Medical Society Polish-American Projects
The Kalejdoskop Polski MN project was created to document the history of the Polish-American community, with a particular focus on post-World War II immigrants who settled in Minnesota. Its goal is to deepen the understanding of the postwar Polish-American immigrant experience within both Minnesota and American culture. The project features mobile photographic exhibitions that educate about history while celebrating the contributions and diversity of Minnesota’s immigrants.
An Interrupted Childhood
This exhibition showcases the stories of Polish Minnesotans who endured the horrors of World War II. It highlights experiences such as forced labor in the Third Reich and the Soviet Union, deportation to Siberia, service as Polish Army Cadets, survival of the Volhynia Massacre, and bearing witness to the Holocaust. These personal narratives are presented within the broader historical context of World War II.
Faces of Solidarity
This exhibition sheds light on the experiences of Solidarność (Solidarity) activists who became political prisoners. It chronicles their transition to a life free from political repression, the role of Minnesota’s culture in facilitating their integration, and the impact of their continued social activism.
Lives in Transition
Launched in February 2024, this exhibition focuses on the experiences of Polish Americans who immigrated to the U.S. from behind the Iron Curtain. Motivated by the universal pursuit of freedom inherent in the American Dream and a quest for personal dignity, they sought self-fulfillment and the empowerment to shape their own destinies.
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Dr. Katarzyna Litak serves as the project manager, exhibitions curator, and graphic designer, and she also conducted oral history interviews for the project.
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Documentary photographer Grzegorz Litynski was contracted to work on the project's first two phases: Interrupted Childhood and Faces of Solidarity. More details about his work can be found at www.litynski.com.
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Minnesota-based photographer David Sherman lead phase three of the project: Lives in Transition. More about his work can be explored at https://www.davidshermanphoto.com/.
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The project has received grant support from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Metro Regional Arts Council, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago and private donors. Project partnerships also include Landmark Center, Ramsey County Historical Society, East Side Freedom Library, Roseville Public Library, the University of St. Thomas, the Minneapolis Airport Foundation, The Schubert Club, the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, and Kowalski’s Market.
For more information on Virtual Exhibit Tours, please get in touch with office@pamsm.org.
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https://www.pamsm.org/upcoming-events
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