Faces of Solidarity-Polish Refugees in Minnesota
In the 1980s, the Solidarność (Solidarity) movement in Poland became one of Europe’s most notable social movements and played a significant role in ending communist rule in Poland. As a consequence of participating in this movement, many individuals experienced repression, including imprisonment by the state. Some of these individuals moved to Minnesota as refugees. The first phase of the project, "Faces of Solidarity," sheds light on the experiences of Solidarność/Solidarity activists turned political prisoners, chronicling their transition to a life free from political repression, the role of Minnesota's culture in facilitating their integration, and the impact of their social activism.
Faces of Solidarity exhibition made its debut at the Minnesota State Capitol on December 3, 2021, to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1981 martial law in Poland. It subsequently traveled to the University of St. Thomas (February 17, 2022) and the East Side Freedom Library as part of the Solidarity Street Gallery (September 9, 2022.) It will be displayed at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport 2024-2025.
The exhibition is sponsored and curated by the Minnesota Polish Medical Society (MPMS), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We support select educational and cultural events and activities with a particular focus on the Polish-American perspective.
The Kalejdoskop Polski MN project has received grant support from the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Metro Regional Arts Council, the Landmark Center and the Konsul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago.
Faces of Solidarity exhibition made its debut at the Minnesota State Capitol on December 3, 2021, to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1981 martial law in Poland. It subsequently traveled to the University of St. Thomas (February 17, 2022) and the East Side Freedom Library as part of the Solidarity Street Gallery (September 9, 2022.) It will be displayed at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport 2024-2025.
The exhibition is sponsored and curated by the Minnesota Polish Medical Society (MPMS), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We support select educational and cultural events and activities with a particular focus on the Polish-American perspective.
The Kalejdoskop Polski MN project has received grant support from the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Metro Regional Arts Council, the Landmark Center and the Konsul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago.
