Irish Railroad Workers Museum

05/28/2021

Memorial Day is a time of reflection, and we invite you to consider the sacrifices made by one Irish parish during World War II. At least 900 went off to war to defeat tyranny, and a careful look shows asterisks next to the names of those from St. Martin's parish who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless their memory, and that of a West Baltimore parish who was generous to the poor at home as well.

Memorial Day is a time of reflection, and we invite you to consider the sacrifices made by one Irish parish during World War II. At least 900 went off to war to defeat tyranny, and a careful look shows asterisks next to the names of those from St. Martin's parish who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless their memory, and that of a West Baltimore parish who was generous to the poor at home as well.

05/17/2021

The Irish Railroad Workers Museum was dedicated on June 17, 2002 amidst fanfare and celebration. The Museum charter was established in 1997 by a core group of dedicated founders who had a vision of what we might become. We now have thousands of friends who follow us via social media, snail mail and most recently through our successful Zoom events and fully revamped, glorious new web site. These developments are thrilling to be a part of, but are centered on the work of our founders many years ago, including Judge Tom Ward (pictured). We've loved all the new developments, but really miss those earliest works that were impossible during the pandemic. We are SO excited that the days are coming closer when we can welcome visitors to the Museum, hold special in-person events and take a walking tour of the neighborhood. We just gotta get back to talking up a storm, in-person....getting excited!

The Irish Railroad Workers Museum was dedicated on June 17, 2002 amidst fanfare and celebration. The Museum charter was established in 1997 by a core group of dedicated founders who had a vision of what we might become. We now have thousands of friends who follow us via social media, snail mail and most recently through our successful Zoom events and fully revamped, glorious new web site. These developments are thrilling to be a part of, but are centered on the work of our founders many years ago, including Judge Tom Ward (pictured). We've loved all the new developments, but really miss those earliest works that were impossible during the pandemic. We are SO excited that the days are coming closer when we can welcome visitors to the Museum, hold special in-person events and take a walking tour of the neighborhood. We just gotta get back to talking up a storm, in-person....getting excited!

05/03/2021

We're so thankful for some momentum towards normalcy in our state and nation, and continue to use creative methods to keep things going. Generosity of Museum friends has brought things our way, and we welcome your raffle entry on "Basket Two": Two Irish teapots ("Blarney Stone" and "Shamrock"), pair of cups and saucers, Irish tea, $50 Amazon Gift Card, Waterford Picnic Kit, a nice collection of Irish towels, t-cloth and assorted napkins, 6 wine glasses/carafe/bottle wine, Inis lotion, Irish vase and Bell, "So You Think You are Irish" book. Raffle entries are welcome in the events section of our new, glorious web site...www.irishshrine.org. Entries are welcome through 5/14...give it a shot, friends! $10 a 'ticket", and you might win a collection valued at $275.

We're so thankful for some momentum towards normalcy in our state and nation, and continue to use creative methods to keep things going. Generosity of Museum friends has brought things our way, and we welcome your raffle entry on "Basket Two": Two Irish teapots ("Blarney Stone" and "Shamrock"), pair of cups and saucers, Irish tea, $50 Amazon Gift Card, Waterford Picnic Kit, a nice collection of Irish towels, t-cloth and assorted napkins, 6 wine glasses/carafe/bottle wine, Inis lotion, Irish vase and Bell, "So You Think You are Irish" book. Raffle entries are welcome in the events section of our new, glorious web site...www.irishshrine.org. Entries are welcome through 5/14...give it a shot, friends! $10 a 'ticket", and you might win a collection valued at $275.

04/26/2021

Thanks to each who were part of our time with Irish historical novelist P.D. St. Claire (photo, right) on Saturday. We enjoyed the presentation by the author on the realities of being an Irish American as he weaved his way through the characters found in his excellent trilogy of books. Are you interested in buying his boxed set? Attractive, and well priced...check it out on https://www.theswampoodletrilogy.com/irish-trilogy-gift-set .

