Historical Landmark Poised for a Renaissance

(Hartford, CT)  05/2015

Built in 1930 and designated as a national historic landmark in 1983, the Polish National Home of Hartford (Hartford PNH) has been in decline in recent years and struggling operationally.  That all seems to be fading quickly as a historical footnote for this historical landmark.

With an infusion of fresh board members, corporate officers and volunteers bringing renewed energy, ideas and operational attention, this community social club, which celebrates and promotes Polish heritage and culture, appears to have bested the challenges it faced for sustainability, so much so that many in the community are viewing this as the dawn of the Hartford PNH’s renaissance.

As an example, this past Mothers’ Day celebration at the Hartford PNH enjoyed a record turnout.  The board of directors released this communication,

“The Polish National Home of Hartford would like to thank each and everyone who attended our “record setting” Mother’s Day event. We have never had more people for this event.
 The PNH would like to say we appreciate your wonderful support, and hope that we served you well, and that you are encouraged to come back to enjoy more of our amazing events.
 We saw many great smiles today as well as receiving many positive comments, all of which will make us work harder to bring you more of these family occasions with everlasting memories.
 The new, positive energy of the PNH was felt by all, and there are many more good things to come.“

Turnaround efforts began over a year ago.  The art deco building, a familiar site in the diversified neighborhood of Hartford’s Pulaski Plaza, was in need of updating.  Past president, M. Bruks and other volunteers took to hand in restoring the main dining room.  Around the same time the pub room was updated.  The next big project was repairing roof leaks causing damage primarily in the home’s gorgeous Chopin Banquet Hall.  This presented quite the challenge for the cash-strapped home.  Anna Mumford, recording secretary at the time, and currently serving as the president of the Hartford PNH, took the lead on the roof’s restoration, quickly raised the funds, negotiated favorable terms with a roofer and friend of the PNH, Fred Frost, and had the roof repaired before this past winter’s classic New England storm delivery.

This hasn’t been the PNH’s first scrape with adversity.  The home survived the great flood of 1936, when 4 feet of water from the Connecticut River engulfed the home.

“This home’s history reminds me of the struggles and triumphs the Polish people experienced in Poland. As did the country, so will this landmark in the Hartford endure.  It’s not the building. It’s really the people and this community that make the PNH shine.  Take Chef Mike and our staff for example. They really give their all to serving PNH members and guests, and providing a memorable and enjoyable time.  It’s an honor to be among such passionate people.”, stated Robert Kwasnicki, current Vice President of the Hartford PNH.

To learn more about the Polish National Home of Hartford, upcoming events and how to become a member, visit PolishHomeCT.org

For businesses or non-profits wishing to connect with the Hartford PNH and other great businesses and organizations, visit WinWinUSA.com