Early Life and Education
Paul Lubienecki, Ph.D., a distinguished American historian, has significantly contributed to the understanding of labor history, American religion, and public history. He completed his Ph.D. in History from Case Western Reserve University, where he wrote a dissertation titled “The American Catholic Diocesan Labor Schools. An Examination of Their Influence on Organized Labor in Buffalo and Cleveland.” His academic journey also includes a Master’s degree in History/Museum Studies from Buffalo State College, where he focused on "Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff: Architecture as Sacred Space," and another Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Christ the King Seminary. He holds a Bachelor's degree in History from Temple University.
Academic Career
Dr. Lubienecki’s academic career is marked by his roles as an educator and researcher. He has served as a lecturer at SUNY Fredonia, teaching courses in labor history, immigration studies, and United States history. His curriculum development and mentorship have shaped the academic experiences of numerous students. Additionally, he taught graduate-level courses at Christ the King Seminary, focusing on European and American history, industrialization, and social services. His commitment to education extends to Trocaire College and Canisius High School, where he engaged with diverse student populations on subjects ranging from philosophy to ethics.
Public History and Archival Work
A notable aspect of Dr. Lubienecki’s career is his extensive involvement in public history and archival management. As the founding director of the Boland Center for the Study of Labor & Religion, he established a resource center dedicated to examining the influence of religion on the labor movement. He also served as the vice president and staff historian at the Steel Plant Museum, where he developed educational initiatives and digital preservation projects. His archival expertise was further demonstrated during his tenure as archivist at the Cathedral of St. Joseph and Christ the King Seminary.
Consulting and Editorial Roles
Beyond academia, Dr. Lubienecki founded PHM Consulting, assisting museums and cultural entities with collections management, preservation, and educational outreach. He has been an associate editor for the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History and a reviewer for Writer’s Bloc and Mellen Press, where he has contributed to the selection and editing of scholarly works.
Publications and Presentations
Dr. Lubienecki is a prolific published author. His research has been presented at various conferences, including the American Catholic Historical Association and the Working Class Studies Association, where he has discussed topics ranging from the Catholic Worker Movement to the evolution of Catholic labor schools.
Select Publications
- Social Reconstruction: American Catholics Radical Response to the Social Gospel Movement and Progressives
- The American Catholic Diocesan Labor Schools. An Examination of their Influence on Organized Labor in Buffalo and Cleveland
- From the Parish Hall to the Union Hall: Catholic Labor Education in Cleveland
- "There should be no hyphen in American Catholic": Bishop John Timon and the Assimilation of Buffalo Catholicism
- Catholic Labor Education and the Association of Catholic Trade Unionists. Instructing Workers to Christianize the Workplace
- Social Encyclicals and the Worker: The Evolution of Catholic Labor Schools in Pennsylvania
- How the Piarists and the Docent Saved Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff
- The Americanzation of Lay Catholics on Organized Labor: The American Catholic Labor Schools
Symposia and Professional Memberships
Dr. Lubienecki has organized and chaired significant symposia, such as “In Celebration of John Timon: Buffalo's First Bishop” and “Museums in an Academic Setting.” His leadership in these events highlights his dedication to promoting historical scholarship and museum studies. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Historical Association, the American Academy of Religion, and the National Council on Public History.
Memberships and Honors
He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Historical Association, the American Academy of Religion, and the National Council on Public History. His scholarly contributions and dedication to the field have earned him recognition as a leading historian in his areas of expertise.
Personal Life
Paul Lubienecki resides in Hamburg, New York, where he continues his research and work in both academic and public history, contributing to the understanding and preservation of historical narratives that shape our understanding of the past.