Opens October 1 at Hagen History Center
The Hagen History Center proudly announces the opening of a landmark exhibit, “The Story of Us, Erie Polonia: Churches and Neighborhoods,” curated by local historian Bobby J. Sulecki. The exhibit runs from October 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026, on the second floor of the Wood-Morrison House, 338 West 6th St., and is included with general admission.
This compelling exhibit traces the early history of Erie’s Polish-American community—known as Polonia—through its deep ties to faith and neighborhood identity. Polish immigrants, strongly rooted in Catholic tradition, built churches as the heart of their communities. The exhibit explores the founding of St. Stanislaus, the Mother Church of Erie’s Polonia, followed by Holy Trinity, St. Hedwig, St. Casimir, and the Polish National Catholic Church, which existed independently from the Roman Catholic Church until 1939.
Each church gave rise to a distinct Polish neighborhood, shaping Erie’s cultural and spiritual landscape. The exhibit covers this evolution up to 1966, offering visitors a rich tapestry of personal stories, rare artifacts from Sulecki’s lifelong collection, and items from the Hagen History Center Archives.
In today’s context, these historic churches have undergone significant changes:
- Our Mother of Sorrows (which includes St. Casimir (their primary church), along with Holy Family and St. Ann Churches, has partnered with St. Stanislaus Parish.
- Holy Trinity is partnered with St. John the Baptist and Holy Rosary.
- St. Hedwig, no longer a parish, now hosts Erie’s Latin Mass Community.
An opening celebration takes place October 2, from 5–7 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
This exhibit coincides with Polish American Heritage Month in October, and aligns with St. Stanislaus Parish Day on October 5, featuring a Polish dinner, bake sale, and guided church tours—an ideal opportunity to connect the exhibit with living heritage.
About the Curator:
Bobby J. Sulecki, born and raised in Erie, has dedicated his life to preserving Polish-American history. Living with cerebral palsy, He found inspiration in family stories and began researching Erie’s Polonia at age 12. His great-grandmother, an immigrant from Poland, introduced him to the language and culture that shaped his passion.
Sulecki’s Erie Polonia History Project and website —now celebrating its 10th anniversary—have become vital resources for documenting local heritage. In recent years, he launched a national blog, Heart of Polonia, Polish-American stories with a focus on Buffalo, NY.
His work has earned widespread recognition:
- Trailblazer That Shaped Erie’s Historic East Side (2020)
- Certificate of Appreciation from the Polish Falcons of America (2022)
- Public History Award from the Hagen History Center (2024)
Beyond his historical work, Sulecki enjoys volunteering, exploring museums, collecting Polka and vintage music, and pursuing his interests in journalism and broadcasting and sharing stories over a good cup of coffee.
Learn more at https://www.eriepoloniahistory.com/
