Orlinski Museum

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Mississauga, ON
Orlinski Museum

The Orlinski Musem is dedicated to veterans the Polish Armed Forces in Canada. Tours by appointment only.

Visit our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/OrlinskiMuseum/explore?asc=u

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.

05/11/2026

As we officially kick off our busy season of events, keep up to date to learn more about our events by following us on social media , or by signing up as a member via the link in our bio.

Photos from the Polish Flag Raising Event in Brampton, Ontario.

05/10/2026

Thank you to the and to the for having us to the Polish Flag Raising Celebration in honour of Polish Heritage Month. It is an honour to celebrate Constitution Day and our Polish identity and heritage in the municipalities where we call home here in Canada!

04/25/2026

Orlinski Museum will be participating in the Polish Flag Raising event at Brampton City Hall on May 9th in partnership the the Canadian Polish Business Association and the City of Brampton. Come say hi and see our exhibit "Brothers in Arms"! See you all there!

04/05/2026

🌿 Happy Easter from all of us at Orlinski!

For many soldiers throughout Polish and Canadian history, Easter has been a symbol of hope and light, even in the darkest of times. This was especially true for those soldiers who were serving far from home, as the holiday reminded them of their faith, their loved ones, and the life they were fighting to protect.

Whether you celebrate Easter or observe another tradition, we wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday weekend.

Photo Source: Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe

03/08/2026

Happy to all the female heroes out there! Women are our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives, friends and- in the case of this photo from the Barbara Makowicz collection- soldiers. Polish women in the war were involved in supportive and (in the case of the Home Army) combative roles. From driving trucks in Monte Cassino, delivering aircrafts for the RAF, operating libraries to improve morale, and many more essential roles, women proved themselves during the Second World War.

01/18/2026

You are cordially invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Royal London Military Institute on Tuesday, January 20, at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting will be held in the Wardroom at HMCS Prevost and will feature a presentation by Stan entitled “Brothers in Arms: Canadian and Polish Forces in the Second World War.” The talk will place the wartime alliance in broader historical context, tracing developments from the War of 1812 through the First World War.

Members and guests are encouraged to attend and show their support for this engaging and informative presentation.

We hope you will be able to join us for this evening of historical discussion.

01/17/2026

Mississauga’s Polish community mourns the loss of Jerzy (George) Kowalczyk, a local builder and patriot who devoted much of his life to Canada’s Polonia.

Arguably his greatest legacy was his building of Wawel Villa Seniors’ Residence at 880 Clarkson Rd. S., which opened in 1982 to serve aging Second World War veterans. Built in their honour, Wawel Villa became a safe, affordable, and culturally sensitive home for Polish seniors across the GTA. Mr. Kowalczyk served for many years as its administrator.

Many early residents were decorated veterans, including Col. Boleslaw Orlinski, a close friend. Fulfilling Orlinski’s dream, Kowalczyk co-founded the Museum and Archives of the Polish Armed Forces (the Orlinski Museum) in 2002 and later led its incorporation as a non-profit. In 2022, he received Heritage Mississauga’s Cultural Heritage Award.

He was generous with his knowledge, mentorship, and friendship—leaving all who met him inspired to carry these stories forward. We will forever miss George Kowalczyk, his stories and his bright personality.

For more remembrances of Mr. George Kowalczyk, see link in bio. Rest in Peace, George! You will be missed!

Address

880 Clarkson Road South
Mississauga, ON
L5J4N4

Opening Hours

12pm - 4pm

Website

http://orlinskimuseum.org/

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