Polish Heritage Association of Maryland       ( PHA)

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The Polish Heritage Association of Maryland, Inc., an organization of Americans of Polish descent who have united to preserve and illuminate their Polish heritage and its freedom loving spirit was established in 1974. The organization continues to expand on a local, national and international level. PHA sponsors cultural and educational programs for a deeper historical understanding of Poland's cultural heritage. Among these are musical events, exhibits by prominent Polish American scholars and artists.

The organization holds monthly meetings followed by receptions and socials where you can hear and speak the Polish language. Among some of its accomplishments are: 1976 - Grant of $5,000 from the Maryland Bicentennial Commission for creation of a display reflecting Polish role in American History.1982-1984, organization of Maryland Action for Poland which collected food, clothing and money for Polish relief during the dark days of Martial Law, 1985 - Produced the video "Baltimore's Polish Pride," which accompanied Pride of Baltimore's visit to Gdynia, Poland and was viewed by thousands, 1989 - Memorial program marking the 50th anniversary of German invasion of Poland with featured U.S. Arms Negotiator, Lt. General Edward L. Rowny, as keynote speaker, 1991 - Program marking 200th anniversary of the Polish Constitution of Third of May with keynote speaker the Hon. U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, between 1991 and 1994, PHA played a leading role in State of Maryland-State of Lodz Committee which involved cultural exchanges and collection of medicine and hospital supplies for Lodz, Poland; 1992 - Benefit program for the Polish Tall Ship Zawisza Czarny, 1994 - Program marking 50th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising with Polish Ambassador Jerzy Kozminski as featured speaker, 1997 - The "Martyrs of Charity" program honored the thousands of Polish heroes killed for helping their Jewish compatriots. Messages of encouragement were received from Pope John Paul II and President Clinton.

A continuing source of pride is the Scholarship Program, which was initiated in
1975. The Polish Heritage Association of Maryland, Inc. annually grants $1,500 scholarships to qualified Maryland students pursuing college degrees. Since 1974 over one-hundred and fifty scholarships have been awarded.

In 2004, the organization celebrated its 30th Anniversary.