The Jozef Pilsudski Institute of America was established on July 4, 1943 in New York City as a major research archival and science institution for research of modern history of Poland. It was founded by a group of Polish-American community leaders, prominent Polish statesmen, and political expatriates. Among them were Franciszek Januszewski, publisher of Dziennik Polski in Detroit, Maksymilian Węgrzynek publisher of Nowy Świat in New York and three pre-war Polish government members: Ignacy Matuszewski, Wacław Jędrzejewicz, and Henryk Floyar-Rajchman.  The Institute was established for the purpose of continuing the work of the Institute for Research of Modern History of Poland established in Warsaw in 1923. In 1936, the name of Jozef Piłsudski was added to the name of the institute.

The Institute houses a rich collection of primary sources covering the period from the 1863 Insurrection to the present day. The collection includes documents, photographs, films, posters, periodicals, books, personal memoirs of diplomats, and political and military leaders. The archival collection contains over one million documents, or 150 linear meters of shelf space.  It is one of the largest and most important archives outside of Poland. The most important documents relate to the following subjects: the Polish-Bolshevik War of 1919-1922, Marshal Jozef Piłsudski, the Silesian Uprisings of 1919-1921. Diplomatic papers of ambassador Jozef Lipski from Berlin, of Juliusz Lukasiewicz from Paris, and papers of General Kazimierz Sosnkowski, as well as many other documents of prominent diplomats and military officers are archived in the Institute. The archive also includes records of individual Polish-Americans and of Polish-American Institutions.

The Library contains about twenty thousand books and many rare manuscripts mainly related to the modern history of Poland. Many books were donated together with archival collections.The library has a large magazine, periodical and newspaper collection of more than 3,000 titles. A separate section contains Polish journals, many published outside of Poland. Among the most important are those of Na Straży from Jerusalem, Tygodnik Polski, The Polish Review and Polish DP Camps Press. There are over 1,350 titles from the Polish Underground Press publications (from mid-1970s to 1990). The independent press collection at the Institute is one of the largest in the USA.

The Institute also houses 20,000 photographs covering the period from the beginning of twentieth century related to Polish and European political, military and cultural institutions, events, and personalities. These photographs were donated by individuals and organizations such as The Committee of Americans of Polish Descent and The Committee to Help Solidarity. Many photographs in the collection are unique. The most important ones are of the Jozef Piłsudski and Polish Legion, Polish Army and Polish children in the Soviet Union during World War II. Photographs from our collections are frequently used by American and Polish media and in exhibitions and publications.

The Institute has 2,450 maps from the second half of the nineteenth century through 1999. They fall into the following categories: political, administrative, ethnographic, physical, military and general information. A large group of maps were published by the Military Geography Institute.  There is also a complete set of sketches and maps relating to the Battle of Warsaw of 1920.

The Institute's gallery contains an art gallery with more than 240 items. They include oil paintings, watercolors, drawings and illustrations by such artists as Jan Matejko, Józef Chełmoński, Juliusz Kossak, Tadeusz Styka, Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski, Leon Wyczólkowski, Aleksander Gierymski, and Jacek Malczewski. The collection includes individual portraits of well-known individuals such as Nicholas Copernicus and Tadeusz Kosciuszko. Most of the Polish paintings at the Pilsudski Institute are generous gifts from Aleksander Melen-Korczynski, and Stanisław and Zofia Jordanowscy. Janina Czermanski donated more than 50 artworks painted by her husband Zdzislaw Czermanski. The Institute also houses a collection of military and civilian decorations, regimental badges, stamps, postcards and posters, coins, banknotes, and uniforms.

The Institute’s main activities include acquisition and preservation of historical materials and making them available to the public, organization of exhibitions, conferences, seminars and lectures. The Institute publishes a monthly and an annual bulletin, as well as books and scholarly publications. Every year many scholars from all over the world use the Pilsudski Institute archives, many researchers who can not come order preliminary archival research which is made by the Institute volunteers.

During more than half century the Institute published among others, the following books and documents: Kazimierz Sosnkowski, Materialy Historyczne, “Gryf” , Londyn 1972, Juliusz Łukasiewicz, Dyplomata w Paryżu 1936-1939 ( eds. Henryk Bułhak and Wacław Jędrzejewicz, Polska Fundacja Kulturalna, Londyn 1988), Wacław Jędrzejewicz, Janusz Cisek, Kronika życia Józefa Piłsudskiego, t. I-III, Ossolineum, Wrocław 1994. The best known book is the Kronika Życia Józefa Piłsudskiego, Polska Fundacja Kulturalna, Londyn 1977.  During 1948- 2004, the Institute published annually the historical journal Niepodleglosc.

