Irish American History Timeline
2002
In 2002, New York City unveiled The Irish Hunger Memorial commemorating the many people who suffered due to the potato famine. An estimated half million Irish left for America, on so-called "coffin ships" which were overloaded, filthy, and resulted in a number of deaths on-board from disease. Many of the individuals who survived the voyage began their new lives in New York City.
1960
John Fitzgerald Kennedy elected President. He is the great-grandson of Patrick Kennedy an Irish immigrant who came to the U.S. as a laborer in 1848.
1880
William R. Grace becomes New York City's first Irish-Catholic Mayor. Political clout leads to increased opportunities for the Irish.
1845
A mysterious blight affects the potato crops, causing them to rot. The potato was the primary food source for more than 3 million impoverished Irish. The blight was later found to be a fungus.
1825
The massive Erie Canal, which connects the New York’s Hudson River to Lake Erie is completed, due in large measure to the backbreaking work of Irish immigrants who were paid a dollar a day.
1782
This year began 18 years of independence of the Irish Parliament. The Irish Parliament was corrupt but initially did try and increase prosperity through several methods, which was successful in various parts of Ireland.
1700's
By this time sever religious laws known as "penal laws" which began in 1691 had great impact. The amount of land owned by Irish Roman Catholics was minimized and additional laws were enacted to trivialize Roman Catholic influence.
1661
Wealthy Irishman Charles Carroll immigrates to North America; his descendent, another Charles Carroll, signed the Declaration of Independence.
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Library Online Resources
Learn more about Ireland's politics, economics, and geography.
Discover your Irish roots. Explore Federal Census records or full-text search more than 25,000 genealogy reference books.
Browse and print detailed Ireland maps. The Educator's Resources section provides many student handouts.
Use your library card and search Cultural Groups or Places to find Irish music recordings.
Satiate your curiosity about Irish history and culture with this wonderful online resource.
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Famous Americans of Irish Descent
Photojournalist and Visual Historian
(b. 1823 - d. 1896)
Frontiersman and Legislator
(b. 1786 - d. 1836)
Novelist, Poet, and Playwright
(b. 1896 - d. 1940)
Automobile Manufacturer
(b. 1863 - d. 1947)
Movie Director
(b. 1894 - d. 1973)
Architect of the White House
(b. 1762 - d. 1831)
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Websites
Take a virtual tour of Bloom Ireland, Ireland's largest and most spectacular garden show.
Features information and images of Ireland's major cultural attractions.
Learn about the potato famine in Ireland that led to mass emigration to America.
This non-profit organization is "committed to the exploration and appreciation of Irish culture."
This is the place to go to begin your search for your Irish ancestors. Visit this website for some tips on getting started.
Find news about the Irish community in Orlando. Learn how to become a member of this Irish American Cultural Society of Central Florida or check out a schedule of upcoming events.
Explore travel and cultural opportunities at the official Irish tourism website.
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Library Materials
Whether you want an Irish drama, comedy, or adventure, you’ll find one here!
Check out these books and then try your own hand at Irish recipes. Impress your friends or family with some authentic Irish cuisine.
Find books on Irish towns with census records, maps, register of electors, commercial directories, and brief histories.
Read, watch, listen, and maybe pick up a few steps yourself!
Enjoy the flavor of Ireland in story collections, memoirs, and biographies.
Learn about Irish sites and experience its cities and landscapes.
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Kids & Teens
Library Online Resources
Take a trip to Ireland. Enjoy this youth friendly database. Have fun with facts, images, and CountryScope activities (select the "CountryScope for students" link in the left navigation for more info!).
This is a fun and easy database for elementary students to use to search for historical events. Information about Ireland is just a click away!
Library Materials
Celebrate St. Patrick's day with a fun twist. Take a look at these titles highlighting some of our great Irish-themed books for kids.
Websites
National Geographic for Kids puts the spotlight on Ireland. Watch, and have fun with great crafts, videos, and other information.
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Mobile
To fully access this content, you may need the latest version of iTunes. Download iTunes for free now!
Focal Irish Translator
Get this free application that translates English into Irish and vice versa.
Android Market | iTunes | Website
Ireland Travel Guide by Triposo
Try this free application and receive up to date city guides for Dublin, Cork, Galway and many other travel destinations in Ireland.
Android Market | iTunes | Website
Irish Word of the Day
Use this free application and begin learning Irish today!
iTunes | Website
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Social
Explore Ireland's tourist destinations or travel off the beaten path at this popular blog site. Don't forget to check out their podcasts too!
Wikipedia has some interesting information about Ireland past and present.
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