ACPC Annual Convention 2026

open the Convention Journal

link to Kosciuszko page

link to Pulaski page

link to Ralph Modjeski page

link to Haym Solomon page

link to Kosciuszko House

Singing the National Anthem

table setting

Hon. Consul Debbie Majka and
Peter Obst - 2026 ACPC Convention Co-chairs

(l. to r) Agnieszka Simon, Debbie Majka, Tiffany Loomis, Jewls Teneva Rogowska

Stefan Rogowski, Jewls Teneva Rogowska, Konrad Rogowski

Dancing the Polonaise

Hon. Consul Debbie Majka at the podium

Mezzo-Soprano Christine Boddicker

US Sen. John Fetterman's Letter

Bogdan Klich and wife Anna

Charge d'affaires Bogdan Klich

(l. to r.) Edward Krolikowski and Cecilia Larkin present official shirt to Bogdan Klich

the wreath

Bogdan Klich with
ACPC 1st VP Mark Szpak

on right - Richard Larkin

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ACPC Annual Convention 2026
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - August 12-15, 2026

Group picture of the convention attendees in front of the Kosciuszko House Memorial; (at center) Head of the Polish Diplomatic Mission in Washington DC, Bogdan Klich, and his wife Anna Szymanska-Klich (in light blue dress)

American Council for Polish Culture Convention in Philadelphia
by Peter J. Obst

As 2026 is the year of the American Semiquincentennial it was only proper that this year's Convention of the American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC) under the theme of "Poles in the American Revolution" should take place in Philadelphia. One of the most historical cities in the United States, both Kosciuszko and Pulaski were here during the War for Independence. Convention participants, from among the 40 organizations that comprise the ACPC, started to arrive at the Marriot Hotel located in the historic Old City district even before the starting date of August 12, to make use of the time to see some of the historical places in Philadelphia.
The convention opened with greetings given in English and Polish by the organizers, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland Debbie Majka and Peter Obst, members of the hosting organization the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia. National anthems of Poland and the United States were sung by Michalina Goral Burnosky and invocation given by Mary Lou Wyrobek, followed by the singing of Serdeczna Matko. The keynote address was given by Krista Butvydas Bard, Honorary Consul General of Lithuania. She referenced the long standing ties of Poland and Lithuania dating back to the times of the Reczpospolita. Also mentioned was the fact that Kosciuszko was born in his family's manor house on the Mereczowszczyzna estate in Brest Litovsk Voivodeship, then Grand Duchy of Lithuania. She concluded wishing the assembly much success in their deliberations.
During the business sessions a number of topics and programs were discussed. This involved the scholarships given by the ACPC; participation in the National Conference for the Social Studies, a teachers' convention; outreach via the press and electronic media; and the election of members to the ACPC Board.
A major project of the ACPC this year, and over the next few years, is participation in commemorations of battles in which Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski took part. Edward Krolikowski gave a detailed presentation that referenced places such as Saratoga and Brandywine where the organization would like to participate and shed light on the Polish presence there. Edward also gave an interesting presentation "Celebrating Poles in the American Revolution" which mentioned some of the lesser known Polish born fighters in the American War for Independence. He discussed the emigration from Poland to America during Colonial times and how Poles joined the French armed forces and were sent to America to help the Colonists.
On Thursday, August 13, conventioneers walked several blocks from the hotel to the corner of 3rd and Pine Streets, the location of a house where Kosciuszko stayed. Now a museum, the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial is managed by the United States National Park Service (NPS). At 4:00 pm Bogdan Klich, Head of the Polish Diplomatic mission in Washington, arrived to participate in ceremonies celebrating the 250th anniversary of Kosciuszko's arrival in America. The opening greeting was delivered by Mark Szpak, 1st Vice-president of the ACPC. Then Bogdan Klich addressed the importance of Kosciuszko in American and Polish history, and the necessity of maintaining his memory and the house that bears witness to his presence here. Steve Sims, Superintendent of the Independence National Historical Park spoke about the history of the Kosciuszko House and its importance to the American and Polish communities in Philadelphia. Peter Obst gave a summation, referencing plans advanced by Jack Pinkowski, son of Edward Pinkowski the historian who was instrumental in creating this museum, to create a fund for maintenance of the building.
A wreath, in memory of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, was placed at the entrance to the house. Then those present had the opportunity to tour the museum guided by NPS Rangers. A convention shirt was presented to Bogdan Klich by Edward Krolikowski and ACPC President Cecilia Larkin. Afterward, the conventioneers retired to Carpenters' Hall, a historic building dating back to 1724 located just a few blocks away, for a delicious buffet dinner. It was in this hall that the Continental Congress first met.
On Friday, August 14, after the business session, the lunchtime speaker was Peter Obst who delivered a presentation "Ralph Modjeski: Master Bridgebuilder" illustrated with photographs. This year the Benjamin Franklin Bridge had its 100th anniversary which was celebrated with the bridge closed to traffic so that pedestrians could cross using the roadway reserved for cars.
Later, the group boarded a bus and traveled to the Gould Rehearsal Hall at the Curtis Institute of Music for the Marcella Kochanska Sembrich Musical Recital. This year's competition winner was Mezzo-Soprano Christine Boddicker. Her accompanist was Yoni Levyatov. The performance included songs by Moniuszko, Chopin, Karlowicz, Mozart and Mahler. At the end the audience was treated to some wonderful vocal acrobatics Non pia mesta from Rossini's La Cenerentola. A reception followed the recital where many praised Christine's crystal clear musical renditions.
On Saturday the business session concluded with the election of new members to the ACPC board. The following persons were elected:
Directors: Jaroslaw Golembiowski, Róza Pace, Stella Szczesny, Olek Skrypczuk, Stasia Skrypczuk, Andrzej Urbaniak
Nominating Committee: Cecilia Glembocki
Credentials & Grievances Committee: Greg Butler, Barbara Lemecha, Honorary Consul Richard Poremski
Auditor: Honorary Consul Debbie Majka
Richard Poremski, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland, administered the oath of office to the newly elected members of the board.
During their free time convention attendees took advantage of the fact that the hotel was in the center of Philadelphia's historic district. Many visited Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross' House, where he first American flag was sewn. A few located the burial places of Benjamin Franklin, Dr. Benjamin Rush, and Haym Salomon, the Jewish merchant from Leszno, Poland, who became known as the "financier of the revolution."
That evening was the traditional banquet where selected individuals were presented with awards for their activities on behalf of the Polish culture and service to Polonia organizations.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Deborah M. Majka, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland
Distinguished Service Award (posthumously) - Janusz Romanski
Cutural Achievement Award - Paul Krzywicki
Founders Award - Donna Chmara
Founders Award - Richard Poremski, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland
Each of the above mentioned persons received a personal congratulatory letter sent from the office of US Senator John Fetterman (PA).
A moment of silence was observed for Dr. Janusz Romanski who passed away earlier in July. Before retiring he was an aeronautical engineer working for Piasecki Aircraft Corporation. He was a member and officer in many Polonia organizations including Polish Veterans, Polonia Technica, the Polish Peoples' University and Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia, to name a few.
In addition, Cecilia Glembocki was honored along with her husband Ray, with an award for their 12 years as organizers of the "Polish Perspectives" project. Every year the ACPC has a presence at the National Conference for the Social Studies operating an information booth at this national convention for teachers.
The festivities concluded with a delicious dinner prepared by the Marriott Hotel's Chef Tracy Cywinski. Dance music, both ballroom and polka, came from the Clear Day Band. It was an enjoyable evening for all concerned.

