As the West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026-2027, members are invited to take part in a heartfelt new initiative: “Patches of Our Past Polonia” – a collective memory quilt that will honor the people, places, and stories that have shaped our community.
Stitching Together a Shared Legacy
The memory quilt will be a centerpiece of the Society’s Heritage Room, a permanent tribute to the vibrant history and culture of Detroit’s west side Polonia. Every patch will tell a story – a cherished memory, a meaningful location, a family milestone, or even a tribute to loved ones who helped build our community. Together, these patches will weave a beautiful narrative of heritage and identity.
Members are invited to design and purchase fabric square patches that will become part of the finished quilt. Each square can include a written memory, a drawing, or a symbol representing something significant: perhaps your parish, high school, ancestral home in Poland, or a key date in your family’s journey.
Join Us for the First Quilting Session
The Society will host a quilting session during its 19th Annual Opłatek celebration on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Heritage Room at St. Colette Catholic Church in Livonia. This gathering will mark the official start of the project and is open to all members. New members who join at or before the Opłatek are also welcome to participate.
If you prefer, you can request a Society board member to create your patch. Orders can be placed at the event or submitted by mail using the order form that will be included with the Society’s October 2025 e-newsletter.
How to Participate
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Cost per patch: $25
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Who can participate: Current members of the West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society (new members who join before or at the Opłatek are eligible).
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Tributes: Members may purchase multiple patches or dedicate a patch in memory of a loved one.
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Quilt debut: The completed quilt, designed and crafted by professional quilt maker and Society member Theresa (“Teri”) Faillace, will be unveiled at the 20th Annual Opłatek in January 2027.
Celebrate Our Past, Inspire Our Future
This project is more than a quilt — it’s a living tapestry of our shared past, a legacy to inspire future generations, and a reminder of the enduring strength of our Polish American heritage in Detroit. Don’t miss the chance to contribute your story and become part of this historic milestone.
For questions, please contact the Society at 1-855-POLONIA (1-855-765-6642) or email Lgomulka@detroitpolonia.org
