The American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC) founded in 1972 as a non-profit, tax-exempt Florida Corporation. Mrs. Blanka A.
Rosenstiel founded the American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC) in 1972 as a non-profit, tax-exempt Florida Corporation. The aims of the Institute are twofold -- first, to share with Americans the rich heritage of Poland, which has contributed in so many ways to the history of the United States; and second, to promote the scientific, educational and artistic contributions of Polish-Americans. A
mericans have grown much more aware of the value of preserving traditions and identities of the ethnic groups that constitute this country's vast cultural melting pot. For four decades, the Institute has encouraged that growing awareness by creating, participating, organizing and sponsoring hundreds of events locally and nationally. Our endeavors have received support from our members, donors and the enthusiastic participation of other ethnic groups in the community and the friendly cooperation of the press, all of which have helped to strengthen our leading role in the cultural life of the community. We plan to continue being a catalyst in promoting knowledge about Poland and Polish-Americans nationwide. Ongoing programs include:
Each year, the Harriet Irsay Scholarship, established in 1992, awards ten to fifteen talented students $1,000 grants each. All majors and areas of study are considered and many applicants are of Polish descent. In 1998, the Institute led a fundraising campaign to establish the Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies at the University of Virginia. The Chair is dedicated to research and education, including sponsoring visiting scholars. In 2008, the Chair moved to the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C. AIPC has sponsored dozens of lectures at educational facilities throughout the years. As a result of four decades of collaboration with Florida International University (FIU) the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland at FIU in Miami in 2010. Lecturers have included Professor Timothy Snyder of Yale University; President Lech Wałęsa; artist, Rafal Olbinski; and Milosz authority and author, Dr. Campbell McGrath. The annual International Polonaise Ball serves as the main fundraiser for the Institute. Each year the theme examines the cultural ties between Poland and other countries, and is attended by Institute members, community leaders, and dignitaries from around the world. Gold Medals are awarded to individuals who work to promote Polish culture in the U.S. Recipients have included Dr. Scott Parazynski, astronaut; Dr. Andrew Schally, Nobel Prize laureate in medicine; Senator Barbara Mikulski; Professor Norman Davies, historian; and James Michener, author. Film: Polish film is a growing presence in international moviemaking, and AIPC helps to foster that growth in the U.S. by bringing contemporary Polish filmmakers and their work to Miami in collaboration with International Film Festivals. Many of the films have won major awards and some were screened for the first time in the U.S. Art: The Institute has long been a champion of fine and contemporary Polish and Polish-American art, and has sponsored and organized several solo and group shows. For example, our historical exhibit, Perspektywa Polska, was widely acclaimed and traveled nationwide to various education institutions -- museums, universities and the like -- for a number of years. Publications: To promote knowledge through the written word, the AIPC has been translating and publishing since its inception. Books include Madam Curie: Daughter of Poland by Robert Woznicki, Ph.D., Meetings With the Black Madonna by Jan Dobraczynski, and the rare Accomplished Senator by Wawrzyniec Grzymala Goslicki (1530-1607). Our annual magazine, Good News, is distributed to all members and interested parties. The Institute also houses a library, open to the public, with books in both Polish and English.
06/16/2026
Advertise in Good News!
We extended our deadline to July 10, 2026.
Be part of Good News! Help us to promote Poland and her people in the U.S. and beyond — your support means the world to us!
We’re excited to be working on the upcoming 2025–2026 edition of Good News magazine. Please consider placing an ad or a personal message. Share your story or business with a wide, international audience. Your message will be featured both in print and in our online edition, available to readers around the world. To browse previous issues, feel free to visit our Good News magazine archive under the Publications tab. Www.ampolinstitute.com
06/08/2026
Applications for the Harriet Irsay and The Lennox Family Award for Excellence Scholarships are open!
These scholarships are available for new, ongoing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Students may apply for both scholarships, but can only receive one.
Please share this announcement with family, colleagues, friends, and neighbors. www.ampolinstitute.org/application
06/08/2026
Applications for the Harriet Irsay and The Lennox Family Award for Excellence Scholarships are open!
These scholarships are available for new, ongoing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Students may apply for both scholarships, but can only receive one.
Please share this announcement with family, colleagues, friends, and neighbors.
05/26/2026
The American Institute of Polish Culture will be moving offices so we will not be available by phone or email from May 28 - June 4. We will resume our usual operations on June 5.
Our new address:
Biscayne Centre, 11900 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 760, Miami, FL 33181
05/08/2026
05/02/2026
Happy Polish Flag Day and Day of Polonia!
Today, May 2, let us celebrate all the Poles living outside of Poland. About 20 million Poles live abroad in different countries around the world. Long live Polonia! The national colors of the Polish flag that date back to 13th century, carry deep symbolic meaning. White represents peace, friendship, and prosperity, while red symbolizes the blood shed in the struggle for independence. This flag unites Polonia all around the globe.
04/28/2026
A beautiful record!
04/10/2026
Your membership makes a difference. Become a member or renew your membership at
The American Institute of Polish Culture
Why?
You become part of our mission to let the world know about the beauty of Poland, her history and her people.
Where does your membership money go?
Scholarships, lecture series at Florida International University and University of Miami, art exhibitions, movie screenings, and more.
As a member you’ll receive invitations to members only events, free copy of Good News magazine, and other relevant information.
Show your enthusiasm and love for Poland - contribute with your membership payment. If you participated in our 2026 Ball, you automatically receive a membership until December 2026, but we would so much appreciate additional donations. Www.ampolinstitute.org/membership
04/07/2026
The American Institute of Polish Culture recommends:
The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival-
a documentary film. Screening nationwide April 10-16. This year at the 53rd International Polonaise Ball, we were excited to present Victoria and Marisa de Lempicka, the granddaughter and the great granddaughter of Tamara de Lempicka, with the Institute’s Gold Medals for their visionary promotion of Tamara’s art. And now we get to see one of their visions come alive in the form of a documentary film. Tamara de Lempicka is one of history’s most valuable female artists. Congratulations! Give a round of applause to these extraordinary women by going to the movies. Enjoy!
04/06/2026
The American Institute of Polish Culture recommends:
Master Artists Exhibition: Walter J. Chruscinski
Friday, April 10 at 7pm
Latitude Gallery and Wine Bar
804 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach, Florida 33460
Walter is a long time member of the Institute.
We salute and congratulate him on this exciting endeavor!
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