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Polish-American Honor Committee of the Anniversary of 400 years of Polish settlement in America

1608-2008 - years of Polish settlement in the USA

Virginia, May 1st 1607 is the official date of arrival of the first English colonists to America and establishment of the historic colony in Jamestown on the east coast of the USA. A year later, on October the1st, 1608 a ship called “Mary and Margaret” reached the shore of Jamestown colony. On board, there were Polish people engaged by Captain John Smith. He later become the first administrator of Jamestown Colony. This settlement is officially recognized as the first instance of Polish settlement in America. Soon, Polish settlers built a glassworks which was to become the first factory in North America and their products were the first ones which were exported to Europe labeled “Made in America”. Official American sources recognized those events as the beginning of the powerful American economy. The Polish people, being experienced craftsmen, were asked to teach their trade and skills to emigrants from other European countries, e.g. German and Dutch settlers. The strength and value of the Poles was recognized by the first American parliament in Jamestown when in 1619 the Poles organized the first strike in America. They demanded equal rights and civil status. Soon, the “House of Burgesses granted their demands. more...

The celebration of 400 years of Polish settlement in America (CANADA/USA)

TORONTO
NEW YORK
LOS ANGELES
WASHINGTON
CHICAGO
JAMESTOWN

Polish-American Organizing Committee of the Anniversary of 400 years of Polish settlement in America

Managament Committee of the Anniversary of 400 years of Polish settlement in America

The celebration of 400 years of Polish settlement in America
(POLAND)

KRAKOW
POZNAN
GDANSK
RZESZOW
KIELCE
WARSZAWA

Partners and Sponsors

Program of the Anniversary of 400 years of Polish settlement in America

The first company in America was established by Polish people
They were commissioned by the English “Virginia Company” from London. The Polish emigrants were to establish companies in the New World to produce glass, pitch, soap and tar. Soon after reaching Jamestown in 1608 the Polesbuilt the first factory in America – a glassworks… more

The first export product labeled “Made in America” was produced by Polish people
The main motive and aim of organizing overseas expeditions to the New World by Queen Elizabeth I was in search of raw materials and to begin production of scarce commodities which had been imported from the territory of Poland. The first products labeled “Made in America” were glass products manufactured by the Polish craftsmen from Jamestown… more

Pioneers in the fight for workers’ rights and dignity – the first strike in America
The first American parliament was formed in 1619 and it gave the right to vote only to the colonists from England. In protest, the Polish settlers organized a strike and announced that they would not start working unless they were granted equal treatment. They did not demand higher wages but simple respect for their dignity and civil freedom. The English granted the demands of the Poles… more

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