MHS: The Irish Atlantic: A Story of Famine, Migration, & Opportunity Open at the Massachusetts Historical Society

Date: 

Thu - Thu, Jun 1 to Aug 24, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Massachusetts Historical Society Founded 1791

Explore the impact of generations of Irish in Boston from famine relief efforts to a mass migration movement, community and institutional building, and a rise in political power.

The Irish have long been an important presence in Boston. The Irish Atlantic: A Story of Famine, Migration, & Opportunity, co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Forbes House Museum, explores the Irish in Boston from famine relief efforts to a mass migration movement, decades of community and institutional building, and a rise in political power. The exhibition is on display at the MHS through September 22, Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Through a selection of artifacts—including the ship’s wheel from the U.S.S Jamestown—letters, broadsides, and other memorabilia, visitors can delve into themes of charity, politics, culture, religion, and community. Touch screen displays featuring interviews with Mayor Martin Walsh; Consul General of Ireland Fionnuala Quinlan; former mayor and ambassador Ray Flynn; guest curator and Northeastern University professor William Fowler, Jr.; Stephen T. Riley Librarian at the MHS Peter Drummey; attorney and author Christian Samito;  Boston College professor James O'Toole; and guest historian Catherine Shannon run throughout the exhibition. Additional online content can be viewed at www.masshist.org/irish-atlantic.

Open Monday - Saturday through September 22, 2017.