Polish Immigrants in Buffalo & Western New York

Join us on Saturday, August 8 at 1:00&2:00 PM in the Ring of Knowledge for the next talk in our 2026 Explore Buffalo Series, “Polish Immigrants in Buffalo & Western New York!” Speaker Debra Hall-Stonish will discuss Buffalo’s history as a story of immigrants. Polish immigration to Buffalo began in the last quarter of the 19th century. The Poles came from a region divided among three empires in the 18th century. The Poland that we know of today did not exist until after WWI. Still, those who came were fierce in their tenacity to hold onto to their cultural identity. This talk will discuss how Polish culture is still going strong in Buffalo today, outlining festivals, foods, dance, and music. Attendees will learn and celebrate Polish culture that has been locally preserved by descendants of the original immigrants.

This talk is free. All ages are welcome.