UPCOMING EVENTS (PMA Sponsored)
	Notice: Due to the installation of new air conditioning system in the Great Hall the 4th floor Art Gallery will be closed until further notice. Please call the Museum to find out when it will re-open. September 6-28: Young Artist Exhibit September 26: Deadline for Polish American Heritage Art Contest Grades K-12 Heritage Month Art Contest Entry Form October 12: Polish American Heritage Program and Dinner Program starts at 1:00 followed by Dinner For further information, call 773-384-3352 extension 104 Polish American Heritage Program and Dinner Reservation Form November 7: Benefit Event to honor our New Millenium Life Members Benefit Event Sponsorship Form November 15: Pierogi Demonstration Workshop Session 1 (11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Session II (1:00-2:30) Reservations and fees required to guarantee spot. Pierogi Demonstration Workshop Reservation Form November 16: Christmas Ornament Workshop (10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.) Reservations and fees required to guarantee spot. Christmas Ornament Workshop Reservation Form November 15 & 16: Crystal and Amber Gift Show (11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.) Holiday Crystal, Amber & Gift Sale Flyer December “Polish Christmas” EXHIBIT December 5: Adult Wigilia Meatless dinner, Christmas Traditions, Ornament Workshop, visit from St. Nick and koledy Adult Wigilia Reservation Form December 13: Family Wigilia Meatless lunch, Christmas Traditions, Ornament Workshop, Koledy and a visit from St. Nick Family Wigilia Lunch and Workshop Reservation Form December 24 & 25: Merry Christmas! (Museum Closed) December 31: Happy New Year! (Museum Closed)
All dates are subject to change. Please call the museum at 773-384-3352 prior to the event. For further information, call 773-384-3352 extension 104 or 106 or visit pma.prcua.org. Programs are subject to change. PMA members are notified of all workshops through the newsletter and receive discounts. To join the PMA, send in the Membership Form available by clicking here. NOTE: The Polish Museum of America is closed on Thursday. Hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (11:00-4:00) Requested Donation: Adults ($5.00), Seniors & Students ($4.00), Children under 12 years ($3.00)

PMA Preparing for the Christmas Season

2008 has quickly flown by and soon the Christmas season will be upon us. The holiday season will began at the Polish Museum of America with the Amber and Crystal Gift Show on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Chairman, Mary Jane Robles, will display a nice selection of crystal, amber, wooden artifacts, a variety of ornaments and much more. This is the place to purchase beautiful items that exemplify our Polish Heritage for that hard to find person.

There will also be two Pierogi Demonstration Workshops on Saturday, November 15. One class will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the afternoon session will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. Mark Kroplewski and staff from Red Apple Restaurant will do the demonstrations. Learn to make the delicious pierogi starting with the preparation of the dough and filling, followed by placing the filling in the circles of dough pinching its edges so that they do not open during the boiling process and finally tasting the finished product. Cost is $15.00 for members and $18.00 for non-members. Each participant will receive a Pierogi Information Packet and will also be able to purchase Pierogis for their Wigilia meal. Reservations along with your check will guarantee a spot for this informative workshop.

On Sunday, November 16, the PMA’S annual Christmas Ornament Workshop will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Instructors, Maria Grzadziel and Stasia Gasior (Paint a Bulb) are making preparations for this fun-filled day for children, as well as, adults. Cost is $6.00 for children under 12, $8.00 for Members and $12.00 for non-members. Paint a Bulb is $5.00 extra per bulb.

The annual Adult Wigilia (Christmas Eve Meatless Meal) will take place on Friday, December 5. The evening begins with the sharing of the oplatek, eating the meatless meal, a visit and a gift from St. Nicholas and Mrs. Claus, presentation on Polish Christmas customs and traditions, observing or making Polish Christmas ornaments, Christmas shopping at the Gift shop, viewing of decorated Christmas trees by various Polish schools and organizations and ending the evening with the singing of Polish and English Christmas carols (Kolendy). Cost is $30.00 for PMA members and $35.00 for non-members. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the Wigilia meal begins 7:00 p.m. sharp.

