Every year in October, Americans highlight the contributions of Polish people and their descendants to the history of the United States. For the Polish-American community, it is a great opportunity to show children and grandchildren where their family comes from, as well as to meet new people from the Polish community. This year, events have been prepared by, among others, the Chicago Public Library, which describes October on its website as a time dedicated to the heritage, achievements, and cultural impact of Polish Americans in Chicago and across the United States.
The Origins of Polish-American Heritage Month
The foundation is a joint resolution of Congress (House Joint Resolution 547), by which Congress designated October as Polish-American Heritage Month and authorized the President to issue a proclamation. President Ronald Reagan signed it on October 13, 1986, as Proclamation 5548. In the text of the proclamation, he wrote that the American nation owes an “immeasurable debt of gratitude” to the millions of Polish people who came to the United States, and he listed the contributions of people of Polish descent in art, science, religion, and many other fields. He also mentioned Tadeusz Kościuszko and Kazimierz Pułaski, whose military talent he considered essential for the defense of freedom in the Revolutionary War.
What’s Happening in October 2026 at Chicago Libraries
According to the Chicago Public Library website, the program includes:
- October 4 – Performance by the Wici Song and Dance Theater;
- October 5 – Discussion on Polish-American literature;
- October 5, 10, and 17 – Wycinanka workshops, focusing on traditional Polish paper cutting;
- October 6 and 7 – Neighborhood walking tours of Bucktown-Wicker Park and West Town;
- October 10 – Presentation by author Gloria Golec on memories of the South Side;
- October 12 and 18 – Polish fairy tale storytelling;
- October 29 – Genealogy workshop dedicated to Polish roots.
The library has also prepared reading lists recommended by librarians for children, youth, and adults interested in Polish-American heritage. Times, locations, and registration rules for individual events are provided on the library website; it is worth checking them there before heading out, as details may change.
Polish Americans in Numbers and in Chicago
The library states that about nine million Americans claim Polish ancestry, and Chicago is one of the most important centers of Polish culture outside of Europe. For readers outside of Chicago, it is important to note that Heritage Month is nationwide: parishes, Saturday schools, Polish organizations, and local libraries in many cities organize their own gatherings in October. It is worth asking about them in your local area.
Why Get Involved
Such events are usually family-oriented, making them a great way to connect generations. Children experience Polish traditions firsthand, and older adults share their memories. For Polish organizations, it is also an opportunity to connect with the local community. Information about costs and registration should be confirmed with the organizer.
How to Celebrate at Home
You don’t have to wait for an event in the city. You can write down your family history, gather old photos, share Polish fairy tales with children, or cut out wycinanka patterns from colored paper. The genealogy workshop on October 29 can be a great starting point for researching your own roots.
If you are looking for Polish organizations, parishes, and institutions in your area, you can find them in the Polish institutions category of the Polish Pages directory.
