WHEREAS, Polish American Heritage Month was established in 1981 by Michael Blichasz, President of the Polish American Cultural Center in Philadelphia, to honor the impact and rich cultural influence the Polish people have had on the United States; and
WHEREAS, The first Polish immigrants in the United States can be traced back to Jamestown, Virginia in 1608, where John Smith and the Virginia Company recruited Polish craftsmen to produce glassware and other goods for use in the colony and export to Europe; and
WHEREAS, These early Polish settlers helped contribute to our Nation’s democratic traditions from the very beginning, organizing the first documented labor strike in the Americas in 1619 after being denied the right to vote for representation in the Virginia Assembly. The strike was successful, and the craftsmen were given the same voting rights as other residents of the colony and created an apprenticeship program in the process; and
WHEREAS In the late 1800s, a small port of entry was established at Delaware and Washington Ave in South Philadelphia that welcomed immigrants from many countries to the United States, with many choosing to settle along the Delaware River waterfront; and
WHEREAS, The first Polish community in the City of Philadelphia began in what is now known as the Fishtown section of Philadelphia, soon followed by the first Polish Catholic church in the City, St. Laurentius Parish, at Berks St and Memphis St in 1882 to meet the needs of the growing Polish community in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The Polish-American community spread along the waterfront, from South Philadelphia to the Northeast, establishing a reliable and industrious workforce for the local railroad, waterfront, and manufacturing industries. Today, a large Polish presence remains in the Port Richmond and Bridesburg neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has been shaped by the influence of Polish Americans for years, including engineer Ralph Modjeski, who was responsible for one of the City’s most recognizable landmarks, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge; and
WHEREAS, During this month of recognition, all Philadelphians are encouraged to celebrate and reflect on the rich culture and contributions of Polish Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes October 2024 as “Polish American Heritage Month” in the City of Philadelphia.
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