Polish Museum of America in Chicago's Wicker Park

The Wicker Park became part of the Chicago city area in 1837. It is located at the furthest northwest part of the city at the junction of North Avenue and Wood Street. While settled first by the Germans and Norwegians, Polish settlers soon followed. The Polish Museum of America, known then as the "Museum and Archives of Polish Roman Catholic Union of America" opened in 1935. One of its' claims to fame is that it is known as one of the United States oldest and most complete ethnic museums.

The Polish Museum of America grew rapidly when the German's invaded Poland in 1939. It expanded extensively in 1941 due to a donation of the personal possessions of Ignacy Jan Paderewski. The donation was made by his sister Antonia Padrewski Wilkonska, after his death, as a way to preserve the culture, history, art of their homeland. More donors followed and the museum grew to what it is today. The display of authentic Polish memorabilia and artifacts is spectacular no matter your ethnicity.

The Paderewski Room is one of the most popular displays in the museum. The rumored fact that it is haunted is especially alluring to tourists. Many staff members report numerous incidents claiming to have experienced ghostly phenomena in the room late at night. In 2004 the curator and board members called in The Ghost Research Society to substantiate the claims.

Among some of the more distinctive exhibits is the authentic embroidered folk costumes worn by Poles and immigrants alike. Artwork abounds in the Polish Museum. Stanislav Szukalski sculptures, a famous Polish sculptor, display his quite creative art form. A collection of original drawings by Thaddeus von Zukotynski is an interesting and unique exhibit. Another intriguing showcase is Bas relief that is carved in salt from the legendary Wieliczka Salt Mine. It is an amazing sight. Probably one of the most elegant and beautiful items is a sleigh that was a gift of the former king of Poland Stanislaus Leszczynski to his daughter.