Polanki, the Polish Women's Cultural Club, was organized in Milwaukee in 1953 by 24 women of Polish ancestry, to provide for the staffing of the Polish cultural exhibit and booth at the city's annual International Folk Fair. The group also established as goals creating interest in Polish culture and traditions among non-Poles, and inspiring American Poles with pride in their cultural heritage.
Among the cultural and fund-raising projects of Polanki have been annual Easter teas, the Polonaise Ball for debutantes of Polish background, Chopin piano contests (beginning in 1960), scholarship and achievement award programs, and the St. John's Eve or “Swietojanki” celebration (1953-1956). Every year, the women of Polanki participate in the Folk Fair (sometimes called the Holiday Folk Fair), held by the International Institute of Milwaukee County; they also sponsor visiting Polish dance and music groups, Polish language classes, museum displays, Polish dinners, and lectures on a variety of subjects. In 1963 and 1979, the Milwaukee organization hosted the annual convention of its parent group, the American Council of Polish Cultural Clubs.
The work of Polanki has been directed primarily by two long-active leaders, the first president, Harriet Gostomski (Mrs. John Jakusz-Gostomski) and current (1982) president, Janet H. Branden.
