THE HISTORY OF PUL

Origin of People’s Universities

The establishment of Polish People's University, similar to many Folk or People’s Universities in Europe, was based on an initiative by Dutch pastor and philosopher N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783–1872), in the 19th century. One of these organizations, The Maatschappij tot Nut van 't Algemeen (Society for Public Welfare) was founded in 1844 by Martinus Nieuwenhuyzen in Rodding, Denmark, to develop individuals and society primarily through extracurricular education.

Throughout the 19th century, People’s Universities spread across Scandinavia and the rest of Europe, rooted in the idea of providing extracurricular education not only in humanities, history, and language but also in general culture, life skills, and social development. In Poland, this tradition dates back to 1905, when the first People’s Universities—initially called “workers’ universities”—emerged, particularly in Austrian-ruled Galicia, where the use of the Polish language was permitted. A model institution was the Adam Mickiewicz Folk University in Kraków, which exemplified the close collaboration between writers, scientists, and artists with the working-class community. These universities played a crucial role in uniting the nation, bridging class divides, and fostering cooperation and mutual understanding among different ethnic groups. At a time when Poland had disappeared from the map of Europe, they helped preserve national identity and contributed to its eventual reemergence as an independent state after World War I. As of 1995, 80 such institutions remained in operation across Poland.

History of Polish People’s Universities in America is inevitably linked to the first two “waves” of  Polish American immigration; the largest from 1870 to 1914 and after World War II. Most Polish Americans are descendants of the first major wave of immigrants, which consisted of millions of Poles who immigrated from the parts of Poland partitioned by Prussia, Russia, and Austria. This migration is often called in Polish “za chlebem” (for the bread) because most of the migrants were impoverished peasants who came from the Austro-Hungarian province of Galicja. Up to a third of Polish immigrants returned to Poland after a few years, but the majority stayed. The Anti-migrant legislation of 1921 significantly reduced Polish immigration until 1945, but it rose again after World War II. In their new homeland, the majority of Polish immigrants preserved their culture, faith, and language, they built churches, developed political organizations, clubs, associations and pursued cultural and civic activities. Then, after the imposition of martial law in 1981, around 1.3 million Polish people immigrated to the United States. This occurred during the period of Communist rule in Poland and included thousands of highly educated people, scientists, researchers, medical professionals, and engineers. 

In the US, the first Polish People's University (Polski Uniwersytet Ludowy) was established in Chicago in 1908 and one of its oldest branches was PUL in Detroit established in 1912. In the next 50 years, seventeen branches of PUL were formed including New York, Cleveland and  Toledo, OH, Flint, MI, Milwaukee, WI, Niagara Falls, NY, Jersey City and Harrison, NJ, Gary IN, and St. Louis, MN. Unfortunately, most of these branches ceased their activity while Philadelphia’s PUL is still continuing its active engagement in the Polish community today.

1918-1928: Early Years

The Polish People’s University traces its origins to movements aimed at enlightening Polish immigrant workers in the Philadelphia area—offering them intellectual and cultural enrichment beyond what they had access to due to limited formal education, while also helping them adapt to life in America. Stefan Sieradzki, a young metalworker was introduced to the workers movement during the 1905 revolution by Tomasz Arciszewski, later the prime minister of the Polish government-in-exile in London. He immigrated to the US after the defeat of the 1905 Russian Revolution and was one of the co-founders of Philadelphia's PUL. This initiative was closely related to the activity of the Polish Socialists Union branch No. 5 in Philadelphia. At the meeting of the branch in August 1918, it was decided to create an educational and lecture institution in Philadelphia. The first secretary of the new organization was Alfred Starzewski. Soon after, in January 1919, the first lecture in the PUL was delivered, by Jan Kozakiewicz - editor of the Polish Worker published in New York. The lecture took place in the Hall of the Lithuanian House on Allegheny Avenue in Port Richmond.  After several months of operation, PUL reached over 200 members.

1928-1949: Activities Suspended

The onset of the Great Depression, sparked by the 1929 financial crisis, brought PUL’s lecture series to a halt. These economic hardships were compounded by the organization's lack of a permanent headquarters, which further hindered its ability to operate. Before the organization could recover, the world was plunged into another crisis: World War II. The war became the central focus for Polish Americans, a period of immense tragedy for their homeland, which culminated in its post-war control by the Soviet Union following the Yalta Conference.

