Welcome to the
Kashubian Cultural Institute
& Polish Museum

Come Learn About Polish & Kashubian History

The Kashubian Cultural Institute and Polish Museum aims to support and promote public interest, awareness, knowledge and education of the European indigenous population called the Kashubians (Kaszuby) located in north-central Poland. As the only Kashubian Museum in America, KCIPM has uniquely marked Winona as the Kashubian Capital of America. The Museum distinguishes the differences between Polish and Kashubian history, as they differ, and highlights the importance of a multicultural education in a culturally pluralistic society. An emphasis is put on the era of Kashubian and Silesian immigration to Winona, Minnesota from 1840-1890 as organizations like the American Emigrant Company and Polish Pauper Labor Bureaus utilize contract labor systems to assimilate and exploit disenfranchised immigrant populations. Through the preservation of local Kashubian and Polish immigrant stories, visitors from the Winona area and abroad will engage with underrepresented histories of working people and uncover the unique culture and language of Kashubia. To this end, the Kashubian Cultural Institute and Polish Museum will further develop and curate the permanent collection of original works of art, and work within the community to honor the laborers that built Winona and celebrate Polish and Kashubian traditions.

 

Events Calendar: