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| Defining the Polish Legacy in Nebraska and the world The Polish Heritage Center was incorporated in 1997 in an effort to preserve the ancestral language, culture and traditions of one of the most significant immigrant groups to settle in Nebraska. The small village of Ashton, where the Center is located is a hub of this ethnic region. It has seen waves of immigrants, first Germans and later Poles. Who were assisted in settling this area through the efforts of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, Since the late 1800's, communities such as Farwell, Ashton, Paplin and Loup City have been the epicenter from which their descendants have spread out across the nation. Today, in their establishment of a Polish Heritage center, both current and former residents join in their efforts to preserve the culture of their origin. Both geographically and culturally many of these descendants have seen weakening in their links to their past. The Center began as an initiative to re-educate both young and old in an effort to maintain a proud heritage. The Center is repository of cultural artifacts such as irreplaceable books, music and local genealogical records. It houses early photographs and art. It provides a meeting place to support the accomplishment of educational goals and activities. We invite you to visit the center's museum, which offers unique displays and relics of the past. As well, the Center offers a glimpse into the emerging role of today's Poland. Cultural heritage is a living and ever-changing thing. It is more than a time-worn snapshot of and earlier period. The cultural threads which are embedded in early examples of folk art and music, are today reflected in monumental changes in the Polish Homeland. One of the educational goals of the Center is to update and transform popular stereotypes into a broader understanding of the modern Polish homeland and culture. Your membership and donations will help achieve these goals. |
| Connections: |
| Polish Heritage Center P.O. Box 3 226 Carlton Ave. Ashton, Nebraska 68817 308-738-2249 E-mail us Contact Persons: Larry Molczyk, President 402-631-9660 Norma Janulewvicz Vice President Terese Hulinsky, Secretary Vigrinia Pokorski Treasurer Phyllis Piechota Museum tours @ gift shop 308-738-2260 The center is located in Ashton NE. It houses a headquarters office, museum, library, a genealogical collection, meeting rooms and a gift shop. The building itself is the renovated, former convent of the St Francis Catholic Church. Directions: From the Grand Island/Highway 281 exit of Interstate 80, proceed North 28 miles to the town of St. Paul. At St. Paul, head west on Highway 92 for 18 miles. Hours: The center is open to the public from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM each Sunday and during the week by appointment only. Please call (308) 738-2260 for appointment. Admission: $3.00. Free to members. (Call for membership information) |
| Your Membership is gateway to special events throughout the season offer the rich tastes of a proud past including: Polish Fest traditional music, food and fun 2nd Sunday of September. Memorial Polka Mass for the community's departed held in during Polishfest. Christmas Wigilia Observance in December, St. Francis Parish Hall Ashton Artistic, musical and educational events presented throughout the year Quarterly Newsletters and updates of the Center's activities Free access to the museum, its library and geneological records. |
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| Join us now in Preserving and celebrating our Polish Heritage |
| The Polish Heritage Center is and outgrowth of ideas initially put forth during the 1989 Ashton Centennial. Elaine Dart, a former Ashton resident, followed up on the notion and spearheaded the long process of bringing the Center into reality. Through generous donations from Dr. Phillip and Ruth Maschka, the St. Francis convent was purchased in March of 2000. During the Grand Opening of the Center's permanent home, visitors from ten states and Canada participated in the festivities. |
| The Polish Heritage Center Inc. Ashton,Nebraska Nebraska's ONLY Polish Center |
Cecelia Carson
Polish Heritage Essay Winner 2011
Cecilia is from Burwell, Nebraska and shared this story:
My polish heritage has been and still is a very important factor in my life. One of
the most influential people in my life is my grandfather, Bill. He is caring,
supportive and very inspiring to me. Grandpa Bill has influenced me in many of
my important decisions.
William Edward Gregoski was born on August 10, 1935. His parents were
Anton Leon
Gregoski and Constance Shimek. He has one sister, Alice Marie, and three
brothers: John Paul, Anthony Alex and Francis Joseph. Antoni Grzegozewski,
his great grandfather, moved from Poland and settled in Elyria, Nebraska.
William was born north of Fort Hartstuff. He grew up in the hills ofDannevirki, on
a farm along Davis Creek. Bill and his brothers and sister grew up as poor
Nebraskan dry-land farmers.
When William's father, Anton, died he was only 17 and being the oldest he
naturally took over the role of running the farm and providing for his family. Life
on the farm was hard work.·Though it was a hard life, it was a good life. One of
the most
important things was their faith. They never missed a Sunday mass and always
said their prayers.