1949-1950s: Rebirth and a New Home

The end of World War II brought a new wave of Polish immigration to America, breathing new life into the community and its institutions. On the initiative of co-founder Stefan Sieradzki, a plan to reactivate the Polish People's University was announced at the opłatek (community gathering) in December 1949.

The revitalized organization quickly established a new leadership. The first management board was constituted on February 2, 1950, with Stefan Rojewski serving as Secretary and a board composed of Stanislaw Gardiasz, Waclaw Gawrysiak, Stefan Sieradzki, and Edward Zając. PUL initially found a home at the Polish Home on Fairmont Avenue, but a decade later, it formed a beneficial and lasting alliance with the Associated Polish Home on Academy Road, which has served as its permanent base of operations to this day.

With a stable home, the board redefined PUL's programmatic goals for the post-war era, focusing on:

• Polish history and Poland’s role in the international arena

• Polish literature, art, and science

• Contemporary Poland (the Polish People’s Republic, or PRL)

• The Polish American community (Polonia) and its role in countries of immigration

This renewed mission sparked a period of intense activity, with PUL reaching a peak of 12 to 18 lectures per season between 1950 and 1954, primarily focused on Polish history, its economy, and its role in post-war Europe. Soon, the programming expanded to feature highly-attended poetry and theatre evenings and celebrations of Polish Independence, establishing PUL as a center of community life.

1950s-1970s: Hosting Poland's Leading Voices

With a permanent home and a clear mission, PUL entered a golden age, becoming a premier forum for Polish intellectual and cultural life in Philadelphia. It attracted an extraordinary roster of politicians, scientists, artists, and historians, many of whom were prominent figures in the Polish government-in-exile and the global academic community.

A key architect of this era was Włodzimierz Denkowski. A veteran of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, where he fought in the Polish underground army (AK, pseudonym “Kostek”), Mr. Denkowski brought the same spirit of dedication to PUL. He joined the board in 1952 and served for 26 years as an extraordinarily talented organizer, admired for his creative ideas and endless energy. His efforts were instrumental in bringing a remarkable roster of eminent politicians, experts in science, literature, and the arts to PUL. In 1972, he further solidified the organization's legacy by initiating a life membership in the Polish American Historical Association (PAHA).

During this flourishing period, the leadership of PUL was held by a succession of dedicated secretaries (later called Presidents):

• Stefan Rojewski (1950-1951)

• Dr. Bronisław Wojtuń (1951-1953 and 1954-1957)

• Józef Modrzejewski (1953-1954)

• Włodzimierz Denkowski (1957-1975 and 1976-1977)

• Stanisław Filipowicz (1975-1976)

• Andrzej Jodłowski (1977-1981)

In addition, prominent members of the board of directors who continuously provided major contributions included: Jadwiga Bogucka, Helena Rzepczyńska, Józef Koćmierowski, Prof. Dr. K. Cieśla, W. Gawrysiak, A. Machowski, Bonifacy Obst, Teresa Cymbalska, Matylda Żurowska-Hudak, Zofia Sirant, Teresa Król, and Stella Krasowska-Wiser.

Between 1949 and 1978, out of 246 lectures delivered, 29 were on Polish history, 59 on literature and art, 35 on various aspects of science, 39 on contemporary developments in Poland, and 19 on topics related to Polonia. PUL celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 1954, its 50th in 1968, and its 60th in 1978 with jubilee banquets and by issuing commemorative brochures, "Pamiętniki" (diaries), with recollections and commentaries on PUL's history and its role in the Philadelphia Polish community by past and current leaders.

Notable Speakers

PUL had the honor of hosting many eminent figures for landmark lectures. In 1951, the organization hosted General Tadeusz Bór-Komorowski, the former commander of the Home Army (Armia Krajowa) during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. After the war, General Bór-Komorowski moved to London, where he played an active role in Polish émigré circles and served as Prime Minister of the Polish government-in-exile from 1947 to 1949. He delivered a powerful lecture on the uprising and post-war Poland, after which he was awarded an honorary membership in PUL.

Other notable guest lecturers included:

• Prof. Hilary Koprowski, the world-renowned Polish-born and educated virologist from the Wistar Institute developed the first effective live polio vaccine. His lectures explored both the future of biological research and the complexities of chronic nervous system diseases.

• Prof. Karol Estreicher, a historian of art who led the effort to restitute Polish cultural treasures looted during WWII. He was a recipient of numerous honors including the Order of Polonia Restituta. In 1944, he published “Poland's Cultural Losses: An Index of Polish Cultural Losses During the German Occupation, 1939–1944”, which provided the basis for detailed restitution efforts in Poland at the end of the war.

