![[Medal Obverse]](ModjeskaMedal_01.JPG)
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![[Medal Reverse]](ModjeskaMedal_02.JPG)
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by Gene Harubin Zygmont
In 1990, in obsenrvance of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Helena Modjeska (Modrzejewska) and the public acquisition of her historic landmark home bullt more than a century ago in the Santa Ana Mountains, the Polish American Historical Association, California Chapter, commissioned award winning medalist, Leon S. Kawecki to design a medal in her honor.
The medal was struck by the celebrated Medallic Art Company, Danbury, Connecticut in limited editions of bronze and 0.999 fine silver in 2-3/4" diameter.
The obverse side of the medal depicts an artist's conception of the young Modjeska. The great Polish actress is portrayed with long hair falling around her shoulders, wearing a broad brimmed western style hat and long earrings. Below the portrait is the coat of arms of the ancient city of Krakow, Modjeska's birthplace.
A bordering legend reads: HELENA MODJESKA THE FIRST LADY OF THE THEATRE. Modjeska's picturesque mountain home, with its wishing well and palm trees, appears on the reverse side of the medal with the caption "ARDEN - MODJESKA'S HOME IN SANTIAGO CANYON." A stylized theatrical mask above is centered in the words: "PIONEER ACTRESS OF WO CONTINENTS - Born in Krakow, Poland - October 12,1849. Died at Balboa, California, ApriI 8, 1909."
Leon S. Kawecki, designer of the Modjeska Medal, has won acclaim for his many medals, which are displayed in museums and private collections around the world. His artistry has commemorated the American Bicentennial as well as the lives and achievements of such Polish notables as Jan Sobieski, Frederic Chopin, Casimir Pulaski, Jozef Pilsudski and Pope John Paul II. The medal will be a lasting and fitting tribute to Modjeska. Proceeds from the sale of this medal are being used to defray the cost of this publication. Medals can be obtained from the PAHA California Chapter, P,0. Box 86, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California 90045-2699
(Based on information supplied by Ellen K. Lee.)
From: Polish Americans in California, vol. II. National Center for Urban Ethnic Affairs & Polish American Historical Association. California 1995.