Honoring Irish America’s Role in Building the United States
In 2026, the United States marks 250 years of independence.
From the very beginning, Irish Americans were there—soldiers in Washington’s army, leaders in politics, builders of cities, and servants of community. The Ancient Order of Hibernians carries that legacy forward in faith, culture, and charity.
Our Story
For generations, Irish immigrants and their descendants helped shape America. They dug canals and built railroads, raised churches and schools, and filled the ranks of the military, police, and fire services. They served in city halls and in Congress, never forgetting their heritage while building a stronger nation.
Today, the AOH continues that tradition—preserving Irish heritage, serving our communities, and forming men in Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.
Celebrate America 250 With the AOH
As the nation remembers 250 years of independence, the AOH invites you to celebrate the Irish American contribution. Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and build the future.
Honoring Commodore John Barry aboard the USS New Jersey
As America commemorates 250 years of naval service, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies AOH proudly honor Commodore John Barry—Irish immigrant, American patriot, and the first commissioned officer of the United States Navy.
About the Exhibit
We have launched a dedicated exhibit aboard the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial that brings Barry’s story to life—his courage in the struggle for independence, his leadership at sea, and his enduring example of faith, duty, and service. The display is slated to run through the end of 2025, with the possibility of extension.
To broaden the impact, the exhibit can also be duplicated in whole or in part by AOH & LAOH Divisions nationwide as a centerpiece of their local America 250 commemorations.
Why Your Support Matters
- Educate — Reach the Navy community and the general public visiting an iconic American battleship.
- Preserve — Sustain the production, upkeep, and interpretive materials of the display.
- Multiply — Enable replicable exhibit assets that Divisions can use locally in 2026.
Make a Donation
For Contributions not seeking a tax deduction please donate here directly to the Commodore John Barry Division AOHDC on this site.
For Contributions over $250 that require a tax deduction please donate here to the Barry Division Charitable Trust.
No contribution is too small—thank you for your generosity.
See the Celebration
Watch highlights from the opening aboard the USS New Jersey:
Watch the Exhibit Opening Video
Together, we honor an Irish-born American hero whose leadership helped secure independence and shape the early United States Navy.
AOH America 250 History Webinar Series
First Program
📅 Tuesday, September 23, 2025 · 7:00 PM ET
📍 Register to join the Webinar on Zoom
Or Watch Live on YouTube
Commodore John Barry: Irish Immigrant and Father of the American Navy
Guest Speaker: Tim McGrath, author of John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail
The life of Commodore John Barry, in the words of Tim McGrath, “reads like a Patrick O’Brien novel.” Born to a Catholic family in County Wexford in 1745, young Barry took to the sea at an early age and arrived in Philadelphia in 1760. A nautical prodigy, he commanded his first vessel at the age of 21 and quickly established himself as a leading merchant ship captain.
When hostilities erupted between the American Colonies and Great Britain, Barry stepped forward to become one of the heroes of the American Revolution and the Father of the American Navy. Join us as we explore the role of this legendary Irishman and adopted son of Philadelphia in the founding of the American Republic.
About the Speaker
Tim McGrath is a two-time winner of the Commodore John Barry Book Award for American Maritime Literature and author of the critically acclaimed biography John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail.