Since 1991, March has been recognized by American presidents of both parties as "Irish American Heritage Month, a time when all Americans are called upon to "celebrate the achievements of Irish Americans and their contributions to our Nation with appropriate ceremonies, … [Read more...] about March is Irish American Heritage Month
History
Nellie Bly
There was a time when mouse clicks and tweets did not drive reporters; they actually went out, sometimes at great personal peril, to find the news. One such reporter and a pioneer of investigative journalism was Irish American Nellie Bly. Nellie Bly was born Elizabeth … [Read more...] about Nellie Bly
A Historical Reflection in the Year of Covid
The end of a year is a time of reflection and evaluation, and so we should ask why we have a history lesson at every meeting and in every newsletter? One can argue that the history of Ireland and Irish America is often sad; a story of a people who were conquered, oppressed, … [Read more...] about A Historical Reflection in the Year of Covid
On the Centenary of Bloody Sunday 1920
The sun rose on a beautiful autumn day in Dublin on November 21, 1920, belying the fact that the day would be forever remembered as "Bloody Sunday" in Irish history. It would be a day that would host a series of violent and tragic acts; each alone would more than … [Read more...] about On the Centenary of Bloody Sunday 1920
When the “Devil’s Own” Said “No”
On 27 June 1920, it was hot in Jalandhar, in the Indian state of Punjab. It was not the fact that for days the daily temperatures often exceed 105° Fahrenheit; that was to be expected in June. It was not the fact that the area then, as it is today, bordering on the modern state … [Read more...] about When the “Devil’s Own” Said “No”