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
President of the Saski Palace company: Rebuilding the Buildings that are Part of our Heritage Means Paying Off the Debt
On 29 December 1944, the Germans set off the last explosive charges and razed the Saxon Palace (Pałac Saski) in Warsaw to the ground. The first attempt to blow up the most iconic place of pre-war Warsaw was made by German troops on December 27, 1944. The demolition of...
PAC Illinois Division Thrives During the Pandemic and Beyond
To read the article, please click below: PAC_ILLINOIS_12_2022Social Media
Christmas Wishes
Polish American Congress President Frank J. Spula extends his appreciation to PAC Division Presidents, National Directors, and members for your dedication and effort to make our organization better and stronger each year. On behalf of the Polish American Congress...
Polish Sejm Recognizes Russia as a State Supporting Terrorism
Resolution of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland of 14 December 2022 on the recognition of the Russian Federation as a state supporting terrorism Social Media
Featured Stories
Oświadczenie Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej w Sprawie Wsparcia dla Ukrainy.
The Polish American Congress Statment. Oświadczenie Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej z okazji 25 rocznicy wstąpienia Polski do NATO.
The PAC President’s letter to the Speaker of the House.
Christmas 2023
The Polish American Congress wishes you Merry Christmas! May the magic of Christmas fill your home with warmth and happiness.
Latest Press
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, federal holiday. On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King,...
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...
Oświadczenie Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej, z okazji beatyfikacji rodziny Ulmów.
Kongres Polonii Amerykańskiej, w dniu beatyfikacji rodziny Ulmów chce podkreślić, że pomimo tego, że tylko w Polsce w czasie niemieckiej okupacji w 1939 – 1945 groziła śmierć za ratowanie Żydów, najwięcej Polaków, bo aż ponad siedem tysięcy uhonorowano tytułem...
History of Labor Day in America.
Today we celebrate Labor Day, it is a good time to remember the history of this national holiday. The struggle in a fight for workers rights is also well known to Poles. History of this National Holiday:Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual...