Irish American Heritage Month is not just a date on the calendar; it is a vital opportunity to honor our shared heritage, highlight the contributions of Irish Americans, and strengthen the Ancient Order of Hibernians. It is a time for us, as Hibernians, who do so much behind the scenes in our community, to step forward and ensure that our history and culture are recognized, respected and passed on to future generations.
Every level of our organization — National, State, County, Division, and individual members — has a part to play in making this effort successful. This is not just about fulfilling the duty of a national program but about ensuring the AOH remains relevant and thriving as the voice of Irish America.
Irish American Heritage Month must be more than parades and corned beef; it’s a chance to tell our story, challenge misconceptions, and put substance behind “I am proud to be Irish.” If we, as Hibernians, don’t take the lead, we allow our rich history to fade into obscurity, ignored by the broader public, and unlearned by future generations, a fate that has befallen other heritages.
We’ve already seen concerning signs: declining participation in Irish organizations, including our Order, cultural contributions being airbrushed from public discourse, and a day to celebrate the countless contributions of the Irish reduced to green hats, green bagels and clown cars. This is not just a threat to our heritage but to the AOH.
If we fail to act, what message are we sending to the next generation?
When we embrace Irish American Heritage Month, we achieve three critical objectives:
Visibility and Relevance: The public is naturally curious about Irish culture during this time. By hosting events, sharing our heritage, and engaging with our communities, we position the AOH as the leading voice of Irish America.
Recruitment and Growth: This is our prime opportunity to connect with people searching for a deeper connection to their roots. Thoughtful, visible activities can inspire new members and reinvigorate current ones.
Preservation of Heritage: Each action we take, whether it’s a historical lecture, a social media campaign, or a community proclamation, helps to preserve the contributions of Irish Americans as part of the larger narrative of our nation.
How to Make a Difference
Engage Local Officials: Contact your governor, mayor or state representatives to secure proclamations recognizing Irish American Heritage Month. Use this as an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Irish Americans to your community.
Activate Your Digital Presence: Clean up your Division’s website and social media platforms. Outdated content gives the impression of inactivity. Ensure your platforms are ready to share the National video and daily profiles of notable Irish Americans.
Amplify the Message: Share the content the National Board provides widely — not just with fellow Hibernians but with friends, family and neighbors. The broader our reach, the greater the impact.
Plan Community Events: Beyond parades, organize events that educate and inspire: a lecture, a public wreath-laying, or a school essay contest highlighting the contributions of Irish Americans in your area.
Carry Yourself as a Hibernian: Leave the novelty hats and green gimmicks for others; as Hibernians, we have the opportunity to present ourselves with the pride and dignity of 365-day-a-year Irish Americans who honor our heritage.
Irish American Heritage Month was adopted unanimously at the 2004 National Hibernian Convention as a core initiative of the AOH. Every level of our Order is responsible for ensuring its success. This is not optional; it is central to who we are and what we stand for.
We cannot afford complacency. The story of Irish America has never been written by those who sit idle; it is written by those who take action. Let us honor our ancestors by preserving their legacy and ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten. Let us be the custodians of a heritage that has survived persecution, famine and indifference — and let us do so with the pride and dignity that define us as Hibernians.
Brothers, our heritage is in our hands. Let us act.