Upcoming Events
Archivists Round Table Tour
Join us for a tour of the American Irish Historical Society’s historic 5th Avenue mansion. with its archivist, Mark Lindenburg, and curator, Aishling Connaughton Edwards.
The Society’s library houses more than 10,000 volumes, the most complete private collection of Irish and American Irish history and literature in the United States. The library features a temperature-controlled rare books room that holds another 1,000 volumes, and an unparalleled collection of newspapers and newsletters dating back to the late-18th century, and several early and mid-19th century newspapers, such as The Nation, The United Irishman, and the Dublin Penny Journal. Also housed in the library is the Society’s unique collection of letters from Patrick Pearse and Charles Stewart Parnell, the irreplaceable archives of other societies and organizations, and the personal papers of leading Irish Americans like Daniel F. Cohalan. The collection is complemented by works of art from such noted Irish artists as Nathaniel Hone, John Faulkener, George Russell (A.E.), John Butler Yeats, Aloysius O’Kelly, and Augustus St. Gaudens. The Society also holds an extensive collection of Irish music, including a taped interview with Brendan Behan that became his Confessions of a Rebel.
This is an in-person event limited to 15 A.R.T. members. Registration is non-transferable. Please note that you MUST reserve a ticket in advance online in order to attend this event.
In the occasion that the event is sold out, we highly recommend joining the waitlist. An ART staff member will reach out to you if a spot becomes available. Unless you've been given permission, please do not show up at the event without registering.
Register at A.R.T. here!
In Conversation with Laurie Gwen Shapiro, The Aviator and the Showman
In Conversation with Laurie Gwen Shapiro, The Aviator and the Showman
She lived for adventure — in the clouds and beyond. But who was Amelia Earhart beyond the bomber jacket, and the aviator goggles? Did rough skies cause her to land in Derry, NI or was it destiny? Join us to find out.
Reserve your complimentary tickets here
Irish Gothic Talk and Mini-Exhibition
Irish Gothic is a sub-genre of gothic fiction, beginning in the eighteenth century and spanning into modern and contemporary works. Largely inspired by the decay of the land-owning Protestant class, it focuses on themes of scandals, inheritance, and the supernatural. In this talk, Dr. Kelly Sullivan (NYU) will discuss her research in the genre. Afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to see a small exhibition related to gothic themes.
Please note, the time of this event is to be confirmed and subject to change
Kelly Sullivan (MA, PhD) is a professor of Irish and American Studies at New York University. Her research centers on modern literature, poetry, and visual arts. Currently, she is focused on Irish novelist Molly Keane (aka M.J. Farrell) and the study of “Big House” novels in the Irish Gothic genre.
Reserve your tickets here
Eve Kahn : Book Talk
Welcome back Eve M. Kahn to the AIHS for a talk on her new book : “Queen of Bohemia Predicts Own Death: Gilded-Age Journalist Zoe Anderson Norris”
Reserve your complimentary tickets here
SOPHIE Catches her Breath - Concert Reading
Please join us for a one night only concert reading of a brand new Irish musical.
"SOPHIE catches her breath"
Written and composed by Eamon O’Tuama.
Back to School Book Sale!
Get ready for the fall semester with a book sale at the American Irish Historical Society!
The Secrets of 991 5th Ave: The Archives of AIHS
The archives of the American Irish Historical Society hold many valuable materials, both from the institution internally and from collections gathered over the years. Unfortunately, the archives have been largely neglected and are in need of repair. As a result, many valuable materials have been forgotten. Over the course of 2025 thus far, considerable work has gone into the repair and restoration of these archives. In this talk, Archivist Mark Lindenburg (MA, MSLIS) and Curator Aishling Connaughton Edwards (MA) speak about their work in preparing the archives for research and opening the doors for new exhibitions. This event will be in person and recorded for future viewing.
First Annual Golf Outing
The American Irish Historical Society will host our 1st Annual Golf Outing on Monday July 21. The event will be held at Ardsley Country Club. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to City Harvest, to help feed families across NYC.
Golf will begin at 12:30, and dinner and entertainment will begin at 5:30 PM.
Registration & Payment
Gerry O'Connor- Traditional Irish Fiddler
Join us for a night of music with traditional Irish fiddler Gerry O’Connor.
POSTPONED The Andersonville Irish Project: Charting the Impact of Imprisonment & Death on the New York City Irish
Rescheduled to later in year - pls check back for details.
This special talk will share some of the latest results on the Andersonville Irish Project and specifically explore the impact death at the camp had on families in New York City, the Irish American demographic most impacted by death during the American Civil War.
