TheWayHome.wmv running time: 27:09 / The AOH National Organizer's recruitment video

OutOfIreland.wmv running time: 9:14 /
"Out of Ireland" segment on the New York broadcast on WLIW21 (PBS) February 23, 2003
 
 

 

 

 

 Who   are   the   AOH?

 

                     

The Ancient Order of Hibernians would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our organization. The Chicago Division#32 was organized to promote and preserve Irish values, culture, and heritage. Currently, our chapter has over 180 members and is growing stronger every month. Our focus is charity. We provide scholarships for elementary and high school students, aid for children with terminal diseases, and victims of disaster. Members give their time to such causes as Misericordia Candy Days, Maryville City of Youth, and helping to feed the homeless.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic, Irish American Fraternal Organization founded in New York City 4 May,1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a parent organization, of the same name, which has existed in Ireland for over 300 years. However, while the organizations share a common thread, the North American A.O.H. is a separate and much larger organization.

The Order evolved from a need in the early sixteen hundreds to protect the lives of priests who risked immediate death to keep the Catholic Faith alive in occupied Ireland after the reign of England's King Henry VIII. When England Implemented its dreaded Penal Laws in Ireland, various secret social societies were formed across the country. These groups worked to aid and comfort the people by whatever means available. Similarly, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was founded May 4th, 1836 at New York's St. James Church, to protect the clergy, and church Property from the "Know Nothings" and their followers. At the same time the vast influx of Irish Immigrants fleeing famine issues in Ireland in the late 1840's, prompted a growth of various social societies in the USA - the largest of which was, and continues to be, the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Active across the United States, The Order seeks to aid the newly arrived Irish, both socially, politically. The many Divisions and club facilities located throughout the U.S. traditionally have been among the first to welcome new Irish Americans. Here, the Irish culture -- art, dance, music, and sports are fostered and preserved. The newcomers can meet some of "their own" and are introduced to the social atmosphere of the Irish-American community. the AOH has been at the political forefront for issues concerning the Irish, such as; Immigration Reform; economic Incentives both here and in Ireland; the human rights issues addressed in the MacBride Legislation; Right-To-Life; and a peaceful and just solution to the issues that divide Ireland.

The Order has also provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those who are generations removed from our country. The AOH sponsors many of the programs associated with promoting our Irish Heritage such as the IRISH WAY PROGRAM.

You may further seek admittance to the FINEST Irish Catholic Organization in the World -- all we would ask is for you to live our motto of:

"Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity".
Dia 's Muire dhuit!

Membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc. is confined to men 16 years and older who are practicing Roman Catholics of Irish birth or descent and who are citizens of United States of America or who have declared their intentions to become citizens of the United States of America.

Interested in Joining?    Email Membership Chairman Andy Hill  andyhill@aooh.org


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