Author: Barbara Proko
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Published: 2007
Total Pages: 132
ISBN-13: 9780738554549
DOWNLOAD EBOOK →Polish settlement in Worcester County had humble beginnings: a small group of German Poles in the 1870s. Over the next decades, thousands of Russian and Austrian Poles, fleeing economic and political hardship, pinned their hopes for a better life on jobs in the burgeoning industries of central Massachusetts. Practicing their religion in their native tongue was vital to these devout Catholics. New Englands first Polish parish was founded in Webster, with others following in Worcester, Gardner, West Warren, Clinton, Southbridge, and Dudley. Polish clubs served as central gathering places in Gilbertville, Uxbridge, and South Grafton. Worcester Countys Polish Americans share an intricate web of relationshipsfamily, religious, business, social, cultural, educational, political, and athleticthat celebrates their heritage and sustains them today as one of the regions largest ethnic groups.
Author: Stephen R. Jendrysik
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Published: 2005
Total Pages: 132
ISBN-13: 9780738538921
DOWNLOAD EBOOK →The first group of Polish immigrants to come to Chicopee arrived in 1880. These Poles filled many of the manufacturing jobs in the city's two large textile mills. In less than 30 years from their arrival, this aggressive, self-assured group boasted more Polish-owned businesses than any other community in New England. The Polish Community of Chicopee chronicles an immigrant population that was fiercely dedicated to the ideals of free enterprise and democratic pluralism.
Author: Alexandra Smialek
Publisher:
Published: 2017
Total Pages:
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOK →Immigrant communities are a part of every city and town in the United States. Sentiments towards immigrants, however, continue to vary, but in recent years, anti-immigrant sentiments have become more widely encountered, especially because of the recent presidential election (Southern Poverty Law Center, 2016). A lack of knowledge and representation of diverse cultures, along with recurring negative rhetoric, may influence how immigrant populations are received. This report argues that acknowledging culture and heritage can strengthen cultural bonds, create and celebrate a unique city identity, and improve cultural representation. The City of Westfield, Massachusetts, located in Hampden County, will be studied in this report. Amongst the several immigrant communities in the city, the Polish population is one that is present, but underrepresented. Through participant interviews, elements of place attachment, cultural representation, and cultural values will be studied. This research hopes to encourage greater cultural representation by enhancing place attachment and representation for present and future immigrant residents. This report will also aim to contribute to the greater studies and literature surrounding cultural planning by examining the importance of culture and heritage in the planning field and offering recommendations.
Author: James S. Pula
Publisher: McFarland
Published: 2010-12-22
Total Pages: 597
ISBN-13: 0786462221
DOWNLOAD EBOOK →At least nine million Americans trace their roots to Poland, and Polish Americans have contributed greatly to American history and society. During the largest period of immigration to the United States, between 1870 and 1920, more Poles came to the United States than any other national group except Italians. Additional large-scale Polish migration occurred in the wake of World War II and during the period of Solidarity's rise to prominence. This encyclopedia features three types of entries: thematic essays, topical entries, and biographical profiles. The essays synthesize existing work to provide interpretations of, and insight into, important aspects of the Polish American experience. The topical entries discuss in detail specific places, events or organizations such as the Polish National Alliance, Polish American Saturday Schools, and the Latimer Massacre, among others. The biographical entries identify Polish Americans who have made significant contributions at the regional or national level either to the history and culture of the United States, or to the development of American Polonia.