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Polish Heritage Society scrapbooks

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 383

Scope and Contents

The scrapbooks date from 1963 to 1985 and document the activities of the Polish Heritage Society through newspaper clippings, photographs, event fliers and other ephemera. The newspaper clippings cover both local events and mentions of Poland or Polish people in local newspapers or magazines. The collection also contains some items related to the Dutch Immigrant Society, as the two groups worked together on events for the nation's bicentennial in 1976.

Items that were loose in the scrapbooks or that came with the scrapbooks, such as photographs or papers, were placed in separate folders. So, although there are folders specified as containing photographs or newsletters, these may also be found throughout the scrapbooks.

Dates

  • 1963-1985

Creator

Biographical / Historical

The Polish Heritage Society was founded in 1963 as the Polish Arts Society. The society was established to “bring Americans of Polish extraction together for the purpose of fostering a consciousness and pride in their heritage, to spread the knowledge of Poland's thousand-year-old culture, to encourage education and to endow scholarships for young people of Polish descent.”

In 1970, the name of the organization was changed to the Polish Heritage Society in order to reflect the interests and activities of the organization, which extended beyond arts.

Since its inception, the organization has been active in promoting Polish heritage activities and events. These events include a food booth at Festival of the Arts, an annual Polish Heritage Day and festival (begun in 1979), concerts and dinners.

Extent

4 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Polish Heritage Society promotes Polish heritage in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. The organization was founded in 1963 as the Polish Arts Society, with the name changing to Polish Heritage Society in 1970. This collection includes scrapbooks dating from 1963 to 1985 which document the activities of the group through newspaper clippings, photographs, event fliers and other ephemera.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, accession number 1990.021.

Title
Polish Heritage Society scrapbooks
Status
Completed
Author
Julie Tabberer
Date
June 2011
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository

Contact:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497