A similar event will take place on Saturday, December 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for children and families. Cost of the Family Wigilia is $25.00 for PMA adult members, $30.00 for adult non-Members and $15.00 for high school students and younger. Space is limited and this Christmas Program sells out quickly. Reservations and your check are a must for these two beautiful traditional events.

This is a time for our Polish friends to recall Christmases of long ago and for our non-Polish friends to experience these beautiful Polish Christmas customs. It is also a time for children to re-enact Christmas like their grandparents and great-grandparents did.

Please be part of the Christmas activities at the Polish Museum of America. For reservation forms, please review the Upcoming Events above.

Benefit Event 2008 - INTRODUCTION

The Polish Museum of America located in Chicago Illinois has two major fundraisers, the Summer Ball, an annual event honoring individuals or organizations with the Polish Spirit Award for their contribution to Polonia and the Benefit Event, held every other year, honoring New Millennium Life Members who have generously donated $2,500.00 to the Polish Museum of America.

On Friday, November 7, the Polish Museum of America (PMA) will be honoring its fourth and last class of New Millennium Life Members. One hundred generous supporters have come forth to commit themselves to the PMA as New Millennium Life Members since its inception in September 1999. On November 7 the last thirty-two members will be honored.

Since this Membership has achieved its goal of one hundred Donors, a new Life Membership has been established named the Legacy Life Membership in honor of our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. Those who become Legacy Life Members by November 1 will also be acknowledged this evening.

This Benefit Event will take place in the Great Hall of the Museum and invitations will be limited. However, we want all members and friends to be part of this special occasion of honoring the last class of thirty-two New Millennium Life Members. You can be part of this evening by becoming a sponsor. All sponsors will be included in our Museum Program Book that has as its theme this year, “The Literary and Documentary Treasures” of the PMA that will also include photos.

The Polish Museum of America is in great need of your support. With escalating costs, funds are continuously needed for the maintenance of the Museum and its exhibits and for professional personnel. Whatever support you give to this fundraiser is greatly appreciated.

I hope that you will be part of Benefit Event 2008 honoring our last class of New Millennium Life Members. You have been very generous with our past three Benefit Events and I hope that you continue with this one. It is because of ALL of you that the oldest ethnic museum has survived for over seventy years and may it continue to live on for another seventy years.

Benefit Event Sponsorship Form

Benefit Event 2008

Benefit Event 2008, a black tie event held in the Great Hall of the Polish Museum of America located at 984 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago Illinois will take place on Friday, November 7. Champagne Cocktail hour will take place between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at which time the guests will have the opportunity to view the many Literary and Documentary Treasures that are not on display for the public. A delicious dinner, catered by Professional Chef, Tomasz Rybinski will be served between 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. A program that will acknowledge thirty-two New Millennium Life Members and at least nine Legacy Life Members will end this evening of pride for the many generous donors who see the importance of preserving, restoring and maintaining this beautiful institution that has so many treasures, some of which are found no where else in the world.

The Benefit Event is an elegant event and is also one of the major fundraisers for the museum. Unlike the annual Summer Ball, the Benefit Event is held every other year.
The purpose of the Benefit Event is to honor those who generously donate $2,500.00 to become Life Members. Life Members can be individuals, couples, organizations, institutions or corporations. The donation can be made “in memory of” or “in honor of” a special person. At the dinner, New Millennium Life Members receive a medallion, a plaque and a lapel pin. Their names are also placed on the New Millennium Life Member Donor Plaque located in the foyer of the Great Hall of the museum.

The New Millennium Life Member Plaque has achieved its goal of one hundred members. A new plaque called the Legacy Life Member Donor Plaque has been established. It has fifty plates, nine of which have already been filled. Legacy Life Members will receive an individual plaque and a lapel pin. The new plaque will be blessed in November and those who become Legacy Life Members from now until November 1 will also be honored at this year’s Benefit Event. The Legacy Life Member Donor Plaque is in honor of Pope John Paul II who said that our Polish heritage needs to be preserved for future generations.

The Legacy Life Membership , not only has a $2,500.00 category, but it also has a $10,000.00 category. People or organizations donating this amount will have their name on a separate 4 x 6 plaque that will be placed alongside the larger plaque that holds fifty donor plates. It will be interesting to see who will be the PMA’S first $10,000.00 Legacy Life Member, an individual or an organization!