They were wealthy in everything except money: good neighbors, good family,
and a good life. Since Bill took over the family farm and his sister left to start her
own family he only received an eighth grade education. He went to school at a
local country school, District 35. Though William only received this amount of
education he went on to work in construction, helping to build the Sherman
Dam and started his own successful dry-land farm.
He married Emily Waskowiak in 1959 and had five children, two sons and three
daughters. After retiring from farming and moving to St. Paul, he was the school
custodian for St. Paul High School for six years. Now Bill spends his time with
his family, volunteers at his local church, and helps at the Polish Heritage
Museum. His mother even has a shawl displayed at the museum and my great
Grandpa Waskowiak's First Communion picture is there as well.
When I think of my Grandfather I think of dancing to polkas, eating kolaches,
and listening to him play his accordion. Bill says that his heritage has inspired
him to be honest and to treat others the best he can. I am inspired not only by
my grandpa but by my polish heritage as well. He has taught me to appreciate
what God has given me and to enjoy my friends and family. Bill hopes to stay
healthy and to live until 80 or until God wants him to go. His achievements have
helped to give me a strong work ethic and to not give up when times ahead
look hopeless
Polish Heritage Essay Winner 2011
Cecilia is from Burwell, Nebraska and shared this story:
My polish heritage has been and still is a very important factor in my life. One of
the most influential people in my life is my grandfather, Bill. He is caring,
supportive and very inspiring to me. Grandpa Bill has influenced me in many of
my important decisions.
William Edward Gregoski was born on August 10, 1935. His parents were
Anton Leon
Gregoski and Constance Shimek. He has one sister, Alice Marie, and three
brothers: John Paul, Anthony Alex and Francis Joseph. Antoni Grzegozewski,
his great grandfather, moved from Poland and settled in Elyria, Nebraska.
William was born north of Fort Hartstuff. He grew up in the hills ofDannevirki, on
a farm along Davis Creek. Bill and his brothers and sister grew up as poor
Nebraskan dry-land farmers.
When William's father, Anton, died he was only 17 and being the oldest he
naturally took over the role of running the farm and providing for his family. Life
on the farm was hard work.·Though it was a hard life, it was a good life. One of
the most
important things was their faith. They never missed a Sunday mass and always
said their prayers.
They were wealthy in everything except money: good neighbors, good family,
and a good life. Since Bill took over the family farm and his sister left to start her
own family he only received an eighth grade education. He went to school at a
local country school, District 35. Though William only received this amount of
education he went on to work in construction, helping to build the Sherman
Dam and started his own successful dry-land farm.
He married Emily Waskowiak in 1959 and had five children, two sons and three
daughters. After retiring from farming and moving to St. Paul, he was the school
custodian for St. Paul High School for six years. Now Bill spends his time with
his family, volunteers at his local church, and helps at the Polish Heritage
Museum. His mother even has a shawl displayed at the museum and my great
Grandpa Waskowiak's First Communion picture is there as well.
When I think of my Grandfather I think of dancing to polkas, eating kolaches,
and listening to him play his accordion. Bill says that his heritage has inspired
him to be honest and to treat others the best he can. I am inspired not only by
my grandpa but by my polish heritage as well. He has taught me to appreciate
what God has given me and to enjoy my friends and family. Bill hopes to stay
healthy and to live until 80 or until God wants him to go. His achievements have
helped to give me a strong work ethic and to not give up when times ahead
look hopeless
New board members added and a survey of the
membership on expansion plans...
Results of the election of Polish Heritage board members.
Judy Welniak 22 votes, Jim Stanczyk 23 votes, Marcene
Kaslon 23 votes, Maria CurIo 21 votes, Marla Oseka 21
votes.
Of the ballots returned to the Polish Heritage Center those elected were:
Judy Welniak. Jim Stanczyk, Marcene Kaslon. Maria Curio and Marla Oseka.
On the ballots were seven different comments that could reflect members
opinions as to our recent plans of expansion.
These are what the opinions consisted of: 12 wanting to "make use of the
parish hall and school", 15 marked the "keep moving with plans to
expand/update the current center". 14 people responded with "if there is
money in the coffers and grants are available. do it". Two people marked "I
really want to see it happen and I've got money to help", and 2 responded
with "it's crazy, our kids are not interested and tough financial times facing
us".
