The third scientific expedition of the ECCC Foundation to the USA, as part of the project “Research on the national cultural heritage of the Polish diaspora in the USA and the creation of digital memory collections”, took place on April 28 – May 12, 2024. The expedition operated in Chicago (Illinois) and rural areas states of Wisconsin (WI), Nebraska (NE) and Iowa (IW).
As part of the expedition, a 6-person interdisciplinary team of scientists conducted field research in 7 church buildings built in the Polish community and one historic building (the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago). Scientific work focused on activities aimed at preserving the appearance of these objects and their interiors, using the most modern 3D digital research techniques and historical research.
Historical research and 3D scanning of seven churches were carried out:
- Church of the Sacred Heart in Dodge, WI
- Church of St. Peter and Paul in Independence, WI
- Church of the Sacred Heart in Custer (Polonia), WI
- Church of St. Peter in Stevens Point, WI
- Church of St. Lawrence in Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- Church of St. Michael in Tarnov, NE
- Church of St. Our Lady of the Angels in Chicago, IL
A scanning of the front of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland building in Chicago, IL was also carried out.
During the trip around the US, the team carried out reconnaissance in localities: Columbus (WI), Omacha (NE), Kewanee (IL). The condition of the remains of Polish parishes was assessed on site.
Additionally, the band gave an interview to:
- Adam’s Radio
- Chicago Trade Union Journal
- Polish Radio Chicago
In addition, the team met with the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, Dr. Paweł Zyzak and his team. During the working meeting, the implementation of the project and its results so far, the team’s activities during future potential expeditions and the prospects for further joint activities were discussed.
The team also met with the authorities and teachers of the Polish Holy Trinity School in Chicago. The results of the project were presented and its promotion among Polish parish schools was assured.
The team prepared and promoted a photographic exhibition regarding the second expedition from June-July 2023. The exhibition is available in the hall of the church of St. Trinity in Chicago from May 11, 2024 for the next 3 weeks. The exhibition met with great interest among the Polish community in Chicago. The exhibition was donated to the Polish weekend school of the parish of St. Trinity Church in Chicago for further use and dissemination.
The expedition team (in the order as in the photo):
- Dr. Jacek Kęsik (Lublin University of Technology)
- Prof. Jerzy Montusiewicz (Lublin University of Technology)
- Małgorzata Brzyska (ECCC Foundation, Lublin) – expedition logistics, project coordinator
- Dr. Elżbieta Miłosz (Lublin University of Technology)
- Prof. Marek Miłosz (Lublin University of Technology) – scientific manager of the expedition
- Tomasz Rolski (Catholic University of Lublin)
The expedition was actively supported by Polish activists in Chicago:
- Daniel Pogorzelski
- Marek Dobrzycki
Photo documentation of the expedition
Church of the Sacred Heart in Dodge, WI
Church of St. Peter and Paul in Independence, WI
Church of the Sacred Heart in Custer (Polonia), WI
Church of St. Peter in Stevens Point, WI
Church of St. Lawrence in Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Church of St. Michael in Tarnov, NE
Church of St. Our Lady of the Angels in Chicago, IL
Church in Columbus, IW
Church in Omacha, NE
Churches in Kewanee, IL
Adam’s Radio
Chicago Trade Union Journal
Polish Radio Chicago
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago
Holy Trinity Polish School
Photographic exhibition regarding the second expedition from June-July 2023 in the hall of the Holy Trinity Church in Chicago
