The Polish Museum of America (where the Polish American Librarians Association began) is included in this year’s “Open House Chicago” tours of historic and architecturally significant buildings in the Chicagoland area. Along with the museum, two other historically Polish sites are also included: St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, the first Polish church in Chicago and once the largest in the country, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland, located in one of the few remaining original Gold Coast mansions on the lakefront.
“It took some lobbying and hard work on the part of staff and board members of the museum to become a part of this tour,” says PALA President Leonard Kniffel, who is also in the Polish Museum board of directors, “and we hope Chicago area librarians will help us spread the word.” The Polish Museum’s Managing Director, Malgorzata Kot, was a founding member of PALA and was for many years head of the PMA Library.
“Open House Chicago” is the city’s annual architecture festival, sponsored by the Chicago Architectural Foundation. From the foundation: “For one weekend in October you can explore Chicago’s most iconic and unique architectural treasures. From mansions to sacred spaces, theaters to private clubs, hotels to secret rooms—OHC gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at many of the city’s great spaces that are rarely, if ever, open to the public. Here’s your chance to venture into new neighborhoods, learn the stories of Chicago’s buildings and experience the diversity and culture of each community.”
“Open House Chicago” is completely free of charge. No registration or tickets are needed. So gather your friends, plan your itinerary and mark your calendar for October 15-16, 2016! Visit the CAF website for a complete list of the 200 sites included in this year’s event.