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HPHS Scholars Visit Chicago's Polish Museum of America
November 09, 2011On October 29th five Highland Park Scholars visited the Polish Museum of America. October is Polish Heritage month; and in an effort to expose the Scholars to the histories, experiences, and contributions of various ethnic groups, a visit to this historic gem in Chicago’s West Town community was arranged. This trip also included lunch at an authentic Polish restaurant that has been in West Town for thirty-five years.
Most works of art in the museum were purchased from the Polish Pavilion at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. The stained-glass window behind the Scholars is titled Symbol of Poland Reborn, and was in effect, a part of the Polish Pavilion’s collection.
This exposure provided a great opportunity for these Scholars to find common ground with a seemingly dissimilar group. The Scholars had the opportunity to be part of a tour that detailed Polish immigration to Chicago from 1865 to the present. This tour allowed the Scholars to see that there are many parallels between the immigrant experiences of different ethnic groups. The Scholars were particularly interested in learning about the Pole’s historic struggle to preserve their language both in Poland and in America. They are looking forward to a second visit!
HPHS Scholar Coaches Elizabeth Paredes and Alyssa McNamara pose with Scholars at the Polish Museum of America