At the end of the eighteenth century Poland was partitioned among Russia, Prussia and Austria and erased from the political map of the World. The dearest dream of generations of Polish people was to liberate their country. In order to achieve this goal many uprisings were organized, but all were unsuccessful. Canada's Sir Casimir Gzowski took part in one of these revolts. However, the Polish people never abandoned the idea of national freedom.
During the First World War, Polish immigrants in United States and Canada, led by Ignacy Paderewski, came up with the idea of forming a Polish Army in Canada. This project, supported strongly by Canadian government, was discussed with the Canadian, British, French and American governments. Over twenty two thousand volunteer Polish soldiers trained in Niagara-on-the-Lake between 1917 and 1919. They were trained by Canadian officers in a programme paid by France. This army fought first in France, and later helped to liberate Poland after 123 years of enslavement. The nation's dream finally came true.
The photographic exhibition, prepared by the Polonia Canadian Institute for Historical Studies, titled Canada’s Role in the Rebirth of Poland. Niagara-on-the-Lake, 1917-1919 commemorates 100th anniversary of these unprecedented historical events.
The official opening of the exhibit will take place on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. at the Mississauga Central Library, 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Mississauga, Arts & History Dpt., 3rd floor.
The introduction will be provided by Roman Baraniecki, the Director of the Polonia Canadian Institute for Historical Studies and the Curator of the Col. Pilot B. Orliński Archives and Museum of the Polish Armed Forces at the Wawel Villa, Mississauga.
The display will be available for viewing from Saturday, April 8, 2017 until Monday, May 29, 2017.