American Institute of Polish Culture

Mrs. Blanka A. Rosenstiel founded the American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC) in 1972 as a non-profit, tax-exempt Florida Corporation. The aims of the Institute are twofold -- first, to share with Americans the rich heritage of Poland, which has contributed in so many ways to the history of the United States; and second, to promote the scientific, educational and artistic contributions of Polish-Americans.

Americans have grown much more aware of the value of preserving traditions and identities of the ethnic groups that constitute this country's vast cultural melting pot. For four decades, the Institute has encouraged that growing awareness by creating, participating, organizing and sponsoring hundreds of events locally and nationally.

Our endeavors have received support from our members, donors and the enthusiastic participation of other ethnic groups in the community and the friendly cooperation of the press, all of which have helped to strengthen our leading role in the cultural life of the community. We plan to continue being a catalyst in promoting knowledge about Poland and Polish-Americans nationwide. Ongoing programs include:

Each year, the Harriet Irsay Scholarship, established in 1992, awards ten to fifteen talented students $1,000 grants each. All majors and areas of study are considered and many applicants are of Polish descent.

In 1998, the Institute led a fundraising campaign to establish the Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies at the University of Virginia. The Chair is dedicated to research and education, including sponsoring visiting scholars. In 2008, the Chair moved to the Institute of World Politics in Washington,

AIPC has sponsored dozens of lectures at educational facilities throughout the years. As a result of four decades of collaboration with Florida International University (FIU) the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland at FIU in Miami in 2010. Lecturers have included Professor Timothy Snyder of Yale University; President Lech Wałęsa; artist, Rafal Olbinski; and Milosz authority and author, Dr. Campbell McGrath.

The annual International Polonaise Ball serves as the main fundraiser for the Institute. Each year the theme examines the cultural ties between Poland and other countries, and is attended by Institute members, community leaders, and dignitaries from around the world. Gold Medals are awarded to individuals who work to promote Polish culture in the Recipients have included Dr. Scott Parazynski, astronaut; Dr. Andrew Schally, Nobel Prize laureate in medicine; Senator Barbara Mikulski; Professor Norman Davies, historian; and James Michener, author.

Film: Polish film is a growing presence in international moviemaking, and AIPC helps to foster that growth in the by bringing contemporary Polish filmmakers and their work to Miami in collaboration with International Film Festivals. Many of the films have won major awards and some were screened for the first time in the

Art: The Institute has long been a champion of fine and contemporary Polish and Polish-American art, and has sponsored and organized several solo and group shows. For example, our historical exhibit, Perspektywa Polska, was widely acclaimed and traveled nationwide to various education institutions -- museums, universities and the like -- for a number of years.

Publications: To promote knowledge through the written word, the AIPC has been translating and publishing since its inception. Books include Madam Curie: Daughter of Poland by Robert Woznicki, , Meetings With the Black Madonna by Jan Dobraczynski, and the rare Accomplished Senator by Wawrzyniec Grzymala Goslicki (1530-1607). Our annual magazine, Good News, is distributed to all members and interested parties. The Institute also houses a library, open to the public, with books in both Polish and English.