If unable to attend the event, you can still be part of Benefit Event 2008 by being a sponsor. Sponsorship forms can be obtained by calling 773-384-3352 extension 104. Tickets for this major fundraiser can be obtained by calling Camille at 1-847-394-2520. With escalating operational costs in today’s economy, your support, whether large or small is greatly appreciated to make Benefit Event 2008 successful and profitable for one of the oldest ethnic museums where the past is preserved for the future, THE POLISH MUSEUM OF AMERICA.

Following is a list of the 2008 Life Members of the Polish Museum of America who come from many states and also Poland. If you would like to see your name on this list and be part of Benefit Event 2008, you can go to the above website for a membership application.

NEW MILLENNIUM LIFE MEMBERS-Class of 2008

Polish Women’s Alliance of America, Virginia Sikora, President (Chicago IL), Helen Damsz Wojcik (Chicago IL.), PNA of Brooklyn, USA, Christine McMullen, Past President (Brooklyn NY),PRCUA #542, St. Peter & Paul society (Chicago IL), Michael L. Krajewski (Toledo OH), National Advocates Society (Schererville IN), Polish American Medical Society, Bronislaw Orawiec, MD, PH.D., President (Chicago IL),Annette Grodecki-Stone (N. Olmsted OH), PRCUA #308, Sacred Heart Society (Chicago IL), Geraldine & Donald Kearns Sr (Elk Grove IL), John & Kathy Tylka (Chicago IL), Thomas & Ann Burzycki (South Bend IN), PNA of the US of NA, Frank Spula, President (Chicago IL), Helen Kutza (Chicago IL), Edmund Kotowski (Dearborn Hts., MI), Dr. & Mrs. Robert Dutka (Inverness IL), Joseph Conrad Yacht Club (Chicago IL), Bernard Naborowsk, in memory of the Gabrysiak & Naborowski families (Buffalo Grove IL), Bernard Naborowski in memory of Josephine Ma tejko Smagon (Buffalo Grove IL),L. Jessica Jagielnik in memory of Lydia Lejman Jagielnik (Chicago IL), Eugene Trela (Willoughby OH), Wallace Zielinski (Monongahela PA), Henrietta Nowakowski (Dearborn Hts. MI), Edward & Dee Blicharski in memory of Frank & Alice Blicharski (Deerfield IL), United Polish Club of Elyria OH, Tom Barnes, President, Sharon Zago (Chicago IL), Hon. Thaddeus S. Machnik in loving memory of parents, Jozef & Janina Machnik (Chicago IL),Carleen Lorys (Chicago IL), Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, Wallace M. Ozog, President (Chicago IL), In memory of Adele Sularski (Chicago IL), Renee Krupinski Lameka (Placitas NM), Jerzy, Lidia & Krzysztof Filus (Park Ridge IL) and James & Czeslawa Kolak (Chicago IL)

LEGACY LIFE MEMBERS-Class of 2008

Mike, Mark, Chris, Tina, Ryan & Grace Ozog (Warren MI), Catherine Sularski (Chicago IL), Stephen Sularski (Chicago IL), Robert Sularski (Chicago IL), Cynthia Piech (Northbrook IL), Claire Kania Krol in memory of Joseph (PMA Founder) & Sophia Kania (Niles IL), Maria Lorys (Raclawice K/Nisko Poland), Polish Genealogical Society of America, Edmund Iwanski, President (Chicago IL) and Richard P. Poremski (Baltimore MD).

Volunteer and Media Appreciation Luncheon

On Thursday August 21, the Polish Museum of America (PMA) held its 9th annual Appreciation Luncheon for all of its volunteers, including its media friends. This year’s theme was “Volunteers are the heart of the museum”. Volunteers donate much of their time and because of this they enable the museum to be an institution alive with much activity. The media promotes these activities to the public by way of radio, television and the website and as a result, many visitors partake in these events.

The color theme this year was orange. Mostly everyone present was in the spirit and wore something with this bright color. In fact, one of our media friends had orange hair.

