Kosciuszko Foundation New England Chapter Celebrates Polish Heritage at 2026 Annual Awards Luncheon & Concert
On Sunday, March 29, the Kosciuszko Foundation New England Chapter welcomed more than 150 guests to its 2026 Annual Awards Luncheon; Concert, held at the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center. The event brought together members of the community, scholars, artists, and supporters of Polish culture for a day of recognition, music, and celebration.
Kosciuszko Foundation New England Chapter Awards Luncheon
The afternoon honored two distinguished individuals whose lifelong contributions have strengthened and elevated Polish heritage in the United States.
Dr. Patrice M. Dabrowski, an internationally respected historian and Associate at the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, was recognized for her extraordinary scholarship and dedication to advancing the understanding of Poland’s history. Through acclaimed works such as Poland: The First Thousand Years and The Carpathians: Discovering the Highlands of Poland and Ukraine, she has brought Poland’s rich cultural and historical legacy to global audiences. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
Also honored was Frederick S. Zimnoch, founder of the Polish Genealogical Society of Massachusetts. A dedicated community leader, Zimnoch has spent decades helping individuals rediscover their Polish roots and preserving the stories of Polish American families. His leadership, scholarship, and service have had a lasting impact across Western Massachusetts and beyond.
The program also highlighted the next generation of leaders and scholars. Marek Skulimowski, President and Executive Director of the Kosciuszko Foundation, presented certificates to undergraduate, graduate, fellowship, and grant recipients who received scholarships from the Foundation—underscoring its enduring commitment to education and cultural exchange.
Closing remarks were delivered by Mateusz Sakowicz, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, who reflected on the importance of sustaining Polish culture and strengthening transatlantic ties. Massachusetts State Senator Jacob Oliveira also offered remarks and presented official citations from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to both honorees.
The celebration concluded with a concert at the Abbey Chapel, featuring a captivating performance by mezzo-soprano Magdalena Wor and pianist Agnieszka Zick. Their program provided a fitting artistic finale, showcasing the beauty and depth of Polish musical tradition.
Together, the luncheon and concert reflected the Kosciuszko Foundation’s mission to promote Polish culture, support educational advancement, and foster meaningful connections between Poland and the United States while celebrating both the legacy of the past and the promise of the future.
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