• Prof. Jan Karski, a resistance-fighter, jurist, and diplomat who served as a courier for the Polish underground. From 1940-1943, he carried grim reports to the Polish government-in-exile and the Western Allies, detailing the destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto and the systematic murder of Jews, Poles, and others in German extermination camps. He was the recipient of the highest Polish military award the War Order of Virtuti Militari. His lectures focused on the role of Eastern Europe in politics, economy, and its relations with the Soviet Union.

• Prof. Oskar Halecki, an eminent historian, co-founded the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences in America (PIASA), the Polish American Historical Association (PAHA), and the Polish University Abroad in London, where he served as rector. In 1981, the Halecki Prize was established in his name by PAHA to recognize an important book or monograph on the Polish experience in the United States. He lectured on European history and President Woodrow Wilson’s role in Poland’s rebirth.

• Prof. Ludwik Krzyżanowski, a professor of Polish studies at Columbia University and the longtime editor of The Polish Review. A former cultural attaché for Poland and a co-founder of PIASA, he was a noted expert on Joseph Conrad Korzeniowski . He lectured on the life and writings of a renowned poet Kazimierz Wierzynski.

The Core Lecturers

While distinguished speakers brought prestige, a core group of recurring speakers formed the intellectual backbone of PUL, delivering dozens of lectures over several decades. They provided continuity and in-depth analysis on topics vital to the community.

Among the most steadfast lecturers were:

• Stefan Korbonski, Esq., a leader of the Polish underground during WWII, delivered 17 lectures over 21 years. A Polish statesman and author of books such as Fighting Warsaw and Warsaw in Chains, his regular talks provided the community with crucial updates on the political and economic situation in communist Poland.

• Prof. Mieczysław Giergielewicz, a literary historian and theorist from the University of Pennsylvania, delivered 16 lectures between 1961 and 1981. He covered a vast range of Polish literature, poetry, and theater, including the works of prominent writers like Henryk Sienkiewicz and Nobel Prize winner Czesław Miłosz.

• Dr. Feliks Gross, a sociologist from Brooklyn College and president of PIASA. Over his long career, he held positions at the League of Nations, the London School of Economics, and lectured at New York University, the Universities of Florence, Paris, Rome, and the College of Europe. He was a recipient of numerous honors including the Order of Polonia Restituta. At PUL, he lectured frequently on social issues, politics, and race in both Europe and the United States.

• Władysław Zachariasiewicz, a distinguished Polonia activist, jurist, and WWII veteran who was deported to a Siberian gulag. After immigrating to the US, he became a prominent leader in the Polish-American community as co-founder of both the Polish American Arts Association (PAAA), and the John Paul II Polish Home in Rome. He was also a member of the Polonia Consultative Council under the Speaker of the Polish Senate. His lectures focused on Polish history, and US immigration laws.

• Bolesław Wierzbianski, a distinguished journalist, Polish activist, publisher, and recipient of the Knight of the Order of the White Eagle. After moving to the USA permanently in 1956, he served as a commentator for Radio Free Europe and Voice of America and ran the Foreign News Service press agency, which edited and distributed materials about Soviet policy in Central and Eastern Europe. He is best known as the co-founder and first editor-in-chief of Nowy Dziennik (The New Daily), which he ran for over 30 years until his death. Under his leadership, the paper became the largest independent Polish-language newspaper in the United States and a key source of information for the Polish émigré community. He lectured at PUL on current events and Polish-American relations.

• Henryk Rozmarynowski, an accomplished actor from Poland, delivered numerous lectures on the history of theater and Polish literature.

1980-1986: A New Wave of Immigration

The 1980s marked a tumultuous period in Poland, defined by mounting economic struggles and the rise of Solidarity. Sparked by strikes in the Gdańsk shipyard over food shortages, the movement rapidly grew into a powerful force advocating for workers' rights and became the first state-recognized independent trade union in the Warsaw Pact. Solidarity directly challenged Soviet influence causing the Polish government to impose martial law in December 1981. During the subsequent political repression, which lasted until 1983, the movement was banned and its leaders arrested, prompting a massive exodus. Among the 1.3 million Poles who immigrated to the United States were 50,000 expelled Solidarity members, and thousands of highly educated scientists, professionals, and engineers who reignited interest in PUL’s activities.

