The Irish American Heritage Museum was created by New York State Legislation in 1986 and permanently chartered in 1992 as a 501c3 non-profit educational institution with an educational mission: To preserve and tell the story of the contributions of the Irish people and their culture in America, inspiring individuals to examine the importance of their own heritage as part of the American cultural mosaic.
As such, the Museum is unique in America, where almost 40 million individuals claim Irish ancestry. The Museum is committed to the basic tenet that preserving one’s heritage is vital to providing a cultural and historical foundation to future generations of Americans.
Over the last two decades, the Museum has developed, produced and presented a number of very successful exhibits throughout America and Ireland, including: “Dublin: Then and Now.” This internationally acclaimed exhibit of stunning photographs portrays life on the gritty streets of Dublin and in its “docklands” in the late 1950s and early 1960s -- as well as life in Dublin in the same areas during the first decade of the 21st century to reveal the transformation in Irish life over the last 50 years. We are the first Museum of its kind here in America to have exhibited at the National Library in Dublin, as well as at the Consulate General of Ireland in Manhattan – in both instances presenting "Dublin: Then and Now."
Our newest exhibit is “The Irish and the Erie Canal” that presents the historical contributions of the Irish to the planning, designing, engineering, funding and construction of the famed achievement. The Canal transformed early America, and in particular New York City, into a world economic power, linking the Great Lakes and the interior of the young nation to the Atlantic Ocean and the world.
In addition to our exhibits, and in keeping with our mission of education, much of the Museum’s programs focus on Irish-American heritage for school children. We have presented one–act plays and one-person performances in schools and arranged for lecturers to speak on topics associated with Irish-American heritage and culture.
The Museum was an integral force in requiring instruction in New York’s public schools about the Irish Famine of 1845-1853. Our “Great Hunger” exhibit reveals the story of the millions of Irish who suffered through the years of the Great Famine.
In addition to exhibits and events, the Museum is a source for researchers around the world. Both the Paul O’Dwyer Library, named in honor of America’s great Irish-born champion of the people, and Ancient Order of Hibernian archives are dedicated to the history of Irish-American experiences. Scholars, genealogists and the public enjoy delving into Irish history and heritage in our library.