The Program began in the Great Hall of the museum where these “special” people were acknowledged for the time that they freely give to the museum. As their name was called by Director Jan Lorys, PMA Chairman Wallace Ozog and PMA President Maria Ciesla presented each one with a beautiful orange rose.

Orange roses symbolize desire, passion and enthusiasm. Some of the volunteers have a passion for the museum and enthusiastically put in 50 or more hours this past year. Special recognition was given to those volunteers who worked 50 + hours and they are: Esther Witek-382.5 hours, Felicia Krupinski-365.5 hours, Stasia Gasior-260.5 hours, Mary Gorny-240 hours, Harriette Bertola-180 hours, Hank Kulesza-140 hours, Carol Jankowski-138.5 hours, Bogusia Yon-119 hours, Rosalie Lindberg-114.5 hours, Halina Bieniewski-101.5 hours, Michael Boruch-100 hours, Weronika Walczak-71 hours, Lisa Beiwel-54.5 hours and Fred Tuytens-50 hours. We hope that next year this list will double in size.

Then the moment came for the announcement of the PMA’S 2008 “Volunteer of the Year”. This prestigious title was given to Mary Jane Robles, a PRCUA employee who willingly gives of herself without recognition. Mary Jane Cwiak Robles is the daughter of the late Pauline and Aloysus Cwiak. She followed in her mother’s footsteps and began working at the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America in 1989. During this period, Mary Jane raised three sons and two daughters.

Along with being an employee of the PRCUA and Financial Secretary of Society #542, Mary Jane volunteers her time to the Polish Museum of America, as the Gift Shop Manager. She has organized and dedicated much time to the annual Crystal and Amber Gift Shows, outside exhibits and other PMA sponsored events. Mary Jane also volunteers and participates in PRCUA fraternal activities. At least once a month, Mary Jane sets up the Social Hall at the PRCUA for the Seniors Club and is the first one to set up at other PRCUA/PMA luncheon events.

Outside of the PRCUA/PMA, Mary Jane also finds time to be on the Finance Committee, to be a collection counter and to be a lector at Holy Innocents Parish. She has helped and prepared for their past carnivals, bazaars and other Parish functions. Mary Jane also volunteers on the Bishop Abramowicz Seminary Silent Auction Committee.

One of Mary Jane’s hobbies is working on her family genealogy. One day Mary Jane hopes to travel to Poland to visit the town of where her ancestors have come from. She also cuts out cancelled stamps and sends them to the Jesuit Missions where they get funds.

Being a person who does not like to receive credit and likes to work behind the scenes, Mary Jane is truly one who is worthy of the PMA’s 2008 “Volunteer of the Year”. Congratulations, Mary Jane! We thank you for your many years of dedication and commitment to the PMA.

After the Program, everyone proceeded to the Social Hall where they enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Kasia’s Deli. This was their afternoon to relax and be waited on. The Polish Museum of America is grateful to have these individuals who work hard, work in unity and work for the good of the museum.

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Congratulations are extended to the following Museum Members for their achievements in Polonia:

Life Member, Ann Burzycki, for being elected President of the Polish Women’s Civic Club.

Life Member, Camille Kopielski, for being elected President of the Polish American Congress, Illinois Division.

Member, Dr. Vivian Walkosz, Ed.D., for being elected President of the Polish Arts Club.

Organizational Member, Catholic Order of Foresters for their 125th Anniversary. David Huber is President.

Organizational Life Member, Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, for their 135th Anniversary. Wallace M. Ozog is President.

Member, Virginia Sikora, Life Member, Sharon Zago, and Member, Antoinette Vander Noot and National Executive Officers of Polish Women’s Alliance for their 110th Anniversary. Virginia Sikora is President.

Ted Czajkowski, for being elected President of the Alliance of Polish Clubs, an Organizational Member.

If you know of a member who has received some type of recognition or achievement, please let us know and their name will appear in this column.

MEETING OUR MEMBERS

Members are the backbone of an institution. While attending Polonia events, I meet many members of the Polish Museum of America. Some I know and some I have never met but it is always good to socialize and thank those who know the importance of financially assisting the PMA with its many events, exhibits and projects. I would like to share the following photos with our readers so that if you happen to meet one of these individuals, you can introduce yourself and say that you are also a member of one of the oldest ethnic museums in the United States, the Polish Museum of America.

