Polish Community in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a vibrant and historic Polish-American community, particularly in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. By 1905, Polish Milwaukeeans were the community’s second-largest ethnic group, second only to the Germans.

Milwaukee - Heart of Polish Wisconsin

Milwaukee is home to one of the largest and most active Polish-American communities in the United States, with deep roots dating back to the late 1800s.

Major Organizations

Polish Center of Wisconsin

Location: Franklin, Wisconsin (suburban Milwaukee) Website: polishcenterofwisconsin.org

Dedicated in 2000, the Polish Center is an elegant building that overlooks a small, pristine lake in suburban Franklin. The center serves as a vibrant and dynamic hub for Polish heritage and culture.

Operated by: Polish Heritage Alliance, Inc.

Features:

Cultural events and exhibitions
Educational programs
Meeting spaces for Polish organizations
Library with Polish collections
Community gatherings and celebrations

Polanki - Polish Women’s Cultural Club of Milwaukee

Founded: 1953 Website: polanki.org

Polanki, Inc. is dedicated to preserving and sharing Polish culture. The organization:

Promotes Polish arts, crafts, and traditions
Operates a library at the Polish Center through partnership with Polish Heritage Alliance
Manages the Polish Fest Cultural Area
Provides educational programs and scholarships
Hosts cultural events throughout the year

Polish Heritage Alliance

The umbrella organization that owns and operates the Polish Center of Wisconsin, coordinating activities among various Polish organizations in the region.

Polish Fest

Website: polishfest.org Location: Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee When: Each June (annual event) Wikipedia: Polish Fest

Established: 1982

Polish Fest is one of the largest Polish festivals in the United States. This annual extravaganza celebrates all things Polish with:

Live Polish music and dance performances
Traditional Polish food (pierogi, kielbasa, golabki, and more)
Cultural exhibits and demonstrations
Polish folk art and crafts
Polka dancing
Cultural Area managed by Polanki
Polish imports and gifts

The festival attracts Polish Americans from all over Wisconsin and nearby Chicago, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year to celebrate Polish culture.

Historic Polish Neighborhoods in Milwaukee

South Side

The heart of Milwaukee’s Polish community, particularly around:

Mitchell Street
Lincoln Village
Bay View
St. Josaphat Basilica area

North Side

Riverwest (historically Polish)
Brady Street area

Religious Communities

Polish Catholic Churches

Milwaukee has numerous historic Polish parishes:

Major Churches:

St. Josaphat Basilica - Stunning church and architectural landmark
St. Stanislaus Church - Historic Polish parish
St. Hyacinth Church - South Side
St. Hedwig Church - South Side
Immaculate Conception Church
Holy Trinity Church
St. Casimir Church

Many churches continue to offer Polish-language masses and maintain active Polish congregations.

Polish Communities Outside Milwaukee

Southeastern Wisconsin

Cudahy - Significant Polish population
West Allis - Polish community
Greenfield - Polish heritage
Oak Creek - Polish residents
Racine - Historic Polish community
Kenosha - Polish organizations

Other Wisconsin Cities

Stevens Point - Polish heritage
Green Bay - Polish community
Pulaski - Town named after Casimir Pulaski
Polonia - Small community with Polish roots
Madison - Polish organizations
La Crosse - Polish presence

Cultural and Educational Organizations

Polish Language Schools

Saturday Polish schools in Milwaukee area
Polish language instruction for children and adults
Cultural education programs

Historical Societies

Polish Genealogical Society of Wisconsin
Historical archives preserving Polish-American heritage

Polish Business Community

Historic Business Districts

Milwaukee’s Polish business districts featured:

Polish delis and butcher shops
Polish bakeries (famous for pączki)
Polish restaurants and taverns
Polish bookstores and import shops

Current Polish Businesses

Polish businesses continue to thrive throughout Wisconsin, particularly in Milwaukee area.

Annual Events and Celebrations

Polish Fest (June)

The marquee event - one of the largest Polish festivals in America

Other Events

Polish Constitution Day (May 3)
Pulaski Day celebrations
Casimir Pulaski Day observances
Dyngus Day (Easter Monday)
Pączki Day (Fat Tuesday)
Christmas traditions and celebrations
Harvest festivals

Polish Media

Polish-language publications
Polish radio programs
Community newsletters
Online Polish resources

Academic Resources

University Programs

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Polish studies and language
Marquette University - Polish heritage resources
UWM Libraries - Special Collections on Polish Milwaukee

Online Resource: Milwaukee Polonia - Digital history project

Resources

Connect with Polish Communities in Other States

Nearby States:

Illinois - Chicago just 90 miles south
Michigan - Detroit and Grand Rapids
Minnesota - Twin Cities area
Iowa - Cedar Rapids area

Other Major Polish Communities:

New York - NYC and Buffalo
Pennsylvania - Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
Ohio - Cleveland and Toledo
Indiana - South Bend area

Back to all states

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