Today the Institute offers programs open to the public of seminars, conferences, encounters with historians, book promotions and documentary film screenings. Every few years the Institute hosts an Awards Gala to honor achievements of outstanding individuals in the field of history, art, science, literature, and leadership.

The Pilsudski Institute cooperates with many major US universities and organizations, among them Columbia University, Central Connecticut State University, as well as with the New York Public Library, the Library of Congress, and the Metropolitan Library Council. There are also close contacts with Polonia organizations such as the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences of America, Polish Army Veterans Association of America  and the Kosciuszko Foundation. After the fall of communism in Poland in 1989, the Institute initiated scientific exchanges with institutions in Poland. Since 2001, the Institute has collaborated with the Head Office of the State Archives, the Foundation for Polish Science, the National Library in Warsaw, the Polish Senate, Semper Polonia Foundation, Stowarzyszenie Wspólnota Polska, and Polish Institute of International Affairs.With funds from the Ministry of National Culture and Heritage and the Polish Senate, the Institute modernized its archival collections. Since 2001 several professional interns have been working in the Institute’s archives and library modernizing the respective collections. The Pilsudski Institute and the Head Office of the State Archives have worked together on conserving, microfilming and digitizing our collection of Silesian Uprisings of 1919-1921, as well as on a new digitalization project including Internet presentation of collections that are housed in Poland and in New York.

The Pilsudski Institute will continue its activities and serve research needs of scholars and popularize Polish culture and history.

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Did you know that the Józef Piłsudski Monument arrived in New York as early as 1939? Created by Stanisław Ostrowski, it became one of the key elements of the Polish pavilion at the World's Fair. The monument you see today is more than just a bronze statue—it is a symbol of the struggle for freedom, determination, and the survival of a nation in difficult times. Its history dates back to the 1939 World's Fair, a prestigious event aimed at showcasing the latest technological and cultural achievements of participating countries.
The 1939 World's Fair, held at Flushing Meadows in New York, was not only an opportunity to present innovations but also a chance for each country to display its best offerings. Poland, as one of the participants, chose to exhibit several symbolic works that highlighted its modernity, strength, and rich cultural heritage. Among them was the Józef Piłsudski Monument—an artwork by Stanisław Ostrowski, a prominent Polish sculptor, who masterfully captured in bronze the charisma and determination of the Marshal.
The Polish pavilion at the World's Fair was officially opened on May 3, 1939, the anniversary of the adoption of the May 3rd Constitution—one of the most important documents in Polish history. The pavilion housed not only works of art but also modern inventions and technologies that were meant to show Poland as a dynamically developing country, ready to face the challenges of the future.
The design of the Polish pavilion was entrusted to distinguished architects Jan Cybulski and Jan Galinowski. Their creation combined modern architecture with traditional elements, aiming to attract visitors’ attention and emphasize Poland's significance on the international stage. The pavilion was a harmonious blend of modernity and history, where technological achievements coexisted with works of art.
The centerpiece of the Polish pavilion was a monumental statue of King Władysław Jagiełło, proudly welcoming guests in front of the building. This impressive monument, symbolizing Poland's great past, was complemented by other valuable exhibits such as the PM 35 locomotive—a symbol of Polish industry—paintings, memorabilia from Wawel Castle, modern furniture, important historical documents, and unique artistic handicrafts.
However, the story of the Józef Piłsudski Monument does not end with the World's Fair. The outbreak of World War II dramatically changed the course of events. Poland was attacked, and many of the exhibits presented at the fair could not return to the country, including the Piłsudski Monument. Since returning to Poland was impossible, the monument was sent to the Józef Piłsudski Institute of America—an institution dedicated to preserving Polish heritage abroad.
The Józef Piłsudski Monument is thus not only a work of art but also a witness to the turbulent history of the 20th century. It survived wartime, became a symbol of Poland's independence and its efforts to maintain sovereignty. It also serves as a testament to how deeply rooted the memory of Józef Piłsudski is in Polish national identity, even thousands of kilometers away from home.
Today, as you look at this monument, you see not only the figure of a great leader but also the history of a nation that never ceased to fight for its freedom. This monument, though far from Polish soil, remains a living symbol of Polishness, reminding us of the spirit and resilience that so strongly characterized Józef Piłsudski and the nation he led.

