The Polish National Alliance of America (Zwiazek Narodowy Polski w Ameryce) was organized by Polish refugees and immigrants in Philadelphia in 1880. The purpose of the new group was to provide mutual support and cultural activities. Membership in the Polish National Alliance is open to men and women “who are by birth, extraction, consanguinity or affinity, of Polish, Lithuanian, Ruthenian, or Slovak nationality.” There is a juvenile division for those under 16. As a fraternal and mutual benefit society, the PNA sells life insurance, provides death and sick benefits, promotes social and cultural events, and raises funds for local and PNA charities.
Individual lodges or groups were founded in urban areas with Polish populations throughout the country; these lodges were grouped into councils, and both lodges and councils were affiliated with regional districts or circuits. The first PNA group in Milwaukee, Lodge 14, was organized in 1880. The two Milwaukee councils, 8 and 115, and all individual lodges, belong to District 14, which encompasses Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, northern Michigan, North Dakota, and parts of Canada. A national PNA Women's Division was formed in 1907, with its Milwaukee counterpart organized in 1932. Each district has two commissioners, one man and one woman; the female commissioner automatically becomes the head of the Women's Division. For many years the female commissioner of District 14 was Gladys Podkomorski, who was very active in organizing local lodges, youth activities, and the PNA bowling tournaments. She was succeeded by Virginia Posnanski, who in turn was followed by June Grudichak.
