Roots and wings: getting to know the Polish Club in Dorchester

By Ingrid Andrade

About 5,000 miles East of the USA sits a small country with a unique landscape and tangled history. A beautiful nation called Poland, or Polska as the Poles call it.

It was in Poland where World War II began after the Nazi German and the Soviet invasion in 1939. A massive part of the population was killed, and many were deported, which led to a segment of the Poles settling in the United States.

Nowadays, in Boston, there is some Polish influence and culture established, prominently in what is called the Polish Triangle.

The Poles brought with them their customs, traditions, language, and delicious food. This could be seen through popular destinations such as The Polish Club.

The club is located on Boston Street here in Dorchester and was founded in 1939 to help the Poles who moved to America become good citizens. Whether they moved here for jobs, education, or new opportunities, this social club allowed them to find a home.

Pete Dziedzic, current Treasurer of the Polish Club, explains how the organization has overtime changed some parts of its mission. It still strives to help support the Polish community and the Polish culture, but now make sure they are inclusive to other members of the broader community.

The club offers membership, bringing people together and providing opportunities and connections to its members.

A place for all to hang out

The Polish Club’s year-long main attraction is its bar. It is located on the first floor and offers affordable drinks.

“Places like this are dying you know, especially in places like Boston where transitional people come in for shorts periods of times, it is tough to keep identity clubs open,” Dziedzic says.

The Polish Club gives people a chance to adapt to modern times without losing their roots. In a time where everyone is encouraged to grow their wings and to modernize, it is essential to recognize history.

“We want to be good neighbors and want people around us to think of this also as a neighborhood bar,” said Dziedzic reaffirming the clubs willingness to connect with the rest of the community.

This club captures how people celebrate their differences and similarities all at once — a place where modern meets seasoned and where you can get a taste of Poland along with diversity.

The Polish Club welcomes everyone to attend one of their meetings to learn more about their events and what is coming up. They are connected with the Polish Fest, where they try to bring the neighborhood together, and in September they will be celebrating 80 years with an Anniversary Gala.

To learn more, the Dorchester Post invites you to visit the Polish Club official website here.