The visit of Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Secretary to the late Pope John Paul II, was a weekend of excitement for Polonia. The Cardinal’s visit brought organizations and individuals together to greet His Eminence to the Chicago area. On Saturday, July 28 a reception limited to 250 people was held at the Jolly Inn where PMA Life Members, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Sokolowski, Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Ozog and Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Boduch were invited and had the privilege of meeting the Cardinal.

The Polish Museum of America held its Summer Ball on Friday, June 20. Almost two hundred people attended this black tie event. Many PMA members attended this annual Ball to honor Veterans with the Polish Spirit Award.

The PRCUA Seniors, an organizational member of the Museum, gathered together in June to honor mothers and fathers with a special luncheon. The Seniors are always looking for new members so if you want to come out and socialize and have fun, attend the PRCUA Senior meetings on the first Tuesday of each month.

On Monday, May 19, the Polish Women’s Civic Club held its luncheon for the installation of officers. Congratulations are extended to all the officers, especially, to its new President and PMA Life Member, Ann Burzycki.

PRCUA Maria Konopnicka Adult Culture Group, an organizational member of the Polish Museum, held its annual picnic in June. Proceeds from this fundraiser go towards scholarships. Members of this Committee are very dedicated. We are most grateful for their interest and support of our youth.

PMA members, Bill and Lucia Seranko are seen at several PMA functions. You may see Mr. Seranko taking photos at some of the PMA events.

Mr. & Mrs. Casimir Rozycki, PMA Members from Michigan, are very active in Polonia. They graciously invited some of the dignitaries at Polish American Night to their son’s Suite at Comerica Park in Detroit Michigan. We thank them for their great hospitality!

Many PMA members attended the Polish Constitution Day Parade Brunch. The Chairman of the Brunch was PMA member, Romuald Matuszczak who did another superb job.

PMA Organizational members from Wisconsin, Polanki, known as the Polish Women’s Cultural Club of Milwaukee, gathered together to honor their member and also, PMA member, Susan Mikos, as the 2008 Polish Heritage Recipient. We congratulate Susan for her hard work and dedication to Polonia.

There are many Museum Members that I have never met. If you see me at an event, please introduce yourself. It is always a pleasure to meet and talk with our members. Maybe, next time your photo will be in our Newsletter!

PMA Member Recipient of Advocates Society “2008 Award of Merit”

At the 77th annual Installation and Awards Dinner of the Advocates Society held on Thursday, January 28th, PMA Member, Kasia Bober was the recipient of the “2008 Award of Merit” for her generous contributions to Polonia.

Kazimiera Bober, better known as Kasia, is living proof of the “American Dream” as she has been defined by the Chicago Tribune and other local newspapers. She immigrated to the United States from Poland in the 1970’s with a dream of a better life for herself and her children. After years of working odd jobs and financial struggles, she decided to pursue something that she felt she was good at, which was cooking. She opened her Deli in December of 1982 and began to offer home cooking to the neighborhood customers. She would cook at night and sell her ethnic cuisine during the day. Although the beginnings were difficult, it was through her hard work, perseverance and dedication that Kasia was able to succeed. As her clientele grew, Kasia began to notice that her pierogi were becoming one of the best selling items. After years of showcasing her product at neighborhood festivals, she was asked to participate at “The Taste of Chicago”, one of the largest food festivals in the country. It was also at that time that she won the first of four consecutive awards for “The Best Pierogi in Chicago.” With all the acclaim she received, Kasia’s next break was getting her pierogi into some of the largest supermarkets in the Chicago land area. Kasia’s pierogi were also the first ever to be served aboard United Airlines. Dignitaries such as President Clinton, Mayor Richard J. Daley, Governor Ryan and many others have also sampled Kasia’s award winning pierogi. Kasia, with the help of her children and now grandchildren, is successfully fulfilling her “American Dream”.

The Polish Museum of America congratulates Kasia Bober for her generosity to us and to many Polonian causes. She is a very humble person with a BIG heart. She sets an example for others that through hard work and determination dreams can be fulfilled. Wishing her health, happiness and God’s Blessings to continue her work for Polonia.

