Join the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Kansas

Irish Catholic American – Promoting our Heritage and Culture 

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization.  Today the AOH exists in America, Canada, Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, however, while the organizations share a common thread, the American AOH is a separate and much larger organization found in over 40 states.  The organization had its origins in Ireland and is believed to be derived from men who were known as The Defenders, who resisted the oppression of British landlords and provided protection to priests and those attending mass.

In Kansas, we are dedicated to branding our Irish organization throughout all communities and welcoming new members to join like-minded, Irish Catholic Americans promoting our culture while supporting each of our communities. 

The Irish in Kansas

Beginnings

The story of the Kansas Irish is one of a people seeking a new home far from their native shores where they and their children could experience better opportunities than anything available to them at home. The largest wave of Irish immigration to Kansas came early in the settlement of the region by the United States between 1850 and 1900 followed by smaller waves of migration by Irish Americans from other states into Kansas since 1900. Irish Kansans experienced many of the state’s most historic early moments, and many more helped build the cities and towns that dot the Kansas countryside, creating new homes and communities on the prairies.  Visit our Kansas Irish History at State Historian’s Report — Kansas AOH State Board

The Kansas Hibernians currently have 3 divisions residing in Johnson County (Fr. Bernard Donnelly Division), Leavenworth County (Fr. Thomas Butler Division), and Reno County (Fr. Sean O’Shea Division).  We are proactively seeking new members and soon we will be launching new divisions in target communities such as Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence, Salina and Atchison.  

Who can Join?

We invite men who are Catholics of Irish birth or descent to 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! (God and Mary be with you)

Take the First Step Today!
Join the AOH Now

Why Join the AOH?

 

Irish Culture – Whether marching in parades, participating in Irish festivals, or preserving our shared history, we honor the rich traditions of Ireland in Kansas.

Catholic Faith – The AOH fosters a community of Catholic men dedicated to prayer, service, and devotion. Whether through leading public prayer or supporting parish initiatives, we live our faith in action.

 Community Involvement – Giving back is at the heart of who we are. Our members volunteer, support charitable causes, and uphold the values of Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity in everything we do.

 Friendships Fostered – The AOH is a brotherhood, uniting men across Kansas and the country who share a common heritage and values.

 Quick Facts

• National Convention held on even years attended by more than 1,500 Hibernians
• National and State Websites outlining our Bylaws, Board Officers, Committees – go to www.aoh.org or www.aohkansasboard.org
• AOH Charities – The Hibernian Charity Appeal is our primary vehicle for individual members to contribute to our charity programs. These programs include– Saint Patrick Centre Young
  Ambassador Program; Project Saint Patrick; Project Saint Patrick Ireland; Hibernian
  Hunger Projects; Hibernian Disaster Relief; and Study Abroad scholarships. In addition our signature initiative is supporting Freedom for all Ireland.

As set out in our Constitution, one of the purposes of the Ancient Order of Hibernians is to “To foster the ideas and perpetuate the history and traditions of the Irish people.” In recognition of that duty, the National AOH Convention of July 2004, unanimously adopted a resolution that endorsed Project Irish-American Heritage Month.

Our Fr. Donnelly Division, Johnson County, Honor Guard, proudly marches on St. Patrick’s Day festivities in over 5 parades throughout Kansas as well as presenting colors at Veteran parades, ceremonies and sporting events while promoting our Irish heritage.

Largest Irish Road Bowling event in the Midwest !

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Join Your Irish Brothers Today !