Just a few words about taking over the parish school. It has been discussed
at several meetings, both at the heritage center and the parish council. At
present the classrooms are used for. religion classes for 39 students on
Wednesday evenings from September thru May. Questions which have
arisen include: Where would these students and teachers have to drive for
classes? And how much more of their time would be on the road and away
from their families.
Taking over the school and hall would be a financial burden to the center as
insurance and upkeep on that size of building is very costly. also heating,
cooling and remodeling for housing artifacts in the museum to comply with
grant qualifications would be extensive in a 50 year old building. If the
heritage center had the parish hall, we would be responsible for renting it
and the maintenance. And foremost to remember, is the fact the
parish hall and school belong to the diocese and St. Francis church.
membership on expansion plans...
Results of the election of Polish Heritage board members.
Judy Welniak 22 votes, Jim Stanczyk 23 votes, Marcene
Kaslon 23 votes, Maria CurIo 21 votes, Marla Oseka 21
votes.
Of the ballots returned to the Polish Heritage Center those elected were:
Judy Welniak. Jim Stanczyk, Marcene Kaslon. Maria Curio and Marla Oseka.
On the ballots were seven different comments that could reflect members
opinions as to our recent plans of expansion.
These are what the opinions consisted of: 12 wanting to "make use of the
parish hall and school", 15 marked the "keep moving with plans to
expand/update the current center". 14 people responded with "if there is
money in the coffers and grants are available. do it". Two people marked "I
really want to see it happen and I've got money to help", and 2 responded
with "it's crazy, our kids are not interested and tough financial times facing
us".
Just a few words about taking over the parish school. It has been discussed
at several meetings, both at the heritage center and the parish council. At
present the classrooms are used for. religion classes for 39 students on
Wednesday evenings from September thru May. Questions which have
arisen include: Where would these students and teachers have to drive for
classes? And how much more of their time would be on the road and away
from their families.
Taking over the school and hall would be a financial burden to the center as
insurance and upkeep on that size of building is very costly. also heating,
cooling and remodeling for housing artifacts in the museum to comply with
grant qualifications would be extensive in a 50 year old building. If the
heritage center had the parish hall, we would be responsible for renting it
and the maintenance. And foremost to remember, is the fact the
parish hall and school belong to the diocese and St. Francis church.
From left: Devin Nelson, Jarrod Gappa, Mallory Tuma,
Morgan Curlo, Whitney Gappa, Matthew Tuma, Evan Tuma.
The traditional Polish Christmas eve celebration was re-enacted
by members of Ashton's Polish Heritage Center on Sunday
December 4th. Participating in the Wigilia on Dec 4th were the St.
Francis CCD classes, who portrayed the holy family and sang
kolendy (carols). The children meet every Wednesday night for
classes from September-April and spent much of the past few
weeks in preparation for this event. Throughout the year they are
very involved the many activities of St Francis Church and the
Polish Heritiage Center. The children from Kindergarten thru 12th
grade enjoy fun activities, such as taking part in the Wigilia as the
Holy Family and singing in the choir. While participating in the
Wigilia they learned about their Polish Heritage and the many
customs that their Grandparents and Great-Grandparents had
while they were growing up. When asked what was the best part
of the evening, Matthew Tuma said he thought it was nice when
you broke off a piece of the Oplatek, or Christmas Wafer and
wished each other good things for the coming year. This year's
Wigilia was hosted by Father Dave Rykwalder of Gering,
Nebraska, formerly of St. Libory.
Morgan Curlo, Whitney Gappa, Matthew Tuma, Evan Tuma.
The traditional Polish Christmas eve celebration was re-enacted
by members of Ashton's Polish Heritage Center on Sunday
December 4th. Participating in the Wigilia on Dec 4th were the St.
Francis CCD classes, who portrayed the holy family and sang
kolendy (carols). The children meet every Wednesday night for
classes from September-April and spent much of the past few
weeks in preparation for this event. Throughout the year they are
very involved the many activities of St Francis Church and the
Polish Heritiage Center. The children from Kindergarten thru 12th
grade enjoy fun activities, such as taking part in the Wigilia as the
Holy Family and singing in the choir. While participating in the
Wigilia they learned about their Polish Heritage and the many
customs that their Grandparents and Great-Grandparents had
while they were growing up. When asked what was the best part
of the evening, Matthew Tuma said he thought it was nice when
you broke off a piece of the Oplatek, or Christmas Wafer and
wished each other good things for the coming year. This year's
Wigilia was hosted by Father Dave Rykwalder of Gering,
Nebraska, formerly of St. Libory.