Winona museum explores Kashubian culture in new exhibit

WINONA, Minn. (WKBT) -- Winona's Kashubian Cultural Institute and Polish Museum is unveiling a new exhibit.

The Kashubians are an indigenous ethnic group from north-central Poland. Winona is recognized as the Kashubian capital of America due to its significant Polish immigrant population settling in the city in 1859.

The new exhibit marks the first international showcase of Kashubian culture. Items were exchanged through a partnership with the West Kashubian Museum in Poland.

Museum director Jeff Turkowski explained that Kashubian heritage differs from general Polish heritage.

"The Kashubians have their own unique folklore, dress, costumes, and distinct beliefs and cultural influences rooted in ancient Slavic traditions," said Turkowski.

The exhibit features cultural artifacts, photographs of Kashubian immigrants, insights into their religious communities and more.

​COPYRIGHT 2024 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.