Polish Home Army Museum, Orchard Lake, Michigan facts for kids

The Polish Home Army Museum in Orchard Lake, Michigan is a special place that remembers the brave men and women of the Armia Krajowa (Home Army) during World War II. This museum shares the amazing story of how Poland fought for its freedom and independence.

On September 1, 1939, without warning, the Nazi German army, navy, and air force attacked Poland from the north, west, and south. This invasion started World War II in Europe. Just 16 days later, on September 17, the Soviet Union also attacked Poland from the east. For Poland, this second invasion began a long, 50-year struggle against communism.

Discover the Polish Home Army Museum

A Museum's Beginning

The Polish Home Army Museum opened its doors on November 12, 1989. It was created by members of the Michigan Chapter of the Polish Home Army Association in the United States. The Detroit chapter of the Polish Resistance (AK) Foundation also helped. Many people from the Polish community, known as Polonia, gave generous support.

Monsignor Stanislaw Milewski, who was in charge of St. Mary's Seminary and College, provided space for the museum. Rev. Roman Nir, the Director of Archives, also helped. The rooms were completely updated with new lighting and displays. Many dedicated volunteers worked hard to make this project happen. Veterans of the Home Army and their families donated many items for the exhibits. Dr. Thaddeus Malinski planned how the exhibits would look, and Julius Przesmycki led the team that set them up.

Poland's Fight for Freedom

Even though Poland was attacked, its people never gave up. They continued to fight against the Germans for almost six years. After the war, Poland was left under Soviet control by its allies. The resistance against communism then continued for another 45 years. Finally, thanks to movements like Solidarity, Poland regained its freedom in 1989.

The Symbol of Fighting Poland

As you enter the museum, you will see the symbol of ‘Polska Walcząca’. This means 'Fighting Poland'. It was the special mark of the Armia Krajowa and was painted on walls all over German-occupied Poland. This symbol showed resistance, defiance, and a strong desire for freedom. It is a very important part of Polish history. Behind this symbol, you can also see the flag of the Michigan chapter of the Polish Home Army Veterans Association.

What You'll See in the First Room

The first room shows exhibits from the start of World War II. You can see old newspaper headlines from September 1, 1939, announcing "War!". This room also tells the story of the secret Polish Underground State and its fighting group, the Home Army (Armia Krajowa).

The Polish Home Army created one of the most effective resistance and spy networks of any Allied nation. At its strongest point in 1943, it had over 380,000 men and women, all of whom were volunteers. One amazing thing the Home Army did was capture an entire V-2 rocket. They took it apart and flew it to Britain for study. You can also see examples of secret underground newspapers. These papers were published almost until the Soviet Army entered Poland. Many items donated by Home Army veterans and their families are also on display. All descriptions are in English.

What You'll See in the Second Room

The second room focuses on the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It also shows the hardships the Polish people faced under German and Soviet control. The terrible camps built by the Nazis in Poland first held many Christian Poles, and later, Jewish people. Many suffered and lost their lives in these camps. The museum also describes the work of ‘Zegota’. This was a secret part of the Polish Underground State that saved thousands of Jewish people, especially children, from Nazi persecution.

The Warsaw Uprising Story

On August 1, 1944, the Home Army in Warsaw rose up against the Germans. The Germans were retreating because of a Soviet attack. The Soviet Red Army was only about 15 miles away. However, a few days after the uprising began, Joseph Stalin ordered his armies to stop. He waited until the Germans had brutally crushed the uprising and destroyed the city. Stalin wanted to weaken the Polish resistance and its leaders. This would make it easier for the Soviet Union to control Poland after the war.

The Home Army fought for 63 days with limited weapons against three German Divisions. These included the powerful Hermann Göring SS Panzer Division and the German Luftwaffe (air force). Eventually, the Home Army had to surrender. After the surrender, the German forces evacuated the prisoners of war and the remaining civilians. Then, they blew up or burned almost every building left standing in Warsaw.

Explore the Museum's Exhibits

The museum's exhibits include many photographs. You can see examples of weapons and uniforms used by the Home Army. There are also many documents and military decorations. You can view 1944 street maps of Warsaw that show where the Home Army and German forces were during the battle. Many other historical items are also on display. There is also a collection of items from POW (Prisoner of War) and concentration camps.

Find the Museum

The Polish Home Army Museum is located in the St. Mary's Preparatory Ark Building (#9). The address is 3535 Indian Trail, Orchard Lake, MI 48324. To make an appointment or get more information, you can call 248-683-0412.