Quality Improvement Committee Meeting dates will be held on Wednesdays for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026.
The meetings are scheduled from 2:00pm - 3:00pm unless otherwise noted. Wed. November 12, 2025 at 2:00 Wed. February 11, 2026 at 2:00 Wed. May 6, 2026 at 2:00 Wed. August 5, 2026 at 2:00  The Piast Institute has long been a gathering place for Polish Americans in our metro-Detroit region. As one of the few Polish organizations still active in Hamtramck, we carry a special responsibility to serve our community, preserve our heritage, and provide essential resources for families and youth. Our building is more than just an office—it has become a necessity for community life. The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago holds passport and documentation services here, giving local residents direct access without traveling hundreds of miles. Community events hosted within our space bring people together to meet, plan events, host lectures, share traditions, and inspire the next generation to preserve Polish culture. Through our Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC), young people gain opportunities to learn, lead, and make healthy choices for their future. To meet growing needs within the Hamtramck community and surrounding catchment area, the Piast Institute is undertaking a much-needed renovation to create a modern, welcoming community space. Plans include installing new flooring, upgrading the electrical system (there are currently two outlets in a room that size), and adding blinds for large windows for privacy & better viewing during online/hybrid meetings. The room will be furnished with flexible tables and storage, making it suitable for small gatherings as well as large meetings, lectures, Polish language testing and trainings. Technology upgrades—including an interactive smartboard and tablets—will ensure that the space can be used for educational programs, youth activities, and community collaborations. This project is not just about improving a room; it is about building a home where Polish Americans and community partners can come together to learn, connect, and celebrate. It is about ensuring that events provided by the Consulate, programs led by youth, Polish Scouts, and initiatives like HDFCC have a strong foundation in our community.
We invite you to join us in this effort. Your donation will directly support the renovation and technology upgrades needed to bring this vision to life. Together, we can create a vibrant space that serves our community today and preserves our Polish heritage for generations to come. Please consider making a gift to support this important project. With your help, the Piast Institute will continue to be a home for Polish Americans and a beacon of community in Hamtramck. Sincerely, Virginia Skrzyniarz Malgorzata Tulecki CEO/Co-Founder Executive Vice President Piast Institute Conference Room Feedback Have you heard?! The Piast Institute Conference Room is getting an update! We want you to be apart of the remodeling process! Take this two-minute survey to share your feedback about things you'd like to see available in the room, style you'd like to see incorporated and, any other ideas you have!  Book Sale & Office Hours
Reviewing inventory, Piast Institute still has Polish books available for sale! Stop by during our open office days between 10 AM – 3 PM: Tues, Sept. 16 Wed, Sept. 17 Thurs, Sept. 18 Mon, Sept. 22 Tues, Sept. 23 Wed, Sept. 24 Thurs, Sept. 25 No Friday or weekend dates available. Come find your next great read at the office, 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI 48212! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 29, 2025 Malgorzata Tulecki (313)-733-4535 [email protected] Piast Institute Announces Two Special Book Sale Events in September Hamtramck, MI – The Piast Institute, a national research and policy center dedicated to Polish and Polish American affairs, is pleased to announce two upcoming book sale events in September at its location at 11633 Joseph Campau Avenue, Hamtramck, MI 48212. These special book sale events will offer a wide selection of books focusing on Poland, Polish Americans, arts, history, recipes, World War II, and more. This is a unique opportunity for collectors, researchers, and community members to explore rare and valuable titles celebrating Polish heritage and culture.
For appointments, please call the Piast Institute at (313) 733-4535 or email [email protected] & also you can visit us online at www.piastinstitute.org for more information.
The Piast Institute was proud to collaborate with the boys and girls scouting organization Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego (ZHP) to bring a special Polish cultural experience to the zuchy (ages 7–11) during their two week stay at Camp Białowieża in Deckerville, MI. Piast Institute CEO Virginia Skrzyniarz, and Executive Vice President Malgorzata Tulecki, shared the Legend of the Wawel Dragon from Kraków — a story of bravery and imagination that captured the children’s attention. Inspired by the tale, each scout painted their own ceramic dragon, where the youth brought their own “Smok Wawelski” to life. The program wrapped up with singing and storytelling — a magical close to a day full of creativity and culture. The activity tied in perfectly with this year’s camp theme, Knights and Princesses, just ahead of the zuchy’s exciting field trip to the castle museum tomorrow. #PiastInstitute #ZHP #CampBiałowieża #PolishCulture #SmokWawelski #Zuchy #PolishHeritage   The Piast Institute is proud to announce that Franciszek Buciek, a dedicated high school intern from Hamtramck High School, has been honored with the inaugural John J. Janowicz Renaissance Scholarship Award. Franciszek was surprised with the award during the Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards Banquet, held on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
The John J. Janowicz Renaissance Scholarship was established in memory of a generous donor and longtime supporter of the Piast Institute, who wished to celebrate the continued legacy and contributions of Polish Americans. The award recognizes outstanding young individuals who embody a spirit of service, cultural pride, and community engagement. Franciszek has been part of the Piast Institute team for the past five summers, working after school and contributing to various projects that support the mission of the Institute. Beyond his commitment at Piast, he is also deeply involved in the broader Polish American community. He volunteers with the Polish Scouting Organization (Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego) and is active at St. Florian Church and other community organizations. His tireless service, leadership, and devotion to his heritage truly exemplify the values that the John J. Janowicz Renaissance Scholarship seeks to honor. Congratulations to Franciszek Buciek on this well-deserved recognition! The Piast Institute is proud to support and celebrate the next generation of Polish American leaders. The Piast Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Polish American culture, heritage, and community through research, educational programming, lectures, and cultural events. Our work is made possible by the generosity of individuals like you, as well as grants and contracts.
There are many meaningful ways you can support the Piast Institute:
To donate or learn more, please visit www.piastinstitute.org/donate or contact us directly. Thank you for your support. Program - June 1, 2025 Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Honor Guard/Flag Bearers..................Olivia Srodek, ZHP Bartek Malysa, ZHP Singing of American and Polish National Anthems..................Zofia Zajac, ZHP, Katarzyna Mikolajczyk, ZHP Housekeeping Remarks..................Shannon Schafer, Director of HDFCC Welcome..................Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder of Piast Institute Introduction of Dignitaries..................Stella Szczesny, Piast Board of Directors, Treasurer Invocation..................Fr. Andrew Wesley, Transfiguration Church (Blessed John Paul II Parish) Lunch Presentation of Awardees..................Honorable Judge Steven Bieda, Master of Ceremonies, Malgorzata Tulecki, Executive Vice President, Piast Institute Closing Remarks..................Richard Walawender, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Detroit Singing of Sto Lat..................By All
 Above: All 24 awardees are pictured except for Christine Kryszko. Below: is a video from the Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards ceremony recorded by the Polish Weekly. Below is also a longer recording of the Top 25 event by Mr. Gregory Kirchner, WHPL Channel 19. |
