Exploring Polish Culture

Living in Chicagoland, there is a unique connection to Polish culture for many and in fact Poles have been a part of this country's history with important contributions and influence. This area is home to the largest population of Polish ethnicity (over 1 million people) outside of Poland and as such, learning and experiencing Polish culture is promising. Perhaps you noticed the statue in front of the Adler Planetarium of Copernicus, the Polish astronomer who identified a heliocentric model of the solar system. Perhaps your child learned about the American Revolutionary War general Casimir Pulaski in March or even had the day off school. Perhaps you tasted a paczek on Fat Thursday from one of many Polish bakeries or perhaps you know that October is Polish American Heritage month. The Polish culture is closer than you think! For more ways to experience Polish culture, try out this list of places to visit.

Places to visit in Des Plaines

Visit the library to explore both adult and children collections that include books, music and dvds. Drop in for Dual Language Storytimes in Polish/English in the months of September through April. Join us on July 10th for Explore Poland, geared towards families with children  ages 2-8. Come early for free tickets to the program.

Take a look at the Des Plaines Park district  offering Polish cultural programs for children.

Interested in your child attending a Polish Language School? Starting this Fall, Des Plaines will be home to the Polish language school of Feliksa Konarskiego at the Parish of St. Stevens.

Head over to Shop n Save and explore the selection of meats and prepared hot foods in the deli as well as desserts in the bakery and also an isle dedicated to Polish food. Nearby in Mount Prospect (On Golf Road) is Wally's market.

Chicago
Visit the Polish Museum of America in one of the oldest Polish areas in chicagoland. It features permanent and visiting exhibits of art, history and culture of Poland and of the Polish American community. In the neighborhood are restaurants and other headquarters of Polish associations

Looking for theater, annual Polish film festival, concerts, Christmas specials, children's events and more? Chances are they will be held at the Copernicus Center. The Copernicus foundation also sponsor's Taste of Polonia, the largest Polish fest in the US.

Some noteworthy events throughout the year

• May: Polish Constitution Parade (downtown) and Polish Fest (Copernicus Center)

• July: Try perogi from Kasia's Deli (booth #12) at the Taste of Chicago

• September: Taste of Polonia (Labor Day Weekend at Copernicus Center) 

Do you have a great place to experience Polish culture or others? Where do you like to go to experience a bit of home, history and culture? Share with us!