Testimonials
“The American Irish Historical Society is the custodian of an invaluable archive and collection of Irish and Irish-American history and literature. You are welcome to attend our events, conduct research in our archives, and help support our historical and cultural mission. Founded in Boston and in continuous operation since 1897, the Society has been non-partisan and non- sectarian since its inception.”
“As a proud Irish American, I can think of nothing so important as preserving our history. The American Irish Historical Society is preeminently important in doing this. And, it all starts with knowing what materials are at the AIHS and categorizing and publicizing them. As proud Irish Americans, it is our privilege and duty to recognize and safeguard our Irish American history. Working with and supporting the AIHS is the best way to accomplish this.”
Pat O’Toole, Honorary Consul for San Diego
History Of The Society
On January 20th, 1897, fifty men of Irish nationality or descent met in the old Revere House in Boston where they adopted a Constitution and By-Laws that brought into being the American Irish Historical Society. The primary goal of the Society was to raise awareness of the accomplishments of the Irish in America, because at the time many historians mistakenly believed that there were no Irish in America until the 1830s. Thus, the founders of the AIHS placed special emphasis on the role of Irish-Americans in the American Revolution. Thomas Hamilton Murray became the first Secretary-General and Thomas Bonaventure Lweler was the Librarian-Archivist. Original members included Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Theodore Roosevelt, William Bourke Cockran, Thomas Hamilton Murray, Justice John Goff, Judge Daniel F. Cohalan, John Devoy, historian Michael J. O’ Brien, Fr. Francis Duffy, George M. Cohan, Victor Herbert, and James McGurrin.
The Society moved its headquarters to New York City in the early 20th century, to offices in the old Manhattan Hotel at 42nd Street and Madison Avenue. In 1908, the society moved to the old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel at 34th Street and Fifth Avenue. Finally, in 1921, the society moved into its first permanent home of its own – a four-story home and basement brick building at 132 East 16th street, which had been bequeathed to it by the late Dr. John T. Nagle, a board member. In these surroundings, the Society continued to grow its holdings and it was found necessary to build an addition to the building to house everything. By then, the Society had amassed large collections of books, pamphlets, and papers, and members and students used the reading room five days a week. Nineteen years after moving in, the society moved again, for the last time.
On April 14, 1940, it moved into its handsome new home at 991 Fifth Avenue on Millionaire Mile, now known as Museum Mile. The society continued to serve its membership by offering free and public events and by extending use of the library and archives to researchers, writers, and scholars.
Roman Architecture
500BC
Showing Nov 3 – Nov 17