Rochester American-Irish Heritage and Culture Center

The Rochester AOH is leading the way to found the Western New York American Irish Heritage and Cultural Center.  When the seed resources are secured a building will be purchased in Rochester that will consist of  library/reading room, museum/special collections, meeting/event space, and a social venue.

Rochester has been an Irish town since before its incorporation in 1834.  In the 1820's there was a small settlement, called "Dublin", of native Irish Catholics near what is now the Genesee Brewery.  By 1860 14% of the population of Rochester were born in Ireland making it the 4th largest Irish-American city per capita behind New York, Boston, and Chicago.

By 1894 the Ancient Order of Hibernians had 6 divisions in Rochester.  The Colonel Patrick O'Rorke Division #7 was founded on June 18 of that same year.

For information on how to donate or bequest to this initiative contact AOHRochester@gmail.com or PSMiller@gmail.com

Rochester has been the home of many prominent American-Irishmen including:

  • Colonel Patrick O'Rorke: US Civil War hero of Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg

  • William Purcell: the first editor of the Times-Union newspaper, and first president of Rochester's Irish National Land League

  • Catherine Wheelwright: mother to the Republic of Ireland's first president, Eamonn de Valera

  • Patrick Mahon: second treasurer of Clan na Gael

  • Thomas O'Bolger: Member of the successful rescue team for Colonel Kelly and Captain Deasy and compatriot of the Manchester Martyrs

  • The Venerable Fulton J. Sheen: Bishop of Rochester Diocese, 1966-1969.  Future Saint

  • The Right Reverend Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid: First Bishop of Rochester

  • Patrick Barry: Donated Highland Park to Rochester, co-founder (in 1908) of the Lilac Festival and considered the founder of modern American Landscape Architecture

  • Dr. Richard Curran: Civil War hero and recipient of The Congressional Medal of Honor (1898)

  • James Cunningham: Founder of Cunningham and Sons Carriage Manufacturers

  • General John McMahon: Civil War hero (Irish Brigade)

  • Thomas Murray: Artist

  • Owen Slowey: Irish Republican and freedom fighter

  • Mother Veronica "Hieronymo" O'Brien: Founder of St. Mary's Hospital