During this period of renewed engagement, PUL continued to host 6-7 lectures per season, with attendance averaging 50-75 people. The leadership was held by two presidents who had both been dedicated members of the board for over 30 years:

• Józef Koćmierowski (1981-1984) was a veteran of the Polish underground army (AK, pseudonym “Konrad”) who fought in the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. After being imprisoned in a POW camp in Germany, he immigrated to the US following World War II and became a dedicated leader within PUL.

• Jadwiga Kulpińska-Bogucka (1984-1986), a passionate supporter of Polish culture for decades, served on the board of PUL in numerous capacities, including as chair of the Program, Publicity, and Book Exhibit committees. A singer in the Paderewski Choral Society and a national council member of the Kościuszko Foundation, she was also instrumental in the founding of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA. Notably, she led a successful fundraising effort for the Polish Pilgrim Home in Rome, an achievement recognized with an award plaque from the Vatican office of St. John Paul II.

The board of directors during this era included Teresa Cymbalska, Zdzisława Tymbalska, Teresa Król, Aleksandra Medvec, Bonifacy Obst, Melania Obst, and Stella Krasowska-Wiser, with Włodzimierz Denkowski holding the title of honorary president.

Notable Speakers

The influx of new immigrants and the dramatic events in Poland shaped the lecture topics of the 1980s. Notable speakers included:

• Prof. Stefan Niewiarowski, a faculty member at Temple University’s Thrombosis Center. A co-founder of the “Committee in Support of Solidarity”, together with Prof. Zbigniew Darżynkiewicz. He lectured on the ideology of the Solidarity movement in Poland.

• Hieronim Wyszyński, a WWII veteran, Home Army soldier, and prisoner of three concentration camps. As a co-founder of Nowy Dziennik, the “Union of Poles in America”, and Executive Director of the Polish Immigration Committee in New York. He was also an Honorary Chief Commander of the Association of Polish Army Veterans in America (SWAP). He lectured on the past and future of the Polish press in America.

• Prof. Miron Wolnicki, a professor of economics at Villanova University who was active in Solidarity before leaving Poland. He delivered the first of many lectures on the Polish and global economy, becoming a core lecturer for the next four decades.

• Dr. Piotr Bogucki, an archaeologist and professor at Princeton University, who presented his research on new archaeological efforts in Brześć Kujawski.

1986-2009: A New Generation of Voices

In 1986, Dr. Józef Rzeźnik, an engineer with a doctorate from the Warsaw University of Technology, was elected President of PUL. He successfully led the organization for an exceptional 23 years, providing a period of stability and dynamic programming. Beyond his role at PUL, Dr. Rzeźnik was an active member of the Polish American Congress and a supporter of Dom Polski. In 2007, he demonstrated great foresight by preparing the first draft of PUL’s charter as a non-profit organization, initiating the legal registration process that would be finalized in the following decade.

Working alongside Dr. Rzeźnik was a dedicated board that included Jadwiga Bogucka, Włodzimierz Denkowski, Bonifacy Obst, Kazimierz Zachodny, Barbara and Zenon Marcyniuk, Teresa and Kazimierz Kozłowski, Irena Kotarska, Nina Zagorska, Regina Gorzkowska-Rossi, and Drs. Janusz and Małgorzata Romański.

During Dr. Rzeźnik's tenure, PUL hosted an impressive 155 lectures. It is impossible to list every topic, but to give a sense of their breadth, themes included:

• Politics and History: The economic problems in post-communist Poland, the history of the Home Army, Polish-Soviet relations, the role of Radio Free Europe, and international politics during Lech Wałęsa’s presidency.

• Culture and Arts: The Polish Enlightenment, the theater of Leon Schiller, the Czartoryski art collection, the Styka family of painters, and evenings of poetry and music.

• Society and Science: John Paul II’s contribution to the Solidarity movement, the Chernobyl disaster, the science of aging and the cardiovascular system, and the latest advancements in cancer therapies.

Presenters were prominent academicians, politicians, historians, and scientists, including several Polish consuls and ambassadors.

Notable Speakers

This era was marked by lectures from distinguished figures who provided firsthand insight into Poland's transition to democracy and its evolving role in the world.

• Jacek Kalabinski, a journalist interned for his involvement in Solidarity, who later worked for Radio Free Europe and served as the Washington correspondent for Gazeta Wyborcza. He lectured on "Poland at Crossroads" in 1990.

• Jerzy Surdykowski, a writer, diplomat, and Consul General of Poland in New York (1990-1996). An opposition activist during the communist era, he lectured on the 500-year history of Polish democratic tradition.

