Orlinski Museum

09/28/2026

On Saturday September 26th, Orlinski Museum was happy to host the 100th Anniversary of Col. Bolesław Orliński's 1926 flight from Warsaw, Poland to Tokyo, Japan and back- the first successful Trans-Siberian Flight in history. We had a great showing of speeches, dignitaries, poetry and dancing, and more. Thank you to all those who attended, sponsored or partnered with our museum to bring this day into fruition. A big thank you especially to our presenters: Victor Kowalczyk, Stan Skrzeszewski, and Ayame-Kai.

09/09/2026

Mark your calendars! You are invited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of one of aviation history’s most amazing achievements— the First Trans-Siberian flight in history from Warsaw to Tokyo.

Col. Bolesław Orliński and mechanic Leon Kubiak successfully completed the legendary flight in 1926 over the course of roughly a month in extreme conditions with perseverance and ingenuity. Col. Orliński was a decorated Polish veteran of three wars and lifelong aviator who later settled in Canada and spent his final days in Mississauga, Ontario—connecting global aviation history directly to Canada. Come help us celebrate the legacy of this Mississauga hero!

📅 Date: Saturday, September 26th, 2026

⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Opening remarks at 1:00 PM)

📍 Location: Wawel Villa Reception, 880 Clarkson Rd S, Mississauga, ON

Enjoy performances, speeches, refreshments and vendors!

09/09/2026

09/01/2026

On this day in 1939, German forces invaded Poland, marking the brutal beginning of World War II. Amid the chaotic first hours of the conflict, Polish pilot Władysław "Władek" Gnyś etched his name into history through an astonishing display of skill and determination in the skies above Kraków.

As Gnyś's squadron scrambled to intercept the invading Luftwaffe, a surprise attack by a German Stuka pilot killed his captain and sent the formation into chaos. Barely escaping the ambush himself, Gnyś expertly maneuvered his fighter to evade the pursuing enemy aircraft.

Refusing to back down, Gnyś turned the tables shortly after by engaging and shooting down two German bombers. His split-second heroism earned him the credit for the very first Allied aerial victories of World War II.

Today, as we mark the anniversary of September 1, 1939, the incredible story of Władek Gnyś stands as a testament to the fierce resolve and unwavering bravery of the Polish airmen who fought from the very first morning of the war.

08/30/2026

We wanted to sincerely thank the Naval Museum in Gydnia (Muzeum Marynarki Wojennej w Gdyni) for inviting us to speak at the 2026 International Acedemic Conference: War and Sea from August 20-21st, 2026. Our curator Robert Stanczyk and Museum Coordinator Justine Lyn spoke about Orlinski Museum's efforts to bring Polish history and education to Canada. We spoke about some of our challenges, successes and what we have learned over the years. We sincerely want to thank all the amazing folks in at the Muzeum Marynarki Wojennej w Gdyni including Wirginia and Karolina, and the rest of the staff who were so welcoming. We will remember this experience for a lifetime!

08/02/2026

Come brave the rain and come see us at the Canadian Military Heritage Museum's Open House in Brantford, ON today!

07/24/2026

Join us for a historic celebration! ✈️🌍

​We are honored to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Bolesław Orliński’s legendary first Trans-Siberian flight. Come celebrate this monumental achievement in aviation history with us!

​📅 Date: September 26, 2026

🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Location: Wawel Villa Reception Room, 880 Clarkson Rd S, Mississauga, ON

​Experience an afternoon of:

✨ Special Performances

🖼️ Historical Displays

☕ Refreshments

🎁 Souvenirs

​We look forward to sharing this incredible story with our community. See you there!

​

06/04/2026

Join and at Mississauga Polish Day's Heritage Centre THIS WEEKEND at Mississauga Civic Centre to learn more about the many Polish veterans who called Mississauga home. Let's celebrate Sauga Polonia together!

05/23/2026

Come out to Doors Open Toronto THIS WEEKEND at the Polish Combatant's Association (206 Beverely St) at see the .branch, and the Alliance of Applied Military History Museums!!! Come discover the fascinating history of Polish Canadian Veterans!

05/18/2026

Whilst today in Canada we enjoy our day off to celebrate Victoria Day, we also remember another momentous event that took place 82 years ago: the Battle of Monte Cassino. We pause to honour the immense courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in one of the most difficult and important battles of the Second World War.

Fought in Italy between January and May 1944, Monte Cassino stood as a key German defensive position blocking the Allied advance toward Rome. Polish soldiers were tasked with capturing the heavily defended monastery heights, a mission many believed impossible. Through extraordinary determination and sacrifice, they succeeded, raising the Polish flag over the ruins of Monte Cassino. Their victory opened the road to Rome and marked a major turning point in the Italian Campaign.

The men of the Polish II Corps who helped secure this victory will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice came at a great cost, but their legacy lives on as a symbol of perseverance, honour, and the struggle for freedom. We remember all those who gave their lives at Monte Cassino and ensure that their story is never forgotten.

The photograph shown below is from the collection of Witold Zwoliński, which is preserved here at the Orlinski Museum. He is seen standing atop the ruins of the abbey with his fellow comrades.