St. Joseph’s School in Panna Maria is recognized as the oldest private Polish School in the United States. 1866, St. Joseph’s School was organized by the priests at Panna Maria and, in 1868, parishioners constructed a two-story stone building to serve as a convent and school. The school now operates as a museum. Displays include furniture and items used by the early Polish settlers, artifacts used in the church, family photos and a sign showing the documented surnames of the immigrants who came to Texas in 1854, 1855 and 1856.