• Kazimierz Dziewanowski, the Polish Ambassador to the US (1990-1993). A writer and co-founder of "Tygodnik Solidarność," he discussed the economy and social policy of the Third Polish Republic.

• Prof. Dr. Piotr Wandycz, a distinguished historian of Eastern Europe from Yale University and a former president of PIASA. He lectured on the Polish 3rd of May Constitution on its 200th anniversary.

• Prof. Dr. Tadeusz Gromada, a professor of European history and former executive director of PIASA. He lectured on the institute's 50 years of activity in the United States.

• Krzysztof Kasprzyk, a nuclear physicist, journalist, and diplomat who served as Consul General in New York, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. He lectured on the collaboration between the Polish Consulate and the East Coast Polonia.

The Core Lecturers

A group of dedicated speakers returned to PUL numerous times, providing ongoing analysis and expertise on a range of subjects vital to the community.

• Dr. Jerzy Kozminski, the Polish Ambassador to the US (1994–2000), who was instrumental in Poland's accession to NATO. He delivered multiple lectures on topics such as investing in Poland and the country's entry into the European Union.

• Prof. Miron Wolnicki, a professor of economics at Villanova University, continued to be a frequent speaker, offering his expert analysis on the Polish economy, its place in the global market, and the world recession crisis.

• Peter Obst, a translator, researcher, and president of The Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia. He delivered several lectures on topics ranging from the historical contributions of Poles in Pennsylvania to the importance of computer-based technologies.

• Ryszard Druch, an acclaimed cartoonist and artist. He presented numerous times on Polish caricature and hosted evenings dedicated to the poetry of Wisława Szymborska and John Paul II.

• Dr. Józef Rzeźnik, the president of PUL, also contributed as a speaker, presenting lectures on the history of world religions and the interface between religion and science.

Regina Gorzkowska-Rossi, a literary agent, journalist for Nowy Dziennik, and community activist. She delivered presentations on music and the disappearing heritage of sacred art.

2009–2019: Modernization and the Centennial

In 2009, Dr. Janusz Romański, a prominent Polonia activist and engineer, assumed the presidency. Alongside his wife, Dr. Małgorzata Romański, he led the university for the following decade. A graduate of the Gdańsk University of Technology, Dr. Romański held academic and research positions at Drexel University, Widener University, and the Piasecki Aircraft Corporation, authoring over 50 scientific publications. His leadership extended to numerous professional organizations, including the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the American Helicopter Society, and Polonia Technica. For his contributions to science and the community, he was awarded the Silver Cavalier’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland and the Outstanding Pole in the USA award.

During this era, PUL modernized its lecture technology, finalized its legal status as a non-profit organization, and celebrated its Centennial in March 2019. The board included Dr. Aleksandra Ziółkowska-Boehm, Dr. Miron Wolnicki, Dr. Józef Rzeźnik, and Ed Masternak.

Notable Speakers

The university continued its tradition of hosting elite figures from the arts, sciences, and humanities:

• Andrzej Pityński: The renowned Polish-American sculptor discussed his monumental works, including the National Katyń Memorial in Baltimore and The Partisans in Boston. His lectures focused on the struggle for freedom and justice reflected in his art.

• Dr. Iwona Korga: President of the Piłsudski Institute of America, she explored the institute's 70-year history and her research on the WWII propaganda policies of the Polish Government-in-Exile.

• Prof. James S. Pula: A specialist in 19th-century history, he lectured on General Tadeusz Kościuszko’s pivotal role in the Battle of Saratoga and his American career.

• Dr. Aleksandra Ziółkowska-Boehm: An independent scholar and author of over 30 books, she presented her biographical work regarding Melchior Wańkowicz and the untold stories of Polish WWII heroes.

• Andrzej Józef Dąbrowski: A publicist and theater director, he delivered presentations on prominent Polish women writers and the bicentennial of the National Theatre in Warsaw.

• Dr. Janusz Romański: Presented a centennial tribute to Marshal Piłsudski and a series on famous Polish engineers, including Frank Piasecki (aviation), Rudolf Modrzejewski (bridges), Mieczysław Bekker (Apollo Lunar Rover), and philanthropist Erazm Jerzmanowski.

• Prof. Miron Wolnicki: Provided expert analysis on the American economic crisis, global competition, transformative technologies, and the state of modern democracy.

