Orchard Lake, MI (10-2-25) – The Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake is proud to announce that Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II have once again issued a proclamation recognizing October as Polish American Heritage Month in the State of Michigan.
The Polish American story in the United States began in 1608, when the first settlers arrived in Jamestown. Over centuries, Polish immigrants and their descendants built churches, schools, and cultural institutions that helped shape communities nationwide. In Michigan, this legacy is especially strong. According to the most recent census data compiled by the Piast Institute, more than 850,000 people of Polish descent live in Michigan, giving the state one of the largest Polish populations in the nation. From Detroit and Hamtramck to Grand Rapids, Bay City, and communities across both of Michigan’s peninsulas, Polish Americans have contributed to every field of life.
Polish Americans have played a significant role in science, the arts, sports, business, government, education, and faith. Their resilience and creativity have enriched Michigan’s culture while strengthening its civic and economic life.
The Orchard Lake Schools are central to this legacy. Founded in 1885 by Father Joseph Dabrowski to train priests and teachers for the Polish immigrant community, the Schools became a beacon of faith, language, and culture for generations. Today, the Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake continues that mission. The Institute preserves archives, art, and memory, while also uplifting through cultural programming that showcases choirs, folk dance groups, and community organizations who keep Polish traditions vibrant.
“Our community’s story is woven into the very fabric of Michigan,” said Ania Bieciuk, Associate Director for Polonia Affairs at the Institute. “Generations of Polish immigrants and their descendants built lives here with courage and sacrifice. Today, we celebrate not only their legacy but also the living culture that continues to thrive in every corner of our state. It is our honor at Orchard Lake to be the steward of that heritage and to share it boldly with the public.”
Upcoming Events
To mark Polish American Heritage Month, the Institute invites the public to participate in several special events:
- Sunday, October 5 at 2:00 PM – Opening Reception for the Friends of Polish Art Fine Art Competition at the Galeria, followed by the awards ceremony at 3:00 PM
- Saturday, October 4 – Filarets Choir 90th Anniversary Gala, honoring one of Michigan’s most storied musical traditions
- Saturday, October 4 – Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan Seminar at the Galeria, bringing together genealogists, scholars, and families to share research and history
These events are among many scheduled across Michigan and Ohio this fall, reflecting the depth and vitality of Polish heritage in the region.
For details on the full calendar or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.picrol.org or contact the Institute at 248-836-1284 or info@picrol.org (email subject: sponsorship).