Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH)
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is a fraternal organization founded in 1836 in the United States, primarily aimed at serving the interests and welfare of Americans of Irish descent. Its roots can be traced back to earlier associations in Ireland, though its specific origins remain somewhat unclear. The AOH promotes unity, friendship, Christian charity, and education among its members, fostering a sense of community among Irish Americans.
Throughout its history, the AOH has been involved in social issues, particularly during the late 1800s when it worked alongside secret societies to advocate for better working conditions and wages for Irish coal miners in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, this activism sometimes led to negative perceptions and unjust treatment of Irish Americans. In 1908, the organization adopted a unified constitution to further its mission.
The AOH is also committed to supporting efforts for the reunification of Ireland and Northern Ireland and has contributed significant funds to various charitable causes, including disaster relief and Catholic educational initiatives. Its headquarters are located in New York City, reflecting its longstanding presence and influence in the Irish American community.
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Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH)
The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America is a fraternal society of Roman Catholics founded in 1836 to promote the interests and welfare of Americans of Irish descent and to promote unity, friendship, Christian charity, and education among its members. Although it is claimed that the Hibernians were originally organized in Ireland in 1565, when Rory O’Moore set up a protective association to oppose the English in Ireland, the actual origins are unknown. The order in the United States was established in New York City under a charter sent by officers of the parent organization in Ireland. In the late 1800’s, secret Irish organizations associated with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, such as the Molly Maguires, encouraged Irish coal miners in Pennsylvania to protest low wages and poor working conditions. As a result, Irish Americans associated with secret societies were labeled as violent people and treated unjustly.
A unified constitution was adopted for the American order in 1908. The Ancient Order of Hibernians is dedicated to helping Ireland and Northern Ireland achieve reunification. The order has contributed millions of dollars for charitable purposes, including contributions to earthquake victims, as well as substantial amounts of money to Catholic educational and religious efforts. Headquarters of the American order are in New York City.
Bibliography
Ancient Order of Hibernians. Ancient Order of Hibernians, 2015. Web. 7 Apr. 2015.
Carpenter, Deana. "Ancient Order of Hibernians Busy All Year -- Not Just on St. Patrick’s Day." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. PG Publishing, 13 Mar. 2015. Web. 7 Apr. 2015.
Cassidy, Nicole. "Ancient Order of Hibernians." Culture, Politics, and History. Vol. 2 of Ireland and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History. Ed. James P. Byrne, Philip Coleman, and Jason King. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2008. 61–64. Print.
Kenny, Kevin. "Ten Things to Understand about the Molly Maguires." OUPblog. Oxford University Press, 18 Dec. 2013. Web. 7 Apr. 2015.
Krivda Poxon, Marita J. "Ancient Order of Hibernians." Irish Americans: The History and Culture of a People. Ed. William E. Watson and Eugene Halus Jr. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2015. 171–72. Print.