Some places do more than preserve history, they bring it to life.

That was exactly our experience when the Assyrian Universal Alliance Foundation (AUAF) was invited to visit the Polish Museum of America in Chicago. Organized by our Polish Public Relations Manager, Karolina Kuzma, the visit brought together AUAF’s Board of Directors, President, and members of our management team for a memorable afternoon of culture, history, and meaningful conversation.

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Managing Director Małgorzata Kot, who introduced us to the museum and its rich history. As we entered the Paderewski Collection, Barbara Kozuchowska joined us and guided us through one of the museum’s most treasured exhibits, sharing fascinating stories and historical details that brought Ignacy Jan Paderewski’s remarkable legacy to life.

Stepping Into the Legacy of Ignacy Jan Paderewski

One of the first stops was the Paderewski Collection, dedicated to the extraordinary life of pianist, statesman, and former Prime Minister of Poland, Ignacy Jan Paderewski.

Walking into the room felt like stepping back in time.

Personal belongings, photographs, letters, furniture from his New York residence, and even the piano gifted to him by Steinway & Sons offered a glimpse into both the public achievements and private life of one of Poland’s most influential figures.

Among all the remarkable artifacts, one immediately captured our attention was the gold pen shaped like a goose feather, believed to have been used by Paderewski when signing the Treaty of Versailles following World War I. Standing just inches away from an object connected to such a defining moment in world history was truly unforgettable.

Equally fascinating was the mold of Paderewski’s hand. Seeing the preserved hand of a world-renowned pianist reminded us that history is often shaped by ordinary people whose extraordinary talents leave a lasting impact on generations to come.

Preserving the Stories of a Community

As we continued our visit, we entered one of the museum’s greatest treasures: its archives.

The Archives of the Polish Museum of America preserve decades of history documenting Polish immigrants, organizations, military service, churches, newspapers, photographs, and family stories throughout the United States.

Rows of carefully preserved documents told stories of determination, resilience, and community building. From records of Polish-American organizations in Illinois to historical newspapers, rare books, photographs, maps, and personal correspondence, every collection represented countless individuals who helped shape both Polish heritage and American history.

For our team, it was a powerful reminder that preserving history means preserving people; their journeys, sacrifices, traditions, and identities.

Art That Speaks Across Generations

Our next stop was the Stephen and Elizabeth Ann Kusmierczak Art Gallery, home to works created by Polish artists who found new opportunities in America during the early twentieth century.

Each painting reflected a different perspective, yet together they told a larger story of creativity, resilience, and cultural identity.

Learning that artists such as Stanisław Szukalski, Maria Werten, and Jan Henryk Rosen influenced generations of artists both in Europe and the United States made the gallery even more meaningful. Their work continues to inspire long after the artists themselves are gone.

A Hall Filled With History

The visit concluded in the breathtaking Logisz Great Hall, a space that immediately captures your attention.

Towering works of art, historic paintings, elegant stained glass, and remarkable artifacts filled the room with stories from centuries past.

One of the most striking pieces was Pulaski at Savannah, a monumental painting originally displayed during Chicago’s 1933 World’s Fair before becoming part of the museum’s permanent collection.

Another unforgettable sight was the magnificent stained-glass window, Symbol of Poland Reborn, stretching from floor to ceiling and filling the hall with light and symbolism.

Perhaps one of the most unique artifacts was a beautifully carved wooden sleigh dating back to 1703. Shaped from a single piece of wood in the form of a fish, it was once a Christmas gift from King Stanisław Leszczyński to his daughter, Princess Maria, who later became Queen of France. Seeing such a rare piece of history reminded us how stories can survive for centuries when they are carefully preserved.

More Than a Museum Visit

Although every exhibit was impressive, what stayed with us most was something less tangible.

The visit reminded us that every community has a story worth preserving.

At AUAF, we proudly serve people from many different cultural backgrounds across the Chicago area. Learning about the rich history of the Polish-American community gave us an even deeper appreciation for the traditions, experiences, and contributions that shape our city today.

We are sincerely grateful to the Polish Museum of America, Director Małgorzata Kot, Barbara Kozuchowska, and everyone who welcomed our team with such warmth and generosity. We also extend our appreciation to Karolina Kuzma for organizing this meaningful opportunity to connect with one of Chicago’s most treasured cultural institutions.

As we left the museum, we carried with us more than photographs and memories. We left with a renewed appreciation for the importance of preserving history, celebrating cultural heritage, and building relationships across communities.

Because when we take the time to understand one another’s stories, we strengthen the communities we all call home.