Chapter 1: Nowe Zycie: New Life

Arrival of the first Polish immigrants in Rochester in the late 1880s, and formation of the city's first Polish parish, St. Stanislaus Kostka, at the intersection of Hudson Avenue and Norton Street.

Chapter 2: On Streets Named Pulaski and Sobieski

Life in the Polish settlement during its first two decades, with focus on the immigrants' daily experience and the perceptions that others in Rochester formed of the Polish newcomers.

Chapter 3: The Conflict of Convictions

Dramatic events cause dissension in the Polish community, leading to formation of St. Casimir's Polish National Catholic Church in 1908.

Chapter 4: Fraternity and Diversity

Formation of a variety of religious, cultural, and fraternal organizations after the turn of the century. Establishment of Christ Polish Baptist Church, one of only 14 Polish Baptist congregations in the United States.

Chapter 5: Under the Ancient Polish Flag

Rochester Polonia's participation in the effort to restore an independent homeland during World War I, including recruitment of young men to the Polish Army and volunteer service of young women with the Polish Grey Samaritan nurses.

Chapter 6: New Ventures

Growth of the Polish community following World War I, and its residents' increased participation in local commercial and civic life. Formation of Rochester Polonia's second Roman Catholic parish, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus.

Chapter 7: Unity, Guidance, Commonweal

Effects of the Great Depression on the families, parishes, and organizations of Polish Town. Neighborhood unity achieved through the work of Centrala, the Polonia Civic Centre.

Chapter 8: The Ties of Blood

Rochester Polonia's reaction to World War II and assistance to the homeland. Profiles of local veterans of the American armed forces, the Polish armed forces, and Poland's underground Home Army.

Chapter 9: "If You Don't Have Your History. . . "

Polonia's experience from the 1950s through the 1990s, with focus on changes in Polish Town, the arrival of new immigrants, and the sense of heritage that has consistently defined Rochester's Polonia.

Chapter 10: Close to the Heart

A perspective on the life and character of Rochester's Polonia as it enters its second century: a time of challenge and change, painful passages, new energy, new achievements. Included are updates on the Polish parishes and organizations, a description of the University of Rochester's Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies, and the story of a determined campaign to restore St. Stanislaus Church.