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Polish American Heritage Month is an annual event celebrated in October by Polish American communities. It was first celebrated in 1981 after being organized by Michael Blichasz, President of the Polish American Cultural Center in Philadelphia. Originally, it was celebrated in August at various gatherings, travel events, and culturally significant locations in Pennsylvania.

The Polish American Cultural Center and the Polish American Congress lobbied politicians at the state and national level to make August the month for Polish heritage. In 1984, House Joint Resolution 577 was passed, designating August as Polish American Heritage Month. President Ronald Reagan urged all Americans to join in the celebration honoring Polish heritage in the United States.

The month was changed to October in 1986 to make it easier for schools to participate during the academic year. October also holds significance as the month when the first Polish settlers arrived in Jamestown, Virginia.

Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush issued proclamations for Polish American Heritage Month. Starting with Bill Clinton, subsequent presidents have instead issued proclamations for General Pulaski Memorial Day and official messages noting the month. Neither Barack Obama nor Donald Trump has ever issued a proclamation or official message commemorating Polish American Heritage Month.

In 2017, HR1230 was submitted in the Texas Legislature by State Representative James White. It stated:

That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize October 2017 as Polish American Heritage Month in Texas and honor the contributions of Poles and people of Polish descent to our state.

Proclamation from 1986: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-5548-polish-american-heritage-month-1986

Sources:

• https://www.polishamericancenter.org/Press25/page08.pdf
• https://www.polishamericancenter.org/Press25/1059th_Poster.pdf
• https://www.polishamericancenter.org/heritmo.htm