Polish Craftsmen in Jamestown Colony

400 years ago, on October 1, 1608, the first "Polanians" arrived on the shores of North America aboard the British ship "Mary and Margaret."  These skilled craftsmen were recruited by the Virginia Company of London to establish the first industries in the nine-month old Jamestown Colony.  Although few in number, they were skillful and industrious, and the colony soon began producing glass, pitch, tar, ash, soap and other products for export to England. More Poles were recruited and in a few years fifty Poles were living in Jamestown. The masters among them were asked to train some young men, thus giving rise to the first apprenticeship program in the new world. They were brave in fighting off Indian attacks on the colony. Two Poles are credited with aiding Captain John Smith, the Colony’s President, in his struggle against a strong Indian chief. In 1619, the Polish colonists successfully staged the first protest in the New World to win equal political rights. These first Poles in America left us an enviable legacy of industry, valor, and love of liberty.  We honor their memory.

Polish Craftsmen in Jamestown Colony Art Contest

The Polish American Congress
Washington Metropolitan Area Division Invites Entries for the
Polish Craftsmen in Jamestown Colony Art Contest.

CONTEST DATES: April 20 to September 15, 2008

CONTEST CATEGORIES:

1. COLORING CONTEST (Youth Ages 3-14)

  • Entries will be accepted from all youth ages 3-14 regardless of race, sex, national origin, or religion;

  • Contestant should color with crayons or colored pencils one of the two outline drawings of Polish craftsmen in Jamestown available on the links below.

  • Entry must be the contestant’s own work;

  • On the back of the entry, contestant, or an adult, should provide the contestant information listed at the end of this page.

  • Entries will be judged in the following age groups: 3-6, 7-11, and 12-14.

  • In each age category, first place winner will receive $50, second place $30, and third place $20.

  • Each winner also will receive a certificate and a book about Polish Pioneers in Jamestown

  • The jury, at its discretion, may also award Certificates of Honorable Mention and books to up to five entries in each age division.

Pictures, PDF format. Print them on regular letter-size paper, 8.5 x 11 inches
 Picture of Glass-making   Picture of Pitch-making

2. FREE DESIGN (Students Age 12 and older)

  • Entries should depict contribution of Polish craftsmen to the Jamestown colony;

  • Entries will be accepted from students 12 years of age and older, including university students;

  • Entry must be original work by the participant;

  • Any medium/technique is accepted

  • Size no smaller than 6 inches by 8 inches and no larger than 24 inches by 32 inches

  • The first place winner will receive $100, second place $75, third place $50;

  • The winning entry may be used in PAC Jamestown commemorative materials;

  • Other prizes and honorable mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the judges.

CONTEST RULES AND ENTRY:

  • Closing date for receipt of entries is midnight September 15, 2008;

  • One entry per participant;

  • All prizes are in the currency of United States Dollars;

  • The Polish American Congress is granted a non-exclusive license to use all submitted entries;

  • Entries will be judged by a jury of members of the Washington Metropolitan Area Division PAC;

  • Children and family members of jury members are not eligible;

  • Decisions of the Jury are final;

  • Entries will not be returned;

  • Inquiries may be addressed by e-mail to pacwashmetro@pacwashmetrodiv.org with Art Contest in the subject line

  • Winners will be announced by September 30, 2008

  • In submitting your entry, you agree to these terms and conditions;

Enter by sending your artwork by midnight September 15, 2008 to:

Jamestown Art Contest
Polish American Congress
1612 K Street, NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20006

Contestant Information:
The following contestant information must be included on the back of all entries:

  • Contestants' First and Last name; Age
  • First and Last Name of Parent/Guardian (if contestant under 18)
  • Street Address
  • City, State, ZIP
  • Telephone No.
  • E-mail address
  • School attended and grade

For further information about the Polish Jamestown pioneers visit
www.polamcon.org and click on the Jamestown button.