Thanks to each who were part of our time with Irish historical novelist P.D. St. Claire (photo, right) on Saturday. We enjoyed the presentation by the author on the realities of being an Irish American as he weaved his way through the characters found in his excellent trilogy of books. Are you interested in buying his boxed set? Attractive, and well priced...check it out on https://www.theswampoodletrilogy.com/irish-trilogy-gift-set .

04/21/2021

We hope you can join us for our time with Irish historical novelist P.D. St. Claire this Saturday, April 24 at 11:00. He will present from his poignant writings about the Irish immigrant experience, with a special emphasis on his trilogy series of books that has inspired many to consider their own heritage. Register for this Zoom event on our web page.
The author has kindly offered the trilogy itself (pictured) as a gift to the Museum and our fundraising efforts. It's wonderful reading and a fine gift. Get your own copy by hitting the "Donate" button on our web page (www.irishshrine.org). These are $60 if we can meet you for the handoff in the Baltimore area, or $70 with shipping. We will follow up with you once we see your donation on our web site...easy enough.

04/02/2021

Baltimore's Irish Catholics flooded churches such as St. Peter the Apostle when major celebrations were in order, and never more so than at Easter. Their church was a remarkable place of worship and intellectual development due to the leadership of Rev. Edward McColgan, a County Donegal native who served as pastor for 56 years. His ministry among the mostly modest railroading community had a strong emphasis on education and temperance, but also used great music to lift both spirits and intellect. While predominantly an Irish parish, classical music was a vital part of worship at the church on Easter Sunday, 1871. Choir, piano and organ were featured as the musicians performed Mozart Mass No. 12, featuring several soloists under the direction of A.C. Bokman, accompanied by organist Mrs. A. E. Polzer. It is worth considering that this musical celebration was taken in by those who were among the poorest of a desperate Ireland just a generation earlier. Laborers, wives and children were uplifted by those in leadership at the Church, who were part of a transformation of an immigrant people who became essential in the development of a young America....one hundred fifty years ago.

04/02/2021

Thanks to so many who attended our most recent Zoom presentation: "Frederick Douglass in Ireland". His remarkable visit was capably described by historian Bill Barry. There was a super addition to our time: 3 representatives from the "Douglass Week Team" from Cork, Ireland. Kristen Leary, Sarah McCready and Caroline Schroeter told us all about the remarkable remembrances of Douglass in Ireland itself, and invited our Zoomers to reach back their way via their web site: www.douglassincork.com . Frankly, lots of us got excited about future possibilities in remembering the former slave, abolitionist and civil rights leader in America, which at least one attendee thought should naturally be centered in Baltimore, MD...although there was some energy going towards it being in New York. Anyway, be sure you reach out to this group and their vibrant web site, and thanks to all who attended, including Liam from County Clare.

Thanks to so many who attended our most recent Zoom presentation: "Frederick Douglass in Ireland". His remarkable visit was capably described by historian Bill Barry. There was a super addition to our time: 3 representatives from the "Douglass Week Team" from Cork, Ireland. Kristen Leary, Sarah McCready and Caroline Schroeter told us all about the remarkable remembrances of Douglass in Ireland itself, and invited our Zoomers to reach back their way via their web site: www.douglassincork.com . Frankly, lots of us got excited about future possibilities in remembering the former slave, abolitionist and civil rights leader in America, which at least one attendee thought should naturally be centered in Baltimore, MD...although there was some energy going towards it being in New York. Anyway, be sure you reach out to this group and their vibrant web site, and thanks to all who attended, including Liam from County Clare.

03/26/2021

Join us for our first Raffle Basket of 2021!