New Life Member Donor Plaque

Although the New Millennium Life Member plaque is filled, the PMA is still accepting Life Membership of $2,500.00. The PMA Life Membership Committee that consists of Sabina Logisz, Felicia Krupinski, Malgorzata Kot, Alice Robaczewski, Joann Ozog, Robert Kowalski, Kathryn Rosypal and Jan Lorys recently met to discuss the new Life Membership Donor Plaque.

The plaque will be called the “Legacy Life Membership Donor Plaque” and will hold 50 donor plates. It will consist of the quote from the late Pope John Paul II-“Keep our Polish heritage alive for the future.” Each Life Member will receive an individual Donor Plaque, as well as, a lapel pin at an annual dinner. All of those who join the Legacy Life Membership from now until November 7 will be acknowledged at this year’s Benefit Event.

An added attraction to the Legacy Life Membership is a $10,000.00 or more category. Anyone becoming such a member will be recognized on an individual 4 x 6 plaque, which will be placed alongside the larger plaque.

The Legacy Life Member Donor Plaque has not been produced as of this writing but we already have 6 Legacy Life Members. As stated in the “New Life Members” article, the first four are our future and as Pope John Paul II stated, we must keep our Polish heritage alive for the future generations. It is most appropriate that our new plaque begins with these individuals.

Hopefully, more parents and grandparents will get their children and grandchildren involved with their heritage and will give them a gift of Life Membership. If anyone has any questions regarding the Legacy Life Membership, call me at 773-384-3352 extension 104.

New Millennium Life Member Donor Plaque Is Filled

I am happy to announce that the New Millennium Life Member Donor Plaque of the Polish Museum of America has achieved its goal of 100 Life Members. This special plaque of 100 was introduced in September of 1999 with its first Life Member being Jo Kania Piegzik, the daughter of Joseph Kania, President of PRCUA from 1934-1941 and from 1946-1953 who made the motion to his Board of Directors to establish a museum for all Poles and Polish Americans to be proud of. The doors of this museum, originally known as the Museum of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA) opened January 1937 in what is today the Paderewski Room.

During the earlier years of the museum, membership consisted, not only of individuals, but also of organizations and parishes. Presently, there are twelve organizations that have committed themselves to Life Membership. They are: Joseph Conrad Yacht Club, PRCUA Illinois/Indiana Women’s Division, National Advocates Society, PNA of Brooklyn, USA (now merged with PNA), PNA of the US of NA, Polish American Medical Society, Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, PRCUA Society #1415, PRCUA Society #228, PRCUA Society #308, PRCUA Society #542 and Polish Club of Elyria Ohio. There are no parishes that have become Life Members thus far.

One of my famous quotes is “The Polish Museum of America is the Polish Museum of AMERICA and not the Polish Museum of CHICAGO.” Although most of our Life Members are from Illinois, there are Life Members from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, Florida, Texas, New Mexico, California, New York, Arizona and Pennsylvania. It would be wonderful to have representatives from other states not listed.

The PMA’S 4th and last class of New Millennium Life Members will be acknowledged on Friday, November 7 at the Benefit Event. At this time, they will receive their individual plaque, medallion and lapel pin. At this elegant event, which is held in the Great Hall, the museum highlights an area that is not on public view. For our Life Members it is a time of pride because these individuals and organizations are DOING something to preserve this great institution.

At this time, I would like to thank the 100 “special” individuals and organizations that have committed themselves as New Millennium Life Members. You have truly fulfilled my dream in 8 1/2 years. When this Life Membership was first initiated, it was slow starting and I really did not know if it was possible to get 100 Donors to give $2,500.00. I greatly appreciate these generous people who see the importance of giving this kind of support to one of the oldest ethnic museums “where the past is preserved for the future.”

NATIONWIDE APPEAL

In December all members should have received the PMA’S new brochure “The Polish Museum of America Needs You”. The purpose of this brochure is to attract new members and/or to show what areas of the museum need financial assistance to carry out its mission of preserving, maintaining or restoring the many treasures found in this great institution. Donations can be made in memory of or in honor of a loved one or friend and are tax deductible to the extent of the law.

