Cultural Village

Step into the heart of Polish heritage at our Cultural Village!

Cultural Exhibit 2026
Amber & The Baltic Coast
Amber, the gold of the north, the gemstone of legends. Does amber wash upon the shores of the Baltic Sea from Queen Jurata’s castle in the depths of the waters or from prehistoric forests? Learn about the origin, commerce and importance of amber through the centuries.

While we are on the northern coast of Poland, let’s explore the cities that draw us in through history, culture, architecture, food and idyllic vacation spots. From Gdansk and Gdynia to Sopot, and the infamous Hel Peninsula. These cities are etched in time, from the beginning of World War II and the Solidarity movement all while remaining a hub of maritime industry and trade. They are famed for world-renowned sanitoriums or health spas that offer comprehensive health, rehabilitation, and wellness for musculoskeletal, respiratory, and cardiovascular conditions. The Baltic Coast is as important today as it was millenniums ago.

Check out these highlights from 2025:

Polish Folk Arts
The Cultural Village featured folk artists demonstrating traditional Polish crafts, including aluminum casting, bark and wood carving, pajaki paper chandeliers, pisanki (decorated eggs), Polish textiles, spinning yarn, and wianki wreaths. Also included: All-Ages Children’s Art Activity inspired by traditional Polish crafts!

Returned last year: Author’s Corner featuring James Conroyd Martin and the Polish Genealogy Society of America!

Polish History and Cultural Forum
Featured speakers on Jan Karski, the Polish community in Milwaukee and the Kashubians who helped establish settlements in the United States and Canada. There was also Polish Fashion Show from Recultured Designs highlighting the colors and fabrics of Poland!

Speakers:
Dr. Anne Gurnack: Kashubian Heroes and Heroines Who Helped Establish Settlements in the United States and Canada
Tomasz Lenkiewicz: Jan Karski: Poland’s Forgotten Emissary of Truth
Alexandra Lisiecki: Recultured Designs: Tradition Meets the Modern World Fashion Show
James Conroyd Martin: Marie Walewska and the Quest for Poland’s Independence
Susan Mikos: Poles in Milwaukee