Our History
The Polish American Congress was established in response to the threat to Poland’s freedom caused by German and Soviet aggression in September 1939 and to express in one voice; support for the restoration of a free and sovereign Poland once the war was won. The Congress of Polonia met in Buffalo, New York, from May 28 to June 1, 1944. Composed of roughly 2,600 delegates representing Polish and Polish-American organizations, the Congress created the PAC, defining its goal of a free Poland and underscoring its support for the US war effort against the Axis powers.
The PAC was the first umbrella organization representing a majority of Polish-Americans, who had been represented by a wide range of smaller, mostly local organizations. Creation of PAC was enthusiastically welcomed by most of the Polish-American community. Shortly after its creation, it boasted 6 million members and followers.
The Congress elected Karol Rozmarek as the first president of the PAC. He was succeeded in 1968 by Aloysius Mazewski, who served until his death in 1988. Under Mazewski, Leonard F. Walentynowicz served as executive director of the PAC for a number of years. Edward Moskal was elected president in 1988, and he, too, served as president for the remainder of his life. Its current president is Frank J. Spula.
About Polish American Congress
The Polish American Congress is a National Umbrella Organization, representing at least 10 million Americans of Polish descent and origin. Its membership is comprised of fraternal, educational, veteran, religious, cultural, social, business, political organizations and individual membership.
Recent News
THE POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WILL TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 13TH 2024 IN CHICAGO.
Poland National Independence Day is celebrated on November 11th.
On November 11th Poles celebrate National Independence Day (Narodowe Święto Niepodległości). This day commemorates the anniversary of Poland regaining its sovereignty from the German, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian Empires in 1918. Poland was absent from world maps for...
Annual Polish American Congress Council of National Directors, Chicago October 24-25th.
Annual Polish American Congress Council of National Directors’ meeting took place at the Polish National Alliance (PNA) building in Chicago on Tuesday, October 24 and Wednesday, October 25th.The PAC National Directors voted in the election of officers, serving at the...
Today is 79. Anniversary of Warsaw Uprising.
Today, we commemorate all the brave men and women who stood up against the terror of the German occupation during the Warsaw Uprising, on August 1st, 1944. On this day, 79 years ago at 5 pm local time, on “W” hour, Poland Home Army (Armia Krajowa), started The Warsaw...
Featured Stories
The Polish American Congress 80th Anniversary Celebration will take place on October 13th in Chicago.
Looking forward to celebrate with you!
The 80th Anniversary of Warsaw Uprising.
The Polish American Congress commemorates the 80th anniversary of Warsaw Uprising.Today, we commemorate all the brave men and women who stood up against the terror of the German occupation during the Warsaw Uprising, on August 1st, 1944.On this day, 80 years ago at 5...
STATEMENT ON THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT OF FORMERPRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP
Polish American Congress statement and legislative alert on help for Ukraine.
Latest Press
The Polish American Congress 80th Anniversary Celebration will take place on October 13th in Chicago.
Looking forward to celebrate with you!
STATEMENT ON THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT OF FORMERPRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP
Polish American Congress statement and legislative alert on help for Ukraine.
The General Kosciuszko Events on May 3 and May 4, 2024 at West Point.
THE GENERAL TADEUSZ KOSCIUSZKO EVENTS ON MAY 3 AND MAY 4. 2024 AT WEST POINT by John Czop The annual General...