Whatever amount is donated is greatly appreciated. The museum does not receive large donations nor donations from big corporations. If anyone can help us in these areas, please be Ambassadors and do so.

In less than a month the following has been collected through this brochure:

Sabina Logisz Matching Fund: $3,600.00
Save the Book: $270.00
General Fund: $225.00
Membership: $225.00
Paderewski Room (Part of Sabina’s Fund): $250.00
Music Collection: $1,050.00
Prints/Posters: $1,000.00
Photo Restoration: $1,000.00
Chair Lift: $20.00
Art Gallery (Part of Sabina’s Fund): $100.00
Art Restoration: $500.00

The Polish Museum of America is most appreciative of these Donors who have answered the Nationwide Appeal of supporting the museum through membership or by donating to one of its many projects. We hope that many more individuals, organizations and parishes will make a resolution for 2008 to financially assist the “Treasure of Polonia”.

POLISH SETTLERS IN CHICAGO

It took over a year but the workbook on “Chicago Early Settlers” was printed. This workbook took time to research, to write, to find photos, to edit and to find sponsors to underwrite the cost. Teachers came to the museum requesting such a workbook so Kathryn Rosypal and Joann Ozog decided to work on this project. Kathryn and Joann are most appreciative to those people who made comments. We would like to thank the following who took time to write a positive or corrective comment.

• Barrington Library (Illinois)-“Thank you for donating “Polish Settlers in Chicago”. This interesting book contains a wealth of information about the immigration of Polish people to the United States.”

• S. Kedzior (Illinois)-“Thank you, a very interesting and educational book.”

• D. Jaskula-“Thank you for all you do to make sure these important memories are there for our children and grandchildren.”

• D. Greenlee (Texas)-“The covers of the workbook are wonderful. What a great comparison of children, then and now. I just wanted you to know that the idea had not gone unnoticed.”

• Alice Gosak Gary (California)-“The design of the cover of Polish Settlers in Chicago is particularly noteworthy. The contrast of the early generations on the back cover, some without shoes on their little feet, and that of the children on the front cover is vivid and moving. The written contents and photos, as well as the games will hold the attention of both children and adults. Congratulations to the authors!”

• Bernard Naborowski (Illinois)-Page 13, “Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish” should read “St. Mary of Perpetual Help Parish”.

• Bob Bake (Illinois)-Pages 30 & 31, St. Stanislaus College, the first Polish high school in the U.S. was founded in 1891 and not 1890.

• D. Greenlee (Texas)-Super Word Scramble, last words on left side, first word is missing the letter ”L”

It is interesting to note that requests for this workbook have come from Indiana, New Jersey, Michigan, California, New York, Illinois, Connecticut, Oregon, Florida, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Colorado, Texas, Nevada, Georgia, Vermont, Nebraska, Arizona, Kentucky, New Mexico, Minnesota, Tennessee, Oregon, New Hampshire and Montana.

POLISH MUSEUM RECEIVES THE JOSEPH JACHIMCZYK POLONIA AWARD

The Polish Museum of America received the “Joseph Jachimczyk Polonia Award” at the annual meeting of the National Advocates and National Medical and Dental Association. Dr. Joseph Jachimczyk held both a medical and law degree as well as one in theology. He was licensed to practice both medicine and law in nine states. As an honored member of both the National Medical and Dental Association, and the National Advocates Society, the Polish American Award is awarded to an individual or organization for outstanding contributions toward the enhancement of Polonia.

The Award was presented by Joan Smuda Schroeder, President of the National Advocates and Life Member of the PMA. Wallace Ozog, Chairman of the Board of the Polish Museum of America accepted the award and thanked the members.

A LOOK AT OUR MUSEUM

It was a gift sent from heaven when the Polish Museum of America received $20,000.00 from the Legion of Polish Women and a grant from the State of Illinois to purchase a new Air Condition that would cool, without noise, the Great Hall, the Art Gallery, the Archives, Paderewski Room and Mr. Kobus’s Room. However, it is more work to find further funds to pay the difference in cost of installing the Air Condition, as well as additional renovations in the Art Gallery and the Paderewski Room.

