The Polish National Alliance of America (Zwiazek Narodowy Polski) had its origins at a meeting of Polish refugees and immigrants in Philadelphia on February 15, 1880. An organizational hierarchy of regional Districts, local Councils and individual Lodges was later formed throughout the United States. The PNA is a fraternal and mutual benefit society for Polish-Americans, selling insurance and providing sick benefits to members, conducting war relief efforts during World War II, and providing various educational, youth, and social programs for the Polish community.
Two PNA Councils were formed in Milwaukee, both of which were affiliated with District 14; Council 8 was organized in 1905, composed of seven individual lodges in the southern part of Milwaukee County, while Council 115 represented lodges in the northern area. The women's division was instituted in 1932. Through its history Council 8 members have been active in Red Cross and Polish War Relief work during the second World War, conducted youth group meetings and sports and social events, maintained adult sports teams and the Echo Choir, and participated in other activities. In 1942 the Council purchased its own “home” or “Dom Zwiazkowy,” the former Polonia Hall on West Burnham Street, for use as a meeting hall. The Alliance Home, as it was later named, also provided the Council with meeting and bar facilities to rent to other groups. The Home was sold late in 1980, although Council meetings continued to be held in the building.