Museum friends give generously to our St. Patrick's Day Kickoff Party's annual Silent Auction...alas, not possible during Covid. No matter; we're raffling off Joan's "A Wee Bit Irish" basket items.
The Winner will receive:

A large Tullamore Dew sign ($10 Value)
$50 Gift Card from Looney's Pub (5 locations)
Jameson 750 ml ($30 value)
Brady's Irish Cream 750 ml ($12 value)
Bailey's Salted Caramel Liqueur 750 ml ($26 value)
Irish Theme Coffee Mug ($16 value)
Patrick "O' Santa" musical figurine ( $10 value)
Pair of Irish cozies ($5 value)
Four Ceramic Budweiser Steins (Christmas Series) $60 value
1 Irish Music CD ($ 5 Value)
Set of "Irish Bar Towels" ($14 value)

a $238 package...take a $10 chance as we raffle it off on our
Web Site (www.irishshrine.org )

Winner announced on 4-16; we'll meet you in the Baltimore area for the hand-off!

03/20/2021

Thanks to all who attended today's excellent Zoom event on Cardinal Gibbons, as we marked the 100th anniversary of his passing. We had many interesting questions for presenter Mark Holan towards the end, with several wondering about the Cardinal's anti-prohibition and anti-women's suffrage stances. We cannot share the presentation with you, but Museum friend Kathleen O'Reilly shared this letter from Cardinal Gibbons to Mrs. Robert Garrett on the subject of suffrage. Thanks to Kathleen!

Thanks to all who attended today's excellent Zoom event on Cardinal Gibbons, as we marked the 100th anniversary of his passing. We had many interesting questions for presenter Mark Holan towards the end, with several wondering about the Cardinal's anti-prohibition and anti-women's suffrage stances. We cannot share the presentation with you, but Museum friend Kathleen O'Reilly shared this letter from Cardinal Gibbons to Mrs. Robert Garrett on the subject of suffrage. Thanks to Kathleen!

03/15/2021

Join us as we welcome author Mark Holan to the Museum's next Zoom event, titled "James Cardinal Gibbons: American, Churchman & Irishman".
Mark gave us a preview of his talk in the recent addition of the Catholic Review : "Before his death the week after St. Patrick’s Day in 1921, Cardinal James Gibbons helped send humanitarian aid to war-ravaged Ireland, concluding a lifelong commitment to the country.

Born in Baltimore in 1834, Gibbons’ Irish immigrant parents three years later moved the family back to their native County Mayo. There, in Ballinrobe, the future cardinal lived his teen years during the Great Famine, as one million Irish died of hunger and disease and twice as many emigrated from the island, many to America."

We look forward to Mark's presentation this coming Saturday, 3/20/21 at 11:00. Registration is required on our web site: www.irishshrine.org .

03/13/2021

What a remarkable year at our Museum! We were all set to hold several events in 2020, including a repeat performance of our successful Children's Event (photo from 2019), when all this broke loose. Sure we were shocked; but undaunted. Leaders from our Board of Directors and Staff went all-in to keep our Museum active and relevant, despite the realities of Covid-19. We've published 65 (really) issues of our "Big Pivot" series of historical articles, originally sent out to our email list. A canceled in-person Irish Language class has turned into the wind coming from Zoom, and eight courses have been held. A GLORIOUS new web site has been launched, and has been received enthusiastically by family and friends. We are also continuing a series of Zoom presentations, both in public and private settings. It's been an exciting year, and old dogs have learned some new tricks. Thanks to so many for your continued support!

What a remarkable year at our Museum! We were all set to hold several events in 2020, including a repeat performance of our successful Children's Event (photo from 2019), when all this broke loose. Sure we were shocked; but undaunted. Leaders from our Board of Directors and Staff went all-in to keep our Museum active and relevant, despite the realities of Covid-19. We've published 65 (really) issues of our "Big Pivot" series of historical articles, originally sent out to our email list. A canceled in-person Irish Language class has turned into the wind coming from Zoom, and eight courses have been held. A GLORIOUS new web site has been launched, and has been received enthusiastically by family and friends. We are also continuing a series of Zoom presentations, both in public and private settings. It's been an exciting year, and old dogs have learned some new tricks. Thanks to so many for your continued support!

