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
Polish American Congress at VI Worldwide Polonia Council Conference in Warsaw and Pułtusk, Poland.
Polish American Congress at VI Worldwide Polonia Council Conference in Warsaw, Poland July 28th- June 2nd. (VI Zjazd Poloni i Polaków z Zagranicy) By Małgorzata Margo Schulz, Polish American Congress National Vice President for Media and Publicity. At the Presidential...
Polish American Congress recognizes and congratulates Dr. Dorota A. Grejner-Brzezinska on her appointment to the National Science Board
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2023 The Polish American Congress recognizes and congratulates Dr. Dorota A. Grejner-Brzezinska on her appointment to the National Science Board. The PAC and Polonia are very proud! Dorota A. Grejner-Brzezinska, Member, National...
Polish American Congress History and Chronology
This booklet covers the Polish American Congresss history and chronology, and contains archival PAC photographs. It was composed by Professor Emeritus Donald Pienkos and updated by PAC First Vice President Mark Pienkos. Social...
New PAC Mission Statement
Mission Statement Polish American Congress We are dedicated to unify Americans of Polish descent, fight for their interests, promote respect for Polish heritage and history, and advocate for Poland! The new Mission Statement was approved by the Polish American...
Featured Stories
Easter Greetings.
Today we celebrate Easter. Polish American Congress wishes you a blessed and peaceful Easter and a happy spring. May you be blessed with health, wealth and joy.
Easter Food Blessing; “Święconka”.
Food Blessing, “Święconka” is a Polish tradition of "the blessing of the Easter baskets." On Holy Saturday Poles bring to church baskets, filled with Easter foods. The basket is traditionally lined with a white linem or łące napkin and decorated with sprigs...
THE POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WILL TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 13TH 2024 IN CHICAGO.
The Polish American Congress statement on support for Ukraine.
Latest Press
Oświadczenie Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej w Sprawie Wsparcia dla Ukrainy.
Today we celebrate the Presidents’ Day.
Washington’s Birthday is a U.S. federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Increasingly, the holiday has become an occasion to celebrate the birthdays of both President George...
The PAC President’s letter to the Speaker of the House.
“The Peasants” (“Chłopi”) is now playing in selected theaters in the USA.
Movie “The Peasants” (“Chłopi”) is now playing in selected theaters in New York. Shows time and locations: https://tickets.peasantsmovie.com/ Opens in Los Angeles on Friday, February 2nd and coming soon to the theaters nationwide. Trailer:...