Our History

Look back at the vibrant events, expert presenters, musicians, and cultural keepers who bring our shared heritage to life.

June 2026

Alan Delozier: Irish and New Jersey Impact on America's Founding

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, a presentation on the profound impact of Irish immigrants on the nation's founding including the 17th and 18th-century conditions in Ireland that sparked mass migration, the growth of early Irish settlements in New Jersey, and how Irish bravery directly influenced the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War victory. Alan holds a Doctor of Arts & Letters from Drew University, a Masters in History from Villanova University, and serves as the Humanities Librarian at Seton Hall University and as New Jersey State Historian for the AOH. Alan is author of a chapter in The Irish-American Experience in New Jersey and Metropolitan New York and of the book Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark from the Images in America series.

May 2026

Aideen O'Donnell: Songs & Stories on the Irish Harp

An evening of enchanting music and history with acclaimed Dublin-born harpist and vocalist Aideen O’Donnell, blending elegant melodies with the  fascinating history of Ireland's national emblem.  A native of Dublin and a two-time All-Ireland Harp Competition winner,  Aideen has performed on world-class stages including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and NJPAC and shared the stage with legends like Sir James Galway and Anthony Kearns. She directs the O'Donnell School of Music in Chatham, NJ.

March 2026

Rath deHoust: Placenames in Ireland and their Irish Language Roots

Well known Irish language instructor for Daltaí na Gaeilge, Brookdale  College and the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, Rath shared the legends and stories behind some of the most common places in  Ireland. Rath has over 20 years of experience teaching the Irish language and travels to Ireland annually to study with native speakers  in the Gaeltacht. 

January 2026

Tim Cunningham, PhD: Human rights and the Architecture of Conflict

Based on his recently-released book, Human Rights  and the Architecture of Conflict, which exposes Britain’s use of urban  design as a form of social control during The Troubles.  A native of  County Armagh, Northern Ireland, who now resides at the Jersey Shore,  

Dr. Cunningham is a human rights advocate, researcher, and author.g