03/05/2021

IRWM SPECIAL

VIRTUAL TIP JAR
paypal.me/aineodohertymusic
Venmo @ainemusic
Patreon.com/ainemusic

03/05/2021

We hope you can join us for our special live event tonight with musician Áine O’Doherty. We will begin about 6:40.

We hope you can join us for our special live event tonight with musician Áine O’Doherty. We will begin about 6:40.

03/04/2021

Join us tomorrow.....3-5-21! Aine' is a dear friend of the Museum, and a talented musician.

Join us tomorrow.....3-5-21! Aine' is a dear friend of the Museum, and a talented musician.

02/08/2021

Thanks to all who attempted to attend our most recent Zoom event: "Sound and Proclamation: Henry McShane and His Bells". It was hijacked, and we had to shut it down....but we will persevere. A few changes are going to be put in place to prevent that happening again, and we will have a re-do shortly...will keep you informed!

Thanks to all who attempted to attend our most recent Zoom event: "Sound and Proclamation: Henry McShane and His Bells". It was hijacked, and we had to shut it down....but we will persevere. A few changes are going to be put in place to prevent that happening again, and we will have a re-do shortly...will keep you informed!

02/01/2021

Vote for your favorite Young Leader | Irish Echo

Our board member, Conor Donnan, was listed as one of the 40 Under 40 Irish people by The Irish Echo. Conor was nominated for his work with our museum and his research on Irish and Native American history. It is great to see our board members get recognized for their incredible work at the museum.

You can vote for him to be Cultural Champion at the link below:

https://www.irishecho.com/vote-for-your-favorite-young-leader/?fbclid=IwAR1m-B-1oTlNvijTP9PDhTkvQZyQCPEtDGhJMc0r0PRX0nNY3PQh7JwHY

Word to the wise: Over the weekend, we have detected votes coming in from email addresses which do not exist. You may be tempted to use bogus email addresses to vote for a friend. Please don’t do this as you are only embarrassing those you vote for and making a fool of yourself. All votes received...

01/29/2021

Thanks to all who continue following our email series, known as the "Big Pivot". We have sent out more than sixty issues to those on our email list, including one that featured Officer Daniel McBride and his horsemanship (Issue VIII, believe it or not). Friends send us photographs and narrations about their Irish heritage, and we turn them into writings where loved ones from the past are honored. How about you? You can join our email list on our web site www.irishshrine.org and send your memorabilia for our consideration at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

Thanks to all who continue following our email series, known as the "Big Pivot". We have sent out more than sixty issues to those on our email list, including one that featured Officer Daniel McBride and his horsemanship (Issue VIII, believe it or not). Friends send us photographs and narrations about their Irish heritage, and we turn them into writings where loved ones from the past are honored. How about you? You can join our email list on our web site www.irishshrine.org and send your memorabilia for our consideration at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

01/10/2021

Something great has been happening at the Museum, sort of. Our covid closure in March 2020 caused us to bring the Museum to you via our email series known as the "Big Pivot", and our writings have now had over 30,000 unique opens. One of our most tremendous issues will be coming out tomorrow morning, and we want to invite you to be a part of all this. Add your email address to our list...you can sign up on our web site www.irishshrine.org . This issue will be great, as we are learning about how the City of Baltimore and surrounding regions saved thousands of lives during the Great Hunger...maybe your ancestors and mine. Come join us!

Something great has been happening at the Museum, sort of. Our covid closure in March 2020 caused us to bring the Museum to you via our email series known as the "Big Pivot", and our writings have now had over 30,000 unique opens. One of our most tremendous issues will be coming out tomorrow morning, and we want to invite you to be a part of all this. Add your email address to our list...you can sign up on our web site www.irishshrine.org . This issue will be great, as we are learning about how the City of Baltimore and surrounding regions saved thousands of lives during the Great Hunger...maybe your ancestors and mine. Come join us!