111 Volumes, 5.5 Million Signatures, One Historic Tribute: The Polish Declarations at 100
The Kosciuszko Foundation invites you to a special centennial program commemorating the Polish Declarations of Admiration and Friendship for the United States—one of the most extraordinary expressions of friendship between Poland and America.
Sunday, October 18, 3 PM
The Kosciuszko Foundation: 15 E 65th Street, NYC
Created in 1926 to mark the 150th anniversary of American Independence, the Declarations comprise 111 richly illustrated volumes containing nearly 5.5 million signatures. Poland’s leaders, scholars, clergy, artists, soldiers, teachers, students, and millions of schoolchildren joined in this remarkable tribute to the American people. On October 14, 1926, the 111 volumes were formally presented to President Calvin Coolidge at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Prepared only eight years after Poland regained independence following 123 years of partitions, the Declarations expressed gratitude for American support for Poland’s restoration and admiration for the ideals of liberty and democracy. Their pages also form an extraordinary portrait of interwar Poland—its people, communities, cultural diversity, and artistic heritage.
One hundred years later, the Kosciuszko Foundation brings together a panel of distinguished historians, scholars, cultural experts, and diplomats to explore the historical, artistic, and cultural significance of the Declarations and their place in the broader story of Polish-American relations.
Featured Panelists: Ewa Barczyk – Polish-American librarian, scholar, and advocate for Polish heritage; Izabela Grocholski – independent art advisor and former Vice President at Christie’s; Prof. Halina Parafianowicz – historian specializing in Polish-American relations and U.S. diplomacy; Prof. Neal Pease – historian of modern Poland and Polish-American relations; and Ambassador Bogusław Winid – Polish diplomat, historian, and former Ambassador to NATO and the United Nations.
Join us in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Polish Declarations and this remarkable chapter in Polish-American friendship.
Event Sponsor: Ms. Krystyna Piórkowska
