The Polish American Museum

About Us:

The museum is a unique educational resource designed to communicate to visitors the history, culture and ‘folk arts” of the Polish people and diaspora in the United States. It embodies both physical exhibits and programs to bring the story of their heritage to life. Moreover it serves as a bridge between generations and cultures in presenting examples of outstanding contributions to humanity that are timeless in the values they portray.

The Polish American Museum, Gerald Kochan (Director), was founded on January 20, 1977 at the Polish American Citizen’s Association, 5 Pulaski Place, Port Washington, New York.  It exists by virtue of a charter granted on September 30, 1977 by the State of New York Department of Education, Regents division.

The present museum building, purchased in January 1982, is the former Port Washington Public Library. Within thirty rooms, the building houses the Center for Military Studies Annex, fifteen exhibit galleries, a research library, the Archacki Archives, a lecture hall/ performance hall, gift shop, reception area, offices and storage areas.