Stanisław Kazimierz Wacław Ostrowski – The Creator of the Monument
Stanisław Kazimierz Wacław Ostrowski, born in 1879 in Warsaw, began his artistic education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków, where he studied under the guidance of Alfred Daun and Konstanty Laszczka. After completing his studies, Ostrowski continued his education in Lviv, Florence, and Rome, which greatly influenced his artistic development. He also lived and worked in Paris, where in 1910 he founded the Society of Polish Artists. Ostrowski's work was strongly inspired by the ideas of the Young Poland movement and the works of Auguste Rodin.
Ostrowski’s style is characterized by soft contours and rich textures, creating impressionistic light and shadow effects. He often contrasted meticulously crafted details with rough, unpolished stone surfaces, giving his sculptures a unique expression. His works, mainly portraits in the form of busts, heads, and plaques, demonstrate his mastery in modeling and attention to detail.
Among the artist's most important works is the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" from 1925, a monumental piece located under the arcades of the Saxon Palace in Warsaw. Another significant achievement is the "Monument of Władysław Jagiełło" from 1939, which stands in Central Park in New York and represents a crucial element of Polish artistic heritage in the United States. In the 1930s, Ostrowski also designed a coin featuring the likeness of Józef Piłsudski, highlighting his skill in creating numismatic works and his contribution to commemorating important historical figures.

About Jozef Pilsudski
Jozef Pilsudski (1867-1935) is one of the greatest figures in the history of Poland. He fought against tsarism, spent five years in Siberia, and was active in the Polish Socialist Party. He was the publisher of Robotnik, the author of program documents and the architect of the party's political line. Arrested in February 1900, he succeeded in escaping from the St. Petersburg prison hospital.
In 1908, Pilsudski encouraged the formation of the Organization for Armed Struggle and other paramilitary organizations to take advantage of the coming conflict between Austria-Hungary and Russia. He planned to provoke an anti-Russian uprising by invading with his riflemen the kingdom of Poland, then a Russian province.
On August 3, 1914, the first cavalry patrol, and three days later, the next rifle units entered the Kielce region. During World War I, he created the Polish Legions and became the commander of the First Brigade of the Polish Legions, which operated alongside the Austro-Hungarian troops and fought against Russia.
Arrested on July 22, 1917, he was imprisoned by the Germans in Magdeburg. On his return to Warsaw on November 10, 1918, Pilsudski took command of the Polish military forces and four days later, the civil government as Temporary Head of State. Within a few weeks he organized a national election and in February 1919, the newly elected Seym met to begin its work of creating a progressive new state after over 100 years of partitions. Pilsudski also began to organize a new national army in extremely difficult circumstances created by Germans, Bolsheviks, Ukrainians and even Czechs who were hostile to the newly independent Poland. Pilsudski pursued his goal of creating a federation of states positioned between Russia and Germany; he sought an alliance with Lithuania (1918-1920) and formed a political and military alliance with the Ukrainian Peoples’ Republic (1920). Pilsudski succeeded in saving the country from a Bolshevik deluge after a victorious battle at the gates of Warsaw (August 16-18, 1920), a battle he planned and executed as commander of the counterattack.
After the war, Pilsudski declined to be a candidate in the presidential election in December 1922, and in 1923 he retired from political life. He returned to the scene three years later in an armed takeover on May 12-18, 1926, directed against excessive political struggles, corruption, and general weakening of the state. After the coup d’état he refused the presidency but continued as Inspector General of the Armed Forces until his death on May 12, 1935. He influenced Poland’s foreign policy by seeking to maintain the alliance with France and a new alliance with England. He concluded a non-aggression treaty with Russia in 1932. After the failure to organize a preventive war against Hitler’s Germany in 1933, Pilsudski signed in 1934 a non-aggression treaty with Germany as well. He secured for the newly reborn Polish Republic its rightful place in the family of European nations.
Pilsudski continues to be a symbol of the uncompromising struggle for independence and the sovereignty of Polish foreign policy. The historical institute founded in Warsaw in 1923, and recreated in New York in 1943, is dedicated to the memory of his achievements.

The Józef Piłsudski Institute
The Marshal's monument is owned by the Józef Piłsudski Institute of America. Due to its size, the monument has been placed on deposit with the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union branch on Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn, where it is kept in appropriate storage conditions.
Founded in 1943, the Józef Piłsudski Institute of America is one of the most important Polish institutions outside of Poland. Its significance stems from its rich collections and extensive contributions to both academic and cultural fields.
The mission of the Piłsudski Institute is to collect, preserve, and conserve documents and historical materials related to Poland and the Polish diaspora, making them available to researchers, conducting research on modern history, and promoting Polish history and culture in America. The Institute safeguards historical legacies by organizing, cataloging, digitizing, and making its collections accessible while also supporting researchers and conducting queries.
The Institute's library holds over 20,000 books, which are available on-site to those interested. The gallery features paintings by Polish artists, collections of medals and decorations, and other objects of historical significance. The Institute organizes lectures, presentations, author meetings, exhibitions, and history lessons for Polish-American schools.

