Since Chicago is considered "Little Warsaw," and since I'm 1/2 Polish, when I realized we were staying within blocks of the Polish Museum of America, of COURSE we had to go!
Everything was really ornate.
A lot of "skis" on the board ... I felt right at home (for those of you who are thinking: "there's no "ski" in your maiden name, Karen, you're only half right. Dad's last name was shortened when he was in school. Prior to that time, there was a "ski" in Mikols. Plus about 5 other letters, too!).
These were some sort of theme/seal/symbol.
Really popular. No idea what they mean.
I thought this was a beautiful drawing/painting. Really loved it.
"Pulaski at Savannah" is a large painting there .... I first heard about Casimir Pulaski on NPR. He's a Polish dude, and the City of Chicago still celebrates his day. As in people get out of work/off of school. How cool is that?
From the Chicago Sun-Times: Pulaski Day / puh LAS key day / n. The first Monday of March in Illinois -- and a day off for Chicago Public Schools kids as well as City of Chicago and Cook County workers. Other school districts throughout the state also recognize the day. It honors Polish-born Brigadier Gen. Casimir Pulaski, a famed cavalry officer in Poland before joining the American Revolution and becoming a hero here -- and a source of great pride for Polish Americans. New York and Philadelphia also hold Pulaski parades, although they are in October.
I'm considering this as a personal holiday from now on, too! ;)
Who knew the Polish people were involved in the Civil War? Not me!
Some Polish writing. Really beautiful.
Funny but true story: When we were little and would spend a weekend at my dad's parents house, if they wanted to talk about something but not have us understand, my grandparents would start speaking in Polish. True story! Sometimes, Grandpa Benny just looks at me and starts talking in Polish. Um ... I just smile and nod. Because I have no idea what he's saying.
I thought this was pretty.
Who knew the first Polish Parish was in Texas? Not me! I would've guessed Chicago.
Probably one of the most well-known Polish peeps.
A little more.
This amused me. I saw this cart of "extra" books for sale. Most of them were on Polish stuff. But then there was America 24/7. I actually was one of the photographers contracted for that book. And have a photo or two in it. Just made me smile. :)
I'm not sure who this is ... some famous composer. I don't remember now. Anyone want to help us out? Manda? Famous Polish Composer????
