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portrait by: Edward Lis

Kalussowski, Henry (portrait from the Pinkowski Institute collection)

Linguist, politician and historian. The leader of Old Polish Immigration. Born in 1806 in Poland. Took part in Polish insurrection against Russia in 1830-31. In 1833 took part in Zdiroski campaign in Poland. Came to U.S. as a political refugee in 1842 and settled in Washington, D. C. In 1842 organized a Society of the Poles in America. In 1848 took part in the revolution in Poland; expelled, returned to U.S. From 1850 to 1895 held a government position. Lecturer at Maryland College. In 1852 organized "The Democratic Society of Polish Refugees in America," with headquarters in New York City, which existed until 1858. Gave the initiative to organize Polish National Alliance of America. In 1878 wrote a letter to Agaton Giller in Switzerland, influencing him to write an appeal to the Poles in U.S., to organize an alliance of Poles in America. The letter of Agaton Giller, inspired by Dr. Kalussowski, was a real cause of the existence of P.N.A. of America. In 1863 commissioner of the Polish Revolutionary Government during the insurrection of the Poles against Russia in 1863. Empowered by the Polish Government to solicit and collect funds in U.S. for the insurrection in 1863. Founder of the Library and Museum of P.N.A. In 1891 donated all his educational and historical collections for the benefit of Polish immigrants. All Russian documents pertaining to the purchase of Alaska were translated for the American Government by Dr. Kalussowski. Died Dec. 23, 1895 in Washington, D. C.

From: "Who's Who in Polish America" by Rev. Francis Bolek, Editor-in-Chief; Harbinger House, New York, 1943

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