Polish American Cultural Center

About

To serve the varied social and cultural needs of Polish American, to promote public awareness and appreciation of Polish history and cultural heritage.

Story

The mission of the Polish American Cultural Center is to serve the varied social and cultural needs of Polish American and to promote public awareness and appreciation of Polish history and cultural heritage to as broad an audience as possible.

The mission of the Polish American Cultural Center's Museum Exhibit Hall is to provide programs and exhibits featuring the contribution of Poles and Polish Americans to U.S. and world history and culture in such areas as scientific, artistic, musical, political, religious and military achievements.

OUR CONTINUING GOALS



To promote programs that educate the public about the Polish American cultural experience.

To provide exhibits showcasing the artistic and cultural images and traditions of the Polish American community.

To integrate programs of social and civic service and cultural enrichment.

To serve as a clearinghouse and central meeting place for groups and organizations sponsoring civic and cultural activities and events of significance to Polish Americans.

To provide presentations for students on aspects of the Polish American experience.

To sponsor conferences, lectures, exhibits and other activities that will recognize the contributions of Polish Americans and thereby enhance Poles' sense of ethnic identity and self-respect.

To maintain an exhibit hall for housing both permanent and temporary exhibits featuring items which memorialize the Polish American cultural heritage.

To provide classrooms for English and Polish language instruction and citizenship classes.

Mission

The Polish American Cultural Center and Museum Exhibit Hall are a focal point for many Polish American affairs in the greater Philadelphia area. Annually, more than one million tourists visit Philadelphia's historic district. The Cultural Center's Exhibit Hall, located in the heart of this district, and open to the general public 300 days a year, admission free, allows thousands of tourists to experience Polish history, culture and pride. In addition to welcoming tourists from around the world, the Center hosts meetings, lectures and other events to promote public awareness and appreciation of Polish heritage.

The Cultural Center and Exhibit Hall are outgrowths of Polish American Social Services (PASS), an agency dating back to 1908 to address the social service needs of the substantial Polish American population in Philadelphia. In 1981, PASS leaders recognized the need to move beyond the social service needs of Polish Americans and organized the Polish American Cultural Center to enhance a museum exhibit hall to preserve and display Polish history and culture for the general public.

Due to the growing need for additional office and meeting space, PASS and the Center moved from their original offices in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia to their current home at 308 Walnut Street in the heart of America's most historic square mile.