What is the Ancient Order of
Hibernians In America?
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:
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"Friendship,
Unity, and Christian Charity".
Dia 's Muire dhuit!
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Interested in Joining?
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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.
To Request information
about joining the Ancient Order of Hibernians please follow the
following Instructions:
1. Check to see if there is an
AOH Division in your area.
Click Here.
Here are some links to AOH sites on Long Island:
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John P. McGuinness-Richard Fitzsimons Division 14, Rockville
Centre, NY
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Mike Moran
Division 8, Nassau Co, Glen Cove, NY
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Suffolk County Board
- AOH
Division 2, Suffolk Co, Babylon, NY
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Joseph and Mary Thompson Division 5, Patchogue, NY
- Fr.
Francis Fitzgerald Division 8, Centereach, Suffolk County,
NY
2. If there is
an AOH Division in your area please contact them directly.
3. If there is not
an AOH Division in your state then please send us an E-mail with
the following information:
- Name
- Are you Catholic?
- Are you Irish by birth or
descent?
- Address
- Telephone Number
- E-Mail Address (if different
than sending email address)
- Closest Major City
Click to Send Membership
Information.
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