Polish Community in Texas
Texas has a rich Polish heritage dating back to the 1850s, with approximately 237,557 Texans of Polish descent as of 1990. Polish immigrants settled throughout Texas, establishing vibrant communities, churches, and cultural organizations.
Major Cities
Houston
Polish Population: By 1900, there were some 200 Polish families in Houston. A century later, there are approximately 55,000 people of Polish descent in Houston.
Organizations:
- Polish Genealogical Society of Texas - Founded in 1982, non-profit organization preserving Polish heritage
- Polish Folk Dance Group Wawel - Non-profit performing group promoting Polish culture through song and dance
- Chopin Society of Houston - Established in 2000, promoting Polish musical heritage
- Polish American Chamber of Commerce in Texas - Connecting business interests between Poland and Texas
- Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church - Polish parish serving the community
Dallas-Fort Worth
Polish Association in Texas Established: 1958 Location: Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
One of the oldest Polish organizations in Texas, serving the Polish community for over 65 years.
Austin
Austin Polish Society Established: 2005 Website: austinpolishsociety.org
Dedicated to furthering knowledge of Polish culture, traditions, history, language, arts, current affairs, and local events.
San Antonio
Organizations:
- Polish Arts and Culture Foundation
- Polish National Alliance Lodge No. 2540
- Polish Eagle Dance Group
- South Texas Polish Dancers
Religious Sites:
- Our Lady of Czestochowa shrine and museum
Statewide Organizations
Polish American Council of Texas (PACT)
Established: 2011
Non-profit organization with a mission to further knowledge of Polish culture across Texas. PACT coordinates activities among Polish organizations throughout the state.
Texas Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation
Founded: 1993
Promotes Polish-American cultural and educational exchange, provides scholarships, and supports educational programs.
Historic Polish Settlements
Polish Texas Heritage
Texas Polonia has deep historical roots, with Polish immigrants settling in:
- Panna Maria - First Polish settlement in America (1854)
- Bandera - Polish farming community
- Karnes County - Polish settlements
- Bremond - Polish community
- Anderson - Polish heritage
- Bryan-College Station area - Polish settlers
Beautiful Polish Churches in Texas
Texas is home to numerous historic Polish Catholic churches, architectural treasures that reflect Polish immigrant heritage:
- Churches in Panna Maria, Cestohowa, Polonia, and other Polish settlements
- Many feature Polish architectural elements and religious art
Religious Communities
Polish Catholic Churches
Polish parishes and churches throughout Texas:
- Our Lady of Czestochowa, Houston
- Polish parishes in Dallas-Fort Worth
- Historic churches in rural Polish settlements
- Our Lady of Czestochowa shrine, San Antonio
Many churches continue to offer Polish-language masses and maintain Polish traditions.
Cultural Organizations
Dance and Performance Groups
- Polish Folk Dance Group Wawel (Houston)
- Polish Eagle Dance Group (San Antonio)
- South Texas Polish Dancers
Educational Organizations
- Polish language schools
- Cultural education programs
- Polish Saturday schools
Arts Organizations
- Chopin Society of Houston
- Polish Arts and Culture Foundation
Business and Professional
Polish American Chamber of Commerce in Texas
Serves to connect and facilitate business interests between Poland and Texas, supporting:
- Trade relationships
- Business development
- Professional networking
- Economic cooperation
Annual Events and Celebrations
- Polish Constitution Day (May 3)
- Pulaski Day celebrations
- Polish Heritage Month (October)
- Panna Maria celebrations - Honoring first Polish settlement
- Dyngus Day (Easter Monday)
- Parish festivals throughout the year
Resources
- Polish American Council of Texas
- Austin Polish Society
- Texas State Historical Association: Poles
- Wikipedia: Polish Americans
Connect with Polish Communities in Other States
Southern States:
Nearby States:
- New Mexico - Albuquerque
- Arizona - Phoenix and Tucson
- Colorado - Denver area
Major Polish Communities:
- Illinois - Chicago’s massive Polish population
- Pennsylvania - Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
- New York - NYC and Buffalo
Know of an organization not listed? Contact us to help keep this directory up to date.