OUR HISTORY
A Legacy of Heritage, Community, and Care
As Poland’s situation evolved, so did the organization. Renamed the “Polish-American Club,” its mission expanded from humanitarian aid to preserving and celebrating Polish heritage across the Triangle. Through festivals, concerts, language programs, scholarships, and cherished traditions such as Wigilia, Ostatki, and Polish Mass, the Club became a vibrant cultural cornerstone for generations.
For more than four decades, the Polish-American Club of the Triangle has brought people together through service, culture, and community. From its humanitarian beginnings to today’s cultural, educational, and social activities, the Club continues to honor its roots while creating new traditions and connections for future generations of Polish Americans in North Carolina.
The Polish-American Club of the Triangle was born out of compassion during a time of crisis. In 1981, as Martial Law was declared in Poland, a small group gathered at St. Raphael Church in Raleigh to provide aid and support. What began as “Carolina Aid to Poland” quickly grew from a handful of volunteers into a formally incorporated organization, bringing the Polish community together around a shared mission of service.
Jan & Danuta Adam, Marie Best, and Ann Robaczewski were among the founders of Carolina Aid to Poland. Marie Best served as the organization’s first President, with Ann Robaczewski as Secretary. In its early years, the group organized fundraisers, collected donations, and sent critical aid to Poland, while also helping Polish refugees arriving in North Carolina find stability, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.
OUR JOURNEY: 1981–PRESENT
1981 — A call to action
A small group gathered at St. Raphael Church in Raleigh in response to the crisis in Poland. Following the declaration of Martial Law on December 13, “Carolina Aid to Poland” was established on December 15 with 28 members.
1982 — Building a Foundation
Carolina Aid to Poland was formally incorporated in North Carolina. Major fundraising efforts began, including the “Hearts for Poland” benefit concert performed by the Carolina Pops Symphony. The Club also welcomed and supported its first Polish refugee families in Raleigh. Later that year, the organization expanded its mission and adopted the name “Polish-American Club.”
1983–1985 — Growing Community
The Club continued its humanitarian efforts while strengthening the Polish community in the Triangle. Members organized fundraising events, cultural gatherings, and activities that brought Polish families together and helped preserve their traditions and heritage.
1985–1987 — Expanding Cultural Activities
The Club continued to grow its cultural and social activities, creating more opportunities for members of the Polish community to meet, celebrate traditions, and share Polish heritage with the wider Triangle community.
1988–1989 — A New Chapter
As political changes transformed Poland, the Club’s focus increasingly shifted from humanitarian assistance toward cultural preservation, community building, and strengthening Polish-American connections in North Carolina.
1990–1993 — Preserving Polish Traditions
The Club strengthened its role as a cultural organization, bringing the community together through Polish traditions, social gatherings, cultural programs, and celebrations that helped maintain a strong connection to Polish heritage.
1993–2002 — Strengthening Polish Heritage
The Club continued to expand its cultural and educational mission through Polish language programs, traditional celebrations, concerts, community events, and other initiatives that helped preserve Polish identity and connect generations.
2004–2010 — Building Bridges with Poland
The Club continued to promote Polish culture and strengthen connections between Poland and North Carolina through cultural events, educational initiatives, community partnerships, and programs celebrating Polish heritage.
2012 — Celebrating Polish Culture
The Club continued to share Polish heritage with the wider community through cultural events, traditional celebrations, educational activities, and participation in local festivals, strengthening PAC’s presence in the Triangle.
Present — Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Today, the Polish-American Club of the Triangle continues to grow through cultural events, educational programs, community activities, and new initiatives that bring generations together. As PAC approaches its 45th anniversary, the Club remains committed to celebrating Polish heritage, strengthening community connections, and carrying its traditions into the future.
HISTORICAL ARCHIVES
Explore documents, photographs, presentations, and other materials preserving the history of the Polish-American Club of the Triangle.
PAC History Presentation
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RM-sccW08MAjVtO99K1QuvCDeSWErNm020kYzNX1Az8/view
PAC Website Archive (2011–2018): https://polamrtp.blogspot.com