Helen and Vincent Knapczyk

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Helen and Vincent Knapczyk’s lives were shaped by the maelstrom of World War II — the invasion of Poland, exile to Siberia, and escape from Russia with General Anders army. Vincent fought with General Anders Polish 2nd Corps in the Italian Campaign, and was wounded in the Battle of Monte Cassino, while Helen was taken to an orphanage in East Africa. After the war, both Helen and Vincent were transported to England where they married in 1948. They immigrated to the U.S. in 1959, settled in Bridgeport Connecticut, and served the Polish American community in Connecticut as leaders of veterans and civic organizations.

New Nonprofit Operates Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame

The Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame was initially a project of the Polish American Foundation of Connecticut, Inc., a 501(c)3 charitable organization, which launched and operated the Hall of Fame from inception.  It was succeeded by the establishment during 2021 of the National Immigrant Heritage Center (NIHC), an independent 501(c)3 organization established as a multi-ethnic Center, inclusive in its mission, structure and governance. 

NIHC aims to promote and publish research, lectures and conferences on the many dimensions of Connecticut’s immigrant heritage and the role of immigration throughout the American economy and culture.  Its work, and the annual Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame induction ceremony, is to be supported by an endowment that organizers anticipate will sponsor, support and provide research fellowships, to further these activities and expand public awareness and understanding.

Email us at info@immigrantheritage.org or call 860-614-3488.