POSTPONED Jean Butler: Beyond the Perfect Stage: Our Steps, Our Story: An Irish Dance Legacy Archive
RESCHEDULED - ALL TICKETS PURCHASED WILL BE HONORED AT A LATER DATE Join Jean Butler, dancer, choreographer, and Artistic Director of the not-for-profit organization Our Steps for an evening talk, Beyond the Perfect Stage: Our Steps, Our Story: An Irish Dance Legacy Archive.
Granny Jackson's Dead
Granny Jackson’s dead… but her story isn’t. Join us between April 24th and April 27th for an immersive Big Telly production.
Aiding Ireland: Transnationalism and the Rise of International Philanthropy
Join Anelise Hanson Shrout for a discussion on the impact of international philanthropy on Ireland’s Great Hunger.
Michael J. O'Brien: Defending Ireland's Record in America
Join Mark Holan for a discussion on Michael J. O’Brien.
Trauma and Recovery in the Post-Celtic Tiger Period: Parenting in Contemporary Irish Fiction
Recent literary narratives of parent-child interaction reflect a move from traumatic to more hopeful forms of representation.
Celebrating 100 Years of The Great Gatsby
Celebrate 100 years since F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby was published. We will have a performance of Jazz Age classics!
I Have Nothing to Declare But My Guinness
Join short-story writer, playwright and poet Rosemary Jenkinson for an entertaining reading from her latest works followed by an interview.
Making Empire: Ireland, Imperialism, & The Early Modern World with Dr. Jane Ohlmeyer
Making Empire examines the unique position of early modern Ireland in the First English Empire, c. 1550–c. 1770s.
Emerald Strings: An Immersive Concert Experience
Emerald Strings presents a program that spans centuries, beginning with the Irish Famine in 1847 and reaching into the present day, where the precision of classical music meets the rich depth of Irish folk and the vibrancy of modern Irish tunes.
Shelter by John Doyle
A Great Hunger narrative like no other by Canadian Irish playwright John Doyle, as part of Origins 1st Irish Theater Festival.
Emerald Strings: An Immersive Concert Experience
SOLD OUT! TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR APRIL 7TH.
Emerald Strings presents a program that spans centuries, where the precision of classical music meets the rich depth of Irish folk and the vibrancy of modern Irish tunes.
The Innocents of the House: Child Inmates of the Workhouse
Join Michelle O’Mahony for an in-depth look at the children who lived in workhouses during Ireland’s Great Hunger.
Rediscovering Anna Frances Levins, Forgotten Irish American Photographer, Publisher, Political Activist and Baroness
Join scholar and journalist Eve Kahn for a discussion of the life of early AIHS photographer Anna Frances Levins.
Sharing Lands: Choctaw and Irish Connections
Join us for a moving and unifying experience with Padraig Kirwan, LeAnne Howe (enrolled citizen of the Choctaw Nation), and Gillian O’Brien, as they discuss their project, Sharing Lands. Let’s come together to celebrate shared humanity through the power of storytelling!
Two Noble New Yorkers: John B Yeats & John Quinn
Join Andy McGowan, President of the WB Yeats Society of NY, as he discusses the friendship between John Yeats and John Quinn.
Escape from the House of Mercy: Interview with Catherine Gallant
Catherine Gallant (choreographer) discusses her new work, Escape from the House of Mercy, which will be performed at The Performance Project @ University Settlement.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Join us for some refreshments and entertainment to celebrate the world famous parade on Fifth Avenue.
Timahoe Male Choir Performance
Join us for a pre-Parade Day music session, with light refreshments, as this unique Irish choir perform Irish and Country classics in their first concert in NYC!
Brief Reflections on Justices of the Court in History
Fordham Law Professor Martin Flaherty will discuss Irish Justices in this lecture to announce the the anticipated publication in October 2025 of the first book on The History of the Irish American Justices on the US Supreme Court.
Bread or Blood: The Great Hunger in a Kerry Town
The story of the Great Hunger in Listowel is important not because it is exceptional, but because it represents the typical experience of many Irish towns at that time.
Karan Casey Trio in Concert
“Casey’s voice is among the loveliest in folk music and she’s a wonderful interpreter of both contemporary and traditional material.” BOSTON GLOBE
Lost Gaels: Book Launch
Lost Gaels is the first comprehensive account of the devastating impact of the Troubles on the GAA.
The Irish Famine Immigrant Experience on Staten Island
Loretto Leary will discuss the historical significance of Staten Island to Irish Famine immigrant history and their experiences at the Quarantine Station.
Bad Bridgets: The Lives of Irish Emigrant Women
Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick, reveal a world in which Irish women actually outnumbered Irish men in prison, in which you could get locked up for 'stubbornness', and in which a serial killer called Lizzie Halliday was described by the New York Times as 'the worst woman on earth.'
Letters of a Matchmaker
Join us for sweet treats and bubbly as we celebrate love and companionship over St. Valentine's weekend with the wit and charm of one of Ireland's greatest playwrights.