Piast Institute has October Proclaimed Polish Heritage Month in Michigan
On October 1, 2010, Governor Jennifer Granholm proclaimed October as Polish Heritage Month in Michigan at the request of the Piast Institute. Polish Americans constitute almost 9% of the population of Michigan and number over 10,000,000 in the United States, according to theU.S. Census Bureau. The national Polish population is larger than the individual populations of 42 of the 50 states in the Union.
Governor Granholm’s proclamation highlights the contributions of Poles to the life, history, and culture of the United States. It reads in part:
“Whereas, Michigan is proud to be the home of nearly a million Polish Americans whose ancestors contributed greatly to the industrial might of Detroit and other cities throughout Michigan in industries such as automotive, agricultural machinery, steel, coal, and meat packing; and
Whereas, Polish people and their American descendants have distinguished themselves by contributing to the development of the arts, sciences, government, military service, athletics, and education in the United States; and
Whereas, Poles shaped the meaning of neighborhood by establishing churches, halls, cultural centers, schools, business districts, social service centers, colleges, and hospitals throughout cities in Michigan; and
Whereas, the state of Michigan is proud of its cultural diversity and welcomes the opportunity to honor our residents who are Polish American for their commitment to leadership and dedication to knowledge, and for their rich and fascinating heritage;
I encourage residents of this state to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions of Polish Americans that enhance the quality of life in Michigan.”
The Piast Institute is a national research center, which specializes in the study of Polish American and Polish history and culture. It devotes itself to promoting accurate information on the Polish experience in Europe and America and to countering misinformation and defamation.
The Institute has been designated as a National Census Information Center by the U.S. Government to study Polish American and other immigrant and ethnic populations. It also serves as a resource for government, media, educators, and scholars.
Those interested in learning more about the Institute should contact Virginia Skrzyniarz at 313-733-4525 and / or by email at skrzyniarz@piastinstitute.org.
