On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the 108th anniversary of Poland regaining its independence, the Pilsudski Institute of America invites the community to Greenpoint. The program includes an Open House at the Institute (3:00–5:30 PM), a screening of the documentary “Rzeczpospolita reaktywacja” (“Republic Reactivated”) at 6:00 PM, and a short recital by pianist Robert Bronchard featuring Fryderyk Chopin’s Polonaise in A major.
Independence Day holds special meaning for the Pilsudski Institute. Founded in New York in 1943, the Institute holds one of the largest Polish archives outside Poland, including documents from the years when the Polish state was rebuilt after 1918. This year’s observance at 138 Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn brings together a tour of the collections, a film, and music in one evening open to the entire Polish American community.
On November 11, 1918, the Regency Council handed military command to Józef Piłsudski, and after 123 years of partitions Poland returned to the map of Europe. Since 1937 the date has been celebrated as Poland’s National Independence Day, observed also by Polish Americans in churches, schools, and institutions such as the Institute in Greenpoint.
Open House at the Institute: 3:00–5:30 PM
From 3:00 to 5:30 PM the Institute opens its doors to everyone interested: adults, teenagers, and children. Visitors will see how the archive and library work, learn about the Institute’s history, and explore its collections: documents, photographs, maps, medals, and memorabilia connected with Poland’s road to independence and with the history of Polish Americans.
The Open House is also a chance to simply step inside, ask the staff about the projects they are working on, and find out how to use the archive for your own research, whether family, academic, or school-related. Admission is open to all.
Film screening “Rzeczpospolita reaktywacja”: 6:00 PM
At 6:00 PM the Institute will screen the documentary “Rzeczpospolita reaktywacja” (“Republic Reactivated”), written and directed by Anna Ferens. The film tells the story of rebuilding the Polish state after 1918: how, after 123 years of partitions, the country had to create its administration, army, currency, schools, and borders from scratch, and who took part in that effort, from names known from every textbook to people few remember today.
For the Institute, which preserves archival materials from that period, the subject is close to home: many documents from 1918–1922 are held in its collections in Greenpoint. The screening is a good opportunity to watch the film among people for whom Polish history is part of their own identity.
Chopin to close the evening
After the screening, pianist Robert Bronchard will perform a short musical program. His repertoire includes Fryderyk Chopin’s Polonaise in A major, one of the most recognizable Polish compositions, associated with national celebrations for generations. It will be the musical finale of the November 11 observance in Brooklyn.
The evening takes place at the Institute’s headquarters at 138 Greenpoint Avenue, in the heart of Polish Greenpoint, a short walk from the Greenpoint Avenue subway station on the G line.
What happened at the Institute in October?
Autumn has been a busy season at the Institute. On October 2, Dr. Marcin Gadocha gave a lecture on Casimir Pulaski, and two days later, on October 4, the 89th Pulaski Day Parade marched up Fifth Avenue with Dr. Iwona Drąg-Korga, President of the Institute, serving as Grand Marshal. On October 27, the Institute hosted a lecture on the history of the Polish legation in Havana.
A full review of events and announcements of upcoming meetings are published in the Institute’s monthly newsletter and on its website.
Practical information
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Program: 3:00–5:30 PM Open House at the Institute · 6:00 PM screening of “Rzeczpospolita reaktywacja” · after the film, recital by pianist Robert Bronchard
Where: Pilsudski Institute of America, 138 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Contact: phone 212-505-9077, e-mail [email protected], www.pilsudski.org
The Institute’s office and archive are open Monday and Wednesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and on Tuesday from 12 PM to 7 PM. Access to the archive requires an appointment.
Source: Bulletin of the Józef Piłsudski Institute of America, No. 10/2026. Photo: Polish Independence Day celebrations, Warsaw, 1933 – collections of the Józef Piłsudski Institute of America.