It has been many years since any remodeling has been done in either the Art Gallery or the Paderewski Room. Before putting the artwork back into the Art Gallery we would like to give it a new look. The Air Condition must be hidden from view, the floor with several small steps, the cabinets and the exhibit walls must be redone, carpeting needs to be replaced and electrical system must be updated.

The Paderewski Room must be refreshed. Walls need painting, Logos of various organizations that initially supported the museum are peeling and must be repainted, new carpet needs to be installed, furniture must be cleaned and preserved and some exhibit cases need to be redone.

These two projects are part of the PMA’S Nationwide Appeal Sabina Logisz Matching Fund. For every $1.00 donated, PRCUA will donate $.50, up to $20,000.00 per phase.

The Polish Museum of America is for Polonia all over the United States, not just Chicago Illinois. It has many treasures that no other Polish Museum, even in Poland, can boast about. The PMA is the oldest ethnic Museum where the past is preserved for future generations. It is important to expose the heritage found within the walls of the PMA to our children and grandchildren so that they will learn about customs, traditions and history of their forefathers.

I am appealing to all people all over the U.S.A to be Ambassadors in their respective states and spread the word about the PMA’S Nationwide Appeal. Since the PMA does not have corporations as contributors, it takes so much longer to raise funds. Talk to your family, friends and organizations. Whatever amount is donated will help us get closer to our goal of $200,000.00 for both rooms. Donations of $10,000.00 or more will get the Donor’s name on a plaque. Have fundraisers! Get children, adults and organizations involved. Michigan did and they raised $11,200.00. This money is earmarked for the Art Gallery and we thank Michigan Friends for their generous donation. We would love to have New York Friends, Pennsylvania Friends, California Friends, Texas Friends.

I hope that there will be some “ANGELS” who will see the importance of these two projects. This is our heritage and if we do not show interest and support, who will? You can contact Joann Ozog at 773-384-3352 extension 104 for further information. The Polish Museum of America is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law and can be made in memory of or in honor of.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

The Polish Museum of America is looking for individuals who are interested in assisting the museum guides on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Many times there is a large crowd of visitors and it is difficult for the guides to be in the Gift Shop, Paderewski Room, Art Gallery and Great Hall all at the same time.

The PMA is also looking for volunteers to be hosts and hostesses at Exhibit Openings and various events. The Polish Museum of America is getting popular and it is hard for staff members to work all day, five days a week and then stay until 10:00 pm or come in on weekends for some event. Many times there are two or three activities a week.

Your pay is the satisfaction that you are committing yourself to the promotion of your heritage to the community.

If interested or for further information, call Joann at 773-384-3352 extension 104.

MATCHING GIFTS

Just to let our members and friends know that if you are an employee of MacDonald’s Corporation or IBM and you make a donation to The Polish Museum of America, these companies will match your gift. IBM will match up to $5,000.00. Some companies will also do it for retirees. Please check with the company that you worked for.

There may be other companies that have this same program. The PMA appreciates this extra donation and it is put to good use with our various projects.

Sabina Logisz Matching Fund

Please consider giving a donation to the “Sabina Logisz Matching Fund.” If you don’t know what to get the hard-to-buy-for person, donate money to this fund in their honor. Instead of memorial flowers, donate money in memory of a friend or loved one. Societies and other groups are also encouraged to support the oldest ethnic museum with a donation to this fund. If we all work together, I am quite sure that our goal to purchase exhibit walls will soon be achieved. Your donation to The Polish Museum of America, a 501(c)(3) institution, is tax deductible. Whatever you give will be greatly appreciated and will help us reach our goal.

sabina logisz development matching funds program
 

Name___________________________________________________________________

Street __________________________________________________________________

City______________________________________________ St ______ Zip __________

In Memory of ____________________________________________________________
  OR
In Honor of ______________________________________________________________
  OR
Book Preservation Sponsored by _____________________________________________

PRCUA will donate $.50 to this fund for every $1 donated. Donors’  names will be printed in NAROD POLSKI newspaper, PMA newsletter, and this web page.

Please make check payable to: THE POLISH MUSEUM OF AMERICA
Send to: PMA Matching Funds, 984 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622-4101