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Correspondent CHICOPEE Leaving a living monument to Polish people has been a dream for Sta Radosz for many years. Radosz, executive director of the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning, now at 33 South St., is slowly seeing that dream come to fruition at the former rectory of Holy Name of Jesus Church. Previously, the Polish Center had been located on the third floor of Berchmans Hall in the center of the Elms College campus. It has been more than two years since Radosz received the keys to the 18-room, 130-year-old building that was in dire need of repairs. During a recent tour, the second and third floors are still in need of basic cosmetic touches but Radosz noted the house even in the stage its currently in has come a long way. "It appeared that the building could soon be slated for demolition," said Radosz during an interview with Reminder Publications. "It was evident to us that the structure might be renovated and converted to accommodate our needs. It is interesting to note that some of the first Poles to settle in Chicopee 126 years ago spent their first night in the city in this building, and that John F. Kennedy spent a night in the house in 1947 during his first political campaign." Renovations are slow and painstaking and take a lot of money to ensure the integrity of the project, according to Radosz. In an effort to help the bottom line, Polish Center organizers have planned their second annual Krakus Festival to help raise funds for the last phase of construction. Joanne Gruszkos is the chairperson of the gala which is planned Oct. 27 at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. She noted that the festival committee is still working out the final menu details with the chef, but she expects a couple of selections to be done with a Polish flair. In addition to the five-course dinner, a vodka tasting is planned from 6 to 7 p.m. with representatives of V One Vodka during the cocktail reception. A display of Polish pottery and artifacts from the Polish Center will also be a feature of the evening affair. Dancing to the Jimmy Sturr and Johnny Prytko orchestras will round out the evening's entertainment from 8 to 11 p.m. Gala tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased by calling Gruszkos at (413) 733-7341. The deadline to order tickets is Oct. 19. Radosz noted that the organization has raised $350,000 to date for the renovation project, but still needs $500,000 to complete its new facility, which will feature a new entrance and concert hall addition on the east side of the building. Additionally, the layout will include many galleries, lecture spaces, a genealogy library, and children's activity room. Radosz noted that he is acquiring and actively looking for a wide range of materials for the galleries that date back before 1950. "Our Polish Center will safeguard historical objects representative of the material culture of the Polish people in America and abroad and provide visitors, especially young people, with an opportunity to view the past," said Radosz. "The center will encourage individuals to learn from the experiences of one of the largest and most successful immigrant groups in America and share in their journey becoming Americans." Materials sought for the galleries include Polish American Jozef Haller and Haller Army memorabilia, World War I uniforms and associated items, World War II Polish underground uniforms, insignias of all sorts, memoirs, photos, and original Solidarity items. Radosz is also seeking materials related to Polish teams, the Church, immigration to America, clothing, Polish American media, historical materials and art prior to 1950. "The new facility is very important to our overall strategic plan for the future of the center," said Radosz. "The new facility provides room to properly store the materials we have collected, create exhibit galleries, accommodate lectures and other events, and serve the public." Radosz noted that the center is unique in the United States and that it addresses needs not always fulfilled by other museums, research centers and serious social organizations. "We have no doubt that once completed, the newly converted facility will attract still more interest throughout the country," he added. For more information on the Polish Center, call Radosz at (413) 265-2451, send an e-mail to polishcenter@elms.edu, or visit www.polishcenter.net. Radosz noted that galleries and rooms are also available for sponsorship through its Memorial Opportunities Heritage program. "The Polish community in the United States has changed dramatically as it enters a new phase," said Radosz. "As it goes forward, it is absolutely vital to document its past. Ours is a unique endeavor for the country as we attempt to address a need to preserve our story by safeguarding objects that represent the history of the material culture of our people. We believe that a properly financed and skillfully designed Polish museum and research center will benefit society academically, commercially, as well as spiritually." | ||||||