2019–Present: Digital Expansion and New Leadership

In 2019, Dr. Margaret M. Zaleska was elected President. A graduate of the University of Warsaw and the Polish Academy of Sciences, Dr. Zaleska is an accomplished scientist and co-inventor of numerous patents. Her career included significant research at the University of Pennsylvania and leadership roles in drug discovery for neurological diseases at Wyeth and Pfizer. Beyond her industry leadership, Dr. Zaleska served as a member and grant reviewer for the National Institute of Health (NIH) Neurological Sciences, Michael J. Fox Foundation, and as a member of the Institutional Review Board at Thomas Jefferson University.

Deeply committed to the Polish community, she served as Vice President of the Kosciuszko Foundation Philadelphia Chapter (2017–2023). During her tenure, she co-organized Polish Culture Salons and served as the editor of Quo Vadis, the Chapter’s official newsletter. She currently serves on the Board of the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia. A member of the Kościuszko Foundation’s Collegium of Eminent Scientists, she has significantly enhanced PUL's visibility by launching a bilingual website, establishing a social media presence, and securing financial support from the Chancellery of the Polish Prime Minister. In 2023, PUL was honored with the Skalny Civic Achievement Award by the Polish American Historical Association. Recently, Dr. Zaleska was interviewed by Nowy Dziennik about the history and operation of PUL.

The board was also joined by Dr. Jan F. Zaleski (Treasurer), Mariola Marcinkiewicz, and Hubert Kojer.

• Dr. Jan F. Zaleski, a scientist and art collector, is a graduate of the University of Warsaw’s Faculty of Biology, where he earned his Ph.D. and conducted research at the Institute of Biochemistry, and continued in the United States after arriving in 1979. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Zaleski has curated an eclectic art collection featuring Polish, American, and African works, with a central focus on graphics spanning the 16th to the 21st centuries. His collection is featured in Czesław Czapliński’s prestigious album documenting private Polish art collections abroad. As a lecturer at PUL, he has shared his expertise on the life and work of Rafał Malczewski, the renowned Polish painter, writer, and Tatra Mountain popularizer.

• Mariola M. Marcinkiewicz holds an MS degree in chemistry from Warsaw University. A dedicated researcher, she has served for many years as a scientist at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, contributing to the city's academic and scientific community.

• Hubert Kojer is a distinguished Polish Scoutmaster and a prominent Polonia activist with a professional background in the metal industry. For decades, he has been a pillar of the local cultural scene through his involvement with the Adam Mularczyk Theatre and the Chapeau Bas cabaret. Mr. Kojer also serves on the board of the Associated Polish Home and is a long-time activist for the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOSP) in Trenton, NJ.

Notable Speakers

Following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, PUL returned with a diverse roster of speakers (the following highlights notable contributors through 2022):

• Elizabeth Gosek: Provided essential guidance on financial planning, retirement strategies, and Social Security.

• Dr. Teofil Lachowicz: Presented a photographic history of the "Blue Army" (General Haller’s volunteers) and their unprecedented contribution to Polish independence in 1918.

• Dr. Danuta Piątkowska: Explored the "Polish Accent" in General Pershing’s American Expeditionary Forces, highlighting forgotten stories of Polish-American soldiers.

• Jarosław Anders: A writer and former State Department official, he discussed the evolution of Polish literature following the events of 1989.

• Fr. Dr. Tadeusz Lizyńczyk: Detailed the unique role of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa in Doylestown in preserving Polish national identity.

• Paul Krzywicki: Former principal tubist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, he shared the history of Polish musicians in America based on his book, From Paderewski to Penderecki.

• Dr. Małgorzata Piszcz-Connelly: Lectured on geriatric medicine, the principles of healthy aging, and the role of diet in disease prevention.

• Ewa Zadrzyńska-Głowacka: Presented her recent book The Ark in Manhattan and her film project "Poetry Connects People."

• Dr. Rafał Kościański: An IPN historian who analyzed the causes and consequences of the Poznań June 1956 protests against the communist government.

The University also welcomed back Dr. Aleksandra Ziółkowska-Boehm for a lecture on literary genres, Prof. Miron Wolnicki on the world 50 years into the future, and Peter Obst, who presented the fascinating journey of the St. Luke’s Brotherhood paintings from the 1939 World Exhibition back to Poland.

The PUL Digital Archive

Starting in 2023, the Polish People’s University has significantly expanded its digital reach to better serve the global Polish diaspora. Detailed speaker biographies and professional backgrounds for all participants are now archived on our dedicated Lectures page, which also features full video recordings and presentation materials from recent sessions, provided with the authors' permission. We invite you to explore this growing resource to revisit past discussions and stay updated on the latest advancements in Polish culture, history, and science.