Moving to Miami, I knew there was a lot of good waiting for me there. However, I did not expect to receive such an incredible honor as participation in a ball organized by the American Institute of Polish Culture. I am happy that I have the opportunity to meet members of this unique organization. It is a valuable adventure for me.

Outstanding achievements and rich history

The Institute is a bridge between Poland and the Polish diaspora, between the past and the present. The embodiment of this story is Lady Blanka A. Rosenstiel. She established the The American Institute of Polish Culture Inc. in 1972. Thanks to it, it became possible to disseminate knowledge about Polish culture, maintain Polish heritage (including its contribution to American culture and history), and support Poles living abroad.

Harriet Irsay Scholarship

One of the Institute's significant initiatives is the Harriet Irsay Scholarship, established in 1992. Hundreds of students from the Polish community abroad have benefited from the scholarship over the last three decades. It is an enormous contribution to the education of Poles in the USA.

Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies in Washington

Since 1998, Polish scientists have gained another important place to present the results of their research. The Institute participated in the establishment of the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies at the University of Virginia. In 2008, the Chair was transferred to the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C. The Chair is today led by Dr. Marek Jan Chodakiewicz, an outstanding scientist who also runs the Center for Intermarium Studies.

The Institute has also supported Polish art for years, for example, through the International Film Festival (since 1978; For the Love of Film Festival since 1980), organizing numerous exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events, as well as publishing and translating books about Polish culture and history.

A mission we identify with

AIKP is undoubtedly an organization with numerous successes. However, all this wouldn't be possible if the Institute wasn't created out of a pure need of the heart. Lady Blanca managed to create something beautiful, with which Poles worldwide identified and still identify. The Institute promotes the Polish contribution to American history. Thanks to the organization's activities, the enormity of the contribution of Polish scientists and artists to culture and the development of research in America is becoming more and more widely known. It is also a space for multicultural cooperation.

Half a century has passed, and the Institute is still developing. I am sure this year's International Polonia Ball will be an amazing experience and an opportunity to meet exceptional people.

KaMa