Our Story

It is estimated that from 1880 to 1925, more than 3 million Poles came to America.

By 1925, over 10,000 had settled in the Omaha area. The majority of Polish immigrants to Omaha were from Galicia in Austria – the Tarnow, Krakow, Rzeszow, Nowy Sacz areas of present day Poland.

These early immigrants to Omaha faced many hardships, as many were uneducated and worked in the packing plants for long hours and low wages.

Organizations developed to meet the needs of the Polish immigrants in America, each promoting social, civic and cultural activites and helping preserve the Polish customs, traditions, folk lore, dances and music from the “old country”.

Because these groups helped ease the transition from the old way of life to the new, they became a meeting place where one could feel at “home”.

Thus, a “Polski Dom” was established in almost every Polish community – in places like Chicago, New York, Buffalo, Cleveland, Toledo, Philadelphia and, eventually, Omaha.

• The first talk of a Polish Home in Omaha began at the turn of the century and a concentrated effort was put forth in 1910, when the “Polish Home Association” was organized and a drive for capital began.

• Lots were purchased on 27th and J Streets, but later sold as a group of members were not satisfied with the location. Lots were then purchased on 39th and L Street and plans for a building were drawn up.

• Donations and fund raising activities were held.

• However, the advent of WWI ended all hope of securing adequate funding and the “Polish Home Association” was dissolved.

• In 1924, another organization soon followed called the “Polish Welfare Club”.
  The Polish Welfare Club took a very active part in social, civic and political activities.

• In 1927, Jan Kielian, president, called for the creation of a Polish Home and over $1000 was pledged.

• The first function of the Polish Home was a revival of the Polish royal court.

• On April 9, 1934, Guest A. Konat and Miss Josephine Saniuk were crowned King and Queen of the first Polish Coronation in the state of Nebraska at Omaha’s City Auditorium.

• In 1936, negotiations began with the American Legion Post 3311 and the Omaha School District to purchase the property on 25th & L Street.

• The building had served as an elementary school and was sold to the Legion in 1930.

• After much negotiation, the Polish Home purchased the building for $12,000 (about $256,228 in 2023 dollars).

• The grand opening of the building on 25th & L was held on Sunday, June 6, 1937.

• The commemorative booklet marking the event stated, “This was not accomplished by any one individual, but by the untiring efforts of practically every Pole in Omaha. A helping hand was given, financially and in spirit, by individuals and organizations of every type. No longer will the Poles want for a community gathering place. They now have a home of their own and they should support it. For without support, it cannot be maintained.”

• For the next 55 years, the Polish Home in South Omaha was the place to hold a party, wedding, special ceremony, dance or meeting.

• There was a bar open for members and many Polish organizations held events in the Pulaski Room, Kosciusko Room, North Hall, South Hall and Dugout.

• Initially, Polish Home members were shareholders, but this model was difficult to manage, so in 1987 new Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were passed, changing the organization to the dues-paying membership it is today.

• In the early 1970’s, various plans were proposed to sell the property at 25th & L Streets and build to the west of the South Omaha business district.

• The building was old, not easily accessible and in need of extensive and expensive repair work.

• In addition, the South Omaha business community was undergoing significant changes.

• In June of 1998, the Polish Home building was sold to El Museo Latino.

• The board of directors looked at purchasing Plaza Hall on 84th and Park Drive in Ralston, while holding benefit dances at the American Legion Hall on 21st & N Street. Parties and meetings were held at St. Stanislaus School hall and Board meetings at members’ homes.

• The negotiations to purchase Plaza Hall did not materialize and a search was conducted for a suitable building or property on which to build a new Home.

• In January of 1999, the board was informed of the possible sale of the Papio Social Hall in Papillion.

• On January 22, 1999, the members of the Polish Home held a meeting and voted in favor of purchasing the Papio Hall.

• On April 9th, the final papers were signed and a gala grand opening celebration held on Sunday, June 6, 1999 – exactly 62 years after the grand opening celebrations of the building on 25th & L.

• This began a new era for the Polish Community in the Omaha area and brings us to where we are today.