The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America

The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (AOH) is a Roman Catholic Irish-American fraternal organization founded in 1836. It is dedicated to promoting the interests and welfare of Americans of Irish descent, as well as fostering friendship, unity, and Christian charity among its members.

History

The AOH was established on May 4, 1836, at St. James Church in New York City, in the vicinity of the old Five Points neighborhood. A branch was formed the same year in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Though the order traces its roots to earlier associations in Ireland, including claims of origins dating as far back as 1565 with Rory O'Moore's protective association against English rule, its true beginnings remain somewhat obscure.

During the late 19th century, the AOH experienced significant growth. By 1897, the order had approximately 40,000 members, primarily concentrated in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan. The order's activities were initially secretive, and its members played key roles in defending Catholic institutions, such as preventing the burning of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in New York from anti-Catholic Know Nothing mobs in 1850.

In the 1860s and 1870s, the AOH's lodges in Pennsylvania were infiltrated by the Molly Maguires, a secret society of coal miners involved in labor activism and, at times, violence. The AOH officially condemned the criminal activities of the Molly Maguires during its national convention in 1876 and subsequently reorganized its Pennsylvania branches to distance itself from such associations.

Organizational Development

A unified constitution for the American order was adopted in 1908, clarifying the order's mission to promote Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity and to support aged, sick, blind, and infirm members, along with advancing the principles of Irish nationality. The order has maintained a strong commitment to Irish nationalism, including supporting the cause of Irish reunification.

Charitable Work and Mission

The Ancient Order of Hibernians has contributed millions of dollars for charitable purposes, including aid to earthquake victims and substantial support for Catholic educational and religious efforts. It functions both as a fraternal society and a charitable organization, emphasizing the welfare of its members and the broader Irish-American community.

Today, the AOH continues to serve as a prominent cultural and charitable organization, headquartered historically in New York City, with active divisions across the United States.

See Also

• Irish-American history
• Fraternal organizations
• Irish nationalism

References

• EBSCO Research Starters on Ancient Order of Hibernians[1]
• Wikipedia: Ancient Order of Hibernians[2]
• AOH History[4]
• New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia: Ancient Order of Hibernians[5]