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 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