[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 71 (Thursday, May 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING POLISH MUSEUM OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2012

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the more than 110,000 Polish-
American constituents in the fifth Congressional district in Illinois, 
I proudly recognize the 75th anniversary of the Polish Museum of 
America.
  Ever since the inaugural mayoral election where three Polish-American 
citizens cast their votes for our first mayor, the Polish community has 
been influencing the culture and direction of the city of Chicago.
  The Polish Museum of America is one of the oldest ethnic museums in 
the United States. The museum was founded in 1935 as a way to promote 
Polish culture, literature, customs and history as well as attest to 
the Polish presence in North America.
  The Polish Museum of America has one of the most extensive archives 
and libraries on Polish history in the world, including original prints 
of flyers, posters, books, and an amazing genealogical research 
section. The library and archives of the museum are truly invaluable 
resources for both the Polish and the non-Polish communities of 
Chicago.
  The museum holds many important historical collections, two of which 
are a collection of personal belongings of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the 
second prime minister of Poland, as well as the items from the 1939 
World Fair Polish Pavilion. Along with these treasures of Polish 
history, the PMA frequently houses modern art and other temporary 
exhibits which represent the proud culture of the Polish people.
  Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure and honor to congratulate the 
Polish Museum of America on 75 years of deepening all of our 
understanding and respect of the rich Polish history, traditions, and 
culture. I wish them even more success in the years to come.

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