Address: 138 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Website: www.pilsudski.org

The Józef Piłsudski Monument, which you can see today, is not just an impressive work of art but also an extraordinary witness to the turbulent events of the 20th century. Created by the Polish sculptor Stanisław Ostrowski, its first public presentation took place at the New York World's Fair in 1939, one of the most prestigious international events of that time.
The World's Fair, held at Flushing Meadows in New York, was a showcase of the latest technological and cultural achievements, offering each country the opportunity to display its best attributes. Poland, proudly represented at this exhibition, created a pavilion that combined modernity with the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The pavilion's design was entrusted to renowned architects Jan Cybulski and Jan Galinowski, who blended modern architecture with traditional elements, attracting visitors' attention and emphasizing Poland's significance on the international stage. The pavilion was a harmonious whole where modernity met history, and technology coexisted with works of art.

The centerpiece of the Polish pavilion was the King Władysław Jagiełło Monument, which welcomed guests and symbolized Poland’s great past. Beside it were valuable exhibits such as the PM 35 locomotive—a symbol of Polish industry—paintings, memorabilia from Wawel Castle, and unique artistic handicrafts.
The pavilion’s interiors were filled with artworks, modern inventions, and presentations of Poland’s scientific and technological achievements. The exhibitions portrayed Poland as a dynamically developing country, ready to face the challenges of the future. Additionally, the famous Polish tenor Jan Kiepura captivated the audience with a recital during the pavilion’s opening, and the artistic program included works such as Karol Szymanowski’s Harnasie and Stanisław Moniuszko’s Fairy Tale, showcasing the beauty of Polish music.

Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War II brought many changes. Poland was attacked, and many exhibits could not return to the country, including the Józef Piłsudski Monument. In the face of war, the return of these valuable artifacts became impossible. The monument was entrusted to the Józef Piłsudski Institute of America, where it found its home and became a symbol of Polish history and culture across the ocean.

The interior of the Polish Pavilion at the World's Fair with the Józef Piłsudski monument sculpted by Stanisław Ostrowski, New York 1939
Stanisław Kazimierz Wacław Ostrowski – The Monuments Creator
Stanisław Kazimierz Wacław Ostrowski, born in 1879 in Warsaw, began his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków and further developed his artistic skills in Lviv, Florence, and Rome. He also lived and worked in Paris, where he founded the Society of Polish Artists. His work was inspired by the ideas of the Young Poland movement and the works of Auguste Rodin, characterized by soft contours and rich texture, creating an impressionistic effect. Ostrowski was a master of modeling and attention to detail, and his works primarily included portraits and busts.
Among the artist’s most important works is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from 1925, a monumental piece located under the arcades of the Saxon Palace in Warsaw. Another significant achievement is the Monument of Władysław Jagiełło from 1939, which is located in Central Park, New York, and is an important element of Polish artistic heritage in the USA. In the 1930s, the artist also designed a coin featuring the likeness of Józef Piłsudski, highlighting his skills in creating numismatic works and his contribution to commemorating significant historical figures.

The Figure of Józef Piłsudski
Józef Piłsudski (1867–1935) is one of the most prominent figures in Polish history. As an independence activist, leader of the Polish Legions during World War I, and later the Chief of State, he played a key role in the reestablishment of an independent Poland. His actions included, among others, defending against the Bolshevik onslaught in the Battle of Warsaw and carrying out political and military reforms. After the May Coup in 1926, Piłsudski declined to run for president but remained the General Inspector of the Armed Forces until his death in 1935. His influence on Polish politics and history remains indelible.
The Józef Piłsudski Institute
The Józef Piłsudski Monument is owned by the Józef Piłsudski Institute, which was founded in 1943 in America. Due to its size, the monument was deposited at the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union branch on Greenpoint Ave in Brooklyn, where it was provided with proper storage conditions. The Institute plays an important role in collecting, preserving, and conserving documents and historical materials related to Poland and the Polish diaspora. It organizes lectures, presentations, and exhibitions, and its extensive collections are available to researchers and those interested.

Address of the Institute: 138 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
www.pilsudski.org