Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum has just opened a major exhibit entitled The Spirit of Compassion. This exhibit illustrates Herbert Hoover’s special relationship with the people of Poland.
“Hoover had a soft spot for Poland and its liberty,” said Peter Gessner, curator of the exhibit.
This special relationship dates back to Hoover’s days as a student at Stanford University where he met and befriended Polish pianist and patriot, Ignacy Paderewski. Hoover began to speak on Poland’s behalf and the fact that it was no longer a free country. After World War I, Hoover received approval from President Woodrow Wilson to continue humanitarian efforts in Poland, now a war-driven land. Hoover’s mission included bringing food and clothing to the children of Poland. He also helped to establish over six thousand soup kitchens throughout Poland, ultimately feeding 1.3 million children.
Today, in a time where America may not be looked upon so favorably by other countries, it still comes out on top in Poland because of Hoover’s efforts there.
“The people of Poland were saved by the actions of Hoover,” said Gessner.
The Spirit of Compassion includes many photos of Hoover in Poland. According to Gessner, one photograph in particular demonstrates a moment that Hoover himself found very touching. This is a photograph of a march that included over thirty-two thousand children, thanking Hoover for his efforts in Poland.
This exhibit was brought to Buffalo by the Western New York Division of the Polish American Congress along with the support of several other Polonian organizations such as the Roman Catholic Union of America and Permanent Chair of Polish Cultures at Canisius College. “The Spirit of Compassion” is open from 11AM to 4PM daily, except on Mondays. It runs until the end of September.
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum is located at 453 Porter Avenue
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