and to the future with hope, the Polish Institute of Culture and Research announces a strategic partnership that is not only financial but, above all, symbolic. The Royal Eagle Foundation takes patronage over the “Blooms of Tradition” event, creating a bridge between the heritage of our great-grandmothers and the modern identity of contemporary Polish women.
Orchard Lake, Michigan – It is here, since 1885, that one of the most important hearts of Polish education and faith in the United States has beaten. Today, in 2026, this historic place becomes the arena for an event that redefines the way we think about folklore. On March 7th, on the eve of International Women’s Day, the Institute’s Gallery will transform into a runway for “living history.”
Patronage Based on Values
The announcement of the Royal Eagle Foundation as the Exclusive Presenting Sponsor and Cultural Patron of the “Blooms of Tradition” event is a groundbreaking moment. In the world of culture, where support is often limited to a logo on a poster, this alliance has a deeper meaning.
As the organizers emphasize, the title of Cultural Patron is a role rooted in the responsibility for sustaining the cultural life of the community. This distinction is reserved for an institution whose mission mirrors the values of the Institute in Orchard Lake. Founded in Michigan in 2008, the foundation has for years supported initiatives that strengthen Polish identity – from scholarships to grants for heritage preservation.
– We are honored to serve as Cultural Patron – says Henry Tyszka, president of the Royal Eagle Foundation. – The Institute in Orchard Lake embodies excellence in preserving our shared heritage. Supporting this event is not only a pleasure for us but also a way to appreciate the Institute’s lasting impact on our community.
“Blooms of Tradition”: Fashion as a Vehicle for Memory
The event, which will take place on March 7th, is not an ordinary fashion show. It is a story of cultural survival, woven with needle and thread. The brand Recultured Designs, founded by designer Oleńka Lisiecki, will be in the spotlight.
In Polish history, especially during the partitions and emigration, women were the guardians of identity. It was they, by embroidering corsets, painting chests, or passing folk patterns to their daughters, who ensured that Polishness would not perish. Oleńka Lisiecki draws from this source but avoids museum-like nostalgia. Her designs reinterpret regional costumes, traditional embroideries, and symbolic motifs anew – with elegance and a modern twist.
This approach perfectly fits the concept of “living tradition.” Folklore ceases to be an artifact locked in a display case and becomes a means of expression for the contemporary woman – aware of her roots, but looking to the future.
Women – Guardians of Culture
The date of the event is not accidental. Saturday, March 7, 2026, falls within the celebration of International Women’s Day.
– This partnership has deep meaning – notes Ania Bieciuk, Deputy Director for Polonia at the Institute. – “Blooms of Tradition” honors women as bearers of culture, memory, and strength. The fact that the Royal Eagle Foundation serves as our Patron is a powerful affirmation of the importance of this work. It is proof of shared values and a commitment to ensuring that Polish culture flourishes for generations to come.
In the elegant interiors of the Institute’s Gallery, history will meet the present. The alliance between the Polish Institute of Culture and Research and the Royal Eagle Foundation shows what is possible when artistic vision meets philanthropic leadership. This is a signal to all Polonia that our heritage is not only a source of pride in the past but also a foundation for building a modern, strong community.
Event Information:
- What: Blooms of Tradition – fashion show and cultural celebration
- When: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Where: Gallery on the grounds of Orchard Lake Schools (3535 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake, MI 48324)
- Tickets: Available at www.picrol.org
About the Institute:
The Polish Institute of Culture and Research in Orchard Lake, part of the Orchard Lake Schools founded in 1885, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Polish and Polish-American history, culture, and art.
About the Foundation:
The Royal Eagle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, founded in Michigan in 2008, supporting the spirit of Polonia through grants and cultural initiatives in the USA and abroad. More at: www.royaleaglefoundation.org
