Orchard Lake, MI — For more than a century, Orchard Lake has been a sacred gathering place for Polish Americans in Michigan and beyond — a place where history, faith, and culture are honored and passed from one generation to the next. This May, the Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake proudly invites the community to celebrate a legacy that has endured for over 100 years with a full weekend of festivities honoring one of Poland’s greatest achievements: the signing of the Constitution of May 3, 1791.
This year marks the 234th anniversary of the Polish Constitution — the first of its kind in Europe and the second in the world, following the United States. The May 3rd Constitution stands as a timeless symbol of liberty, democracy, and hope — a light that has never dimmed, even through the darkest chapters of history. Each year, families from across Michigan and beyond travel to Orchard Lake to honor this living heritage, strengthening the bond between the Polish spirit and American soil.
“May at Orchard Lake is not simply about remembrance — it is a living celebration of our shared history, our faith, and our enduring love for Poland,” said Ania Bieciuk, Associate Director for Polonia Affairs. “Each May, we gather to honor the ideals of freedom and justice that define both our Polish and American identities.”
This year’s May 3rd Weekend offers a full range of events for all generations — uniting faith, tradition, music, and art.
May 3rd Celebration Weekend Timeline
Location: Orchard Lake Schools, 3535 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake, MI 48324
Saturday, May 3
- 9:00 AM – 2nd Annual VIVAT 3 MAJA 5K Run & Walk
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Student artwork drop-off for Polish Language Art Competition (Galeria)
- 5:00 PM – Guided exhibit tours: “Biography, Art, History: Polish-American Memories of Great Men & Women” (Galeria)
- 7:00 PM – Polish Classical Music Concert featuring Kazimierz Brzozowski & Tomoko Mack (Galeria)
Sunday, May 4
- 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Final artwork drop-off (Galeria)
- 1:00 PM – Mass at the St. John Paul II Archdiocesan Shrine
- Immediately following Mass – Michigan Polish Language School Student Program (Shrine Chapel)
- 2:30 PM – Traditional Polish Meal (Dining Hall)
- 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Public exhibit of student artwork (Galeria)
- 3:00 PM – Student Art Competition Awards Ceremony (Galeria)
The Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake welcomes all members of the community to join in honoring the spirit of freedom, resilience, and unity that the May 3rd Constitution represents.
Niech wspólne świętowanie Konstytucji 3 Maja umocni naszą dumę narodową oraz więź z dziedzictwem Rzeczypospolitej.
(Let the celebration of the May 3rd Constitution strengthen our national pride and bond with the heritage of the Republic.)
For more information, updates, or questions, please contact:
Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake
Phone: (248) 836-1284
Email: info@picrol.org
Website: www.picrol.org