The Boston Irish: History & Cultural Heritage

By Sean Howley

Many left Ireland on famine ships and settled in many major cities throughout the Northeast of America

Cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, New York and Chicago were some of the cities with huge Irish population

Irish-AmericanBarack Obama, Grace Kelly and John F Kennedy (originally from Boston) are all Irish-

American

The Boston Irish

The Irish influence was felt dramatically in Boston giving the social, religious and political culture of the city

Today Irish culture is enjoyed and appreciated by Boston residents and visitors alike

Examples of Irish heritage in Boston

Interviews

Marty Walsh

Why did you come to Boston? How long have you lived here?

How do you identify yourself as Irish American?

Give a few examples of how you engage with Irish culture in Boston?

Are you a member of any Irish American historical societies?

How can the Irish engage with the diaspora?

What do you know about the history of the Irish in Boston?

Key texts

Taking the Boat by Brendan McGowan The Boston Irish: A political

History by Thomas O’Connor

Irish Boston: A lively look at

Bostons colourful Irish past by

Michael Quinlan

JFK Library & Museum

Irish Famine Memorial

Irish Heritage Trail

Cultural Heritage

Irish Cultural Centre Boston

St Patricks Day Parade Boston

The EndAny questions or comments???