1. (l. to r.) Tom Payne - Treasurer; Rose Kobylinski - Recording Secretary; Mark Szpak - First Vice-president;
Cecilia Larkin - President ACPC.

2. (l. to r.) Hon. Consul Debbie Majka, Peter J. Obst with the award given posthumously to Dr. Janusz Romanski,
Róza Pace, Cecilia Larkin

3. (l. to r.) Mother of Christine Boddicker, Christine Boddicker (Sembrich Competition Winner), Cecilia Larkin, Jaroslaw Golembiowski,
Mary Lou Wyrobek, Hon. Consul Debbie Majka, Richard Larkin, Magdalena Wór

4. (l. to r.) Superintendent of Independence Historical Park Steve Simms, Mark Szpak, Edward Krolikowski,
Hon. Consul Debbie Majka, Peter Obst, Head of RP Diplomatic Mission Bogdan Klich, Cecilia Larkin, Anna Szymanska-Klich

5. (l. to r.) John Wisniewski, Liz Whittman, Peter Obst, Rose Kobylinski, Cecilia Larkin, Hon. Consul Debbie Majka,
Roza Pace, Mark Szpak, Jewls Teneva Rogowska

6. Hon. Consul Debbie Majka (at podium) introduces the PKM Folk Dance Ensemble

7. (l. to r.) Hon. Consul Debbie Majka, _______ , Jewls Teneva Rogowska, __________ , _________

8. Poland Spring was the unofficial drinking water of the ACPC Convention

9. Red and White umbrellas to keep off the sun

10. (l. to r.) Barbara Lemecha, Stella Szczesny, Bogdan Klich, Stasia Skrypczuk, Donna Chmara, Cecilia Glembocki

11. Peter Obst and Philadelphia Police Officer Wieczorek

See you at the next American Council for Polish Culture Convention!