Medical Society Polish-American Projects
The Kalejdoskop Polski MN project was initiated to chronicle the story of the Polish-American community, particularly focusing on the post-WWII immigrants who settled in Minnesota. The project aims to enrich the understanding of the postwar Polish-American immigrant experience within Minnesota and American culture.
This initiative aims to educate the public about immigration issues, highlight Minnesota's population diversity, and emphasize the significance of oral history narratives. Success will be measured by the extent to which Polish Americans feel recognized in Minnesota's immigration narrative and by the empathy elicited from observers through these compassionate stories.
The project features mobile photographic exhibitions designed to educate about history and celebrate the contributions and diversity of Minnesota's immigrants.
Phase Three, launched in February 2024, focuses on the experiences of Polish Americans who immigrated to the US 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 empowerment to shape their own destinies. Minnesota-based photographer David Sherman leads this phase. More about his work can be explored at https://www.davidshermanphoto.com/.
Dr. Katarzyna Litak serves as the project manager, exhibitions curator, and graphic designer, and she also conducted oral history interviews for the project.
Documentary photographer Grzegorz Litynski was contracted to work on the project's first two phases. More details about his work can be found at www.litynski.com.
The project has received grant support from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Metro Regional Arts Council, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago. Partnerships include the Landmark Center, Ramsey County Historical Society, East Side Freedom Library, Roseville Public Library, the University of St. Thomas, Kowalski's Market, and the Minneapolis Airport Foundation.
For more information on Virtual Exhibit Tours, please get in touch with office@pamsm.org.
https://www.pamsm.org/upcoming-events
