Many thanks to The Suffield Observer for the list of volunteer opportunities in Suffield! The Polish Heritage Society (PHS) is proud to be included among them. Volunteer opportunities are always available throughout the town and participation will be especially valuable between now and October 2020 as Suffield prepares for its 350th Anniversary. The PHS, which is a subcommittee of the Suffield Historical Society, is dedicated to learning about, preserving and perpetuating the history and culture of our Polish ancestors. There are many ways to help with that mission and you don’t have to be of Polish descent!
In the coming months, the PHS will welcome helpers to prepare for its participation in the Town’s 350th Anniversary. It is not too early to start planning events to celebrate Suffield’s Polish history and culture. We definitely need a committee to plan and build a Polish American float for the big parade on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020.
An ongoing project of the Society has been collecting family stories and photographs in two databases. One of the most interesting assignments for a volunteer is interviewing Suffield Polish Americans to learn their family histories. If you are comfortable on a computer, our databases are in need of maintenance such as converting to digital files, scanning more photos and creating a slide show. Also, PHS meetings have been tape recorded for many years. The recordings are loaded with valuable tidbits of history but they need to be transcribed to be most useful. Additionally, volunteers can advance research about Suffield’s Polish community using Federal Census information.
Attention Suffield High School Class of 2020! These opportunities are not just for adults and you can get started during your summer break. A steady history of volunteering would make you a candidate for the annual James F. Coggins, Jr. Community Service Award next spring. If you are of Polish descent you could learn a lot about your ancestors.
If you would like to learn more about the Polish Heritage Society and these volunteer openings, please contact the PHS at www.suffieldhistoricalsociety.org/phs.