KF New England Chapter 2026 Annual Award Luncheon

The Kosciuszko Foundation New England Chapter Presents

The 2026 Annual Awards Luncheon & Concert

Sunday, March 29 | 11:30 AM

Willits-Hallowell Conference Center, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA

Concert to follow | 3:00 PM

Featuring mezzo-soprano Magdalena Wor & pianist Agnieszka Zick

Abbey Chapel | Mount Holyoke College

For more information call 860.265.5180 or email KFNEsecretaryoffice@gmail.com

Our 2026 Honorees

Recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Polish community

Dr. Patrice M. Dabrowski

Historian and author | Associate at the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute

Dr. Patrice M. Dabrowski is an internationally respected historian whose work has deepened understanding of Poland’s past while building meaningful connections between Poland, the United States, and the broader global community. Through her scholarship, leadership, and advocacy, she has helped bring Polish history and culture to new audiences and ensured that Poland’s story continues to be recognized and celebrated.

Dr. Dabrowski earned her PhD in History from Harvard University and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) in International Relations and Diplomacy at The Fletcher School at Tufts University. She has dedicated her career to researching and interpreting the complex history of Poland and Eastern Europe. She is currently an associate of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, a member of the Board of Directors of the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences of America, and editor of H-Poland, an international academic forum that promotes the study and exchange of knowledge about Polish history and culture.

She is the author of three acclaimed books that explore Poland’s heritage. Her works include The Carpathians: Discovering the Highlands of Poland and Ukraine (2021), Poland: The First Thousand Years (2014), and Commemorations and the Shaping of Modern Poland (2004).

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dr. Dabrowski was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland in 2014, one of the nation’s highest honors for individuals who promote Poland abroad. She was also the 2021 recipient of the Mary Zirin Prize from the Association for Women in Slavic Studies, which honors the achievements of independent scholars in Slavic studies. In 2022, her book The Carpathians received two Polish distinctions, including honorable mention for the Pro Historia Polonorum award and recognition as a leading foreign publication promoting Poland’s history.

Through her scholarship, service, and dedication to education, Dr. Dabrowski has strengthened the visibility of Polish history on the world stage and inspired a deeper appreciation of Poland’s cultural and intellectual heritage. When not delving into the history of Poland, she has long been devoted to dance—performing as a ballet dancer as well as a member of the Słowianki Folk Song and Dance Troupe in Kraków. She also enjoys hiking and climbing mountains, especially in the Carpathian Mountains, a region closely connected to her scholarly work and personal passions.

Frederick Zimnoch has spent a lifetime strengthening Polish heritage, preserving reminders of the past, and helping others rediscover their roots. Growing up in Westfield, MA, in a close-knit immigrant neighborhood, he was immersed in Polish traditions through church, language, and community life. These early experiences sparked a lifelong commitment to the Polish American community that continues to shape his work today.

He is one of the founders of the Polish Genealogical Society of Massachusetts, where he has served in numerous leadership roles including President, Vice President, Treasurer, Director, and editor of its bi-annual newsletter for more than 30 years. Through his dedication, the Society expanded its outreach, embraced digital and genetic genealogy, and helped countless individuals reconnect with family histories lost during the Great Polish Diaspora dla chleba. Frederick considers this work of guiding others in rediscovering their Polish identity one of his greatest accomplishments.

Frederick has also been deeply involved with the Kosciuszko Foundation New England Chapter, serving as its first webmaster and supporting Polish Heritage Month film programs and educational events. In Northampton, MA, he has supported the Polish Heritage Committee, as well as the Polish Center for Discovery & Learning in Chicopee, MA, contributing to programs, research resources, and community traditions that celebrate Polish culture and history.

Outside of his community work, Frederick enjoys reading nonfiction, attending concerts and museum exhibitions, and pursuing his long-standing passion for mushrooms and mycology. Inspired by his grandfather, he spent many years foraging and photographing mushrooms and served on the identification committee of the Boston Mycological Club. He also delights in Polish culinary traditions, especially preparing chrzan for Święconka and enjoying his favorite dish, gołąbki, “now and always.”

Whether helping families trace their ancestry, organizing cultural programs, or honoring those who came before, Frederick Zimnoch has built a legacy rooted in service, education, and pride in Polish heritage.

Please join us for an afternoon of recognition, community, and celebration. An RSVP link will be available soon.

📧 Questions? Contact us at:
KFNEsecretaryoffice@gmail.com

Let’s come together to celebrate the excellence of our 2026 honorees and support the vibrant Polish heritage within our community!