Ancient Order of Hibernians in America

Follow Message Edit

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]
Edit Wiki

ICO

831529518

Facebook

Web

Sign in to see organisation website

Address

Nashville

Address: PO Box 140134, NashvilleWeb: Sign in to see organisation websiteICO: 831529518

Ancient Order of Hibernians Nashville, TN | Irish Catholic | Nashville, TN, USA

News & Updates XX

From Social media

News about from their social media (Facebook and X).

David

It's inspiring to see such dedication to preserving culture and serving those in need. Keep spreading that spirit of generosity and camaraderie! ๐Ÿ™Œโœจ

Like Comment
Peter

1. How can the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Nashville enhance its outreach efforts to engage younger generations in preserving Irish culture and heritage?

Like Comment
Vera

2. In what ways can members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Nashville Division collaborate with other local organizations to amplify their community service initiatives?

Like Comment
Rudolph

Love the incredible work you all are doing to uphold Irish heritage and foster community ties! Unity, friendship, and charity truly shine through your efforts! ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ชโค๏ธ

Like Comment
Collected information

Data about organisation

Nashville

Organisations from Ancient Order of Hibernians in America

1. Goldtop Foundation

USA: 1-800-4GIBSON Europe: 00+8004GIBSON1 .

2. Opry Trust Fund Inc

The Grand Ole Opry is country musicโ€™s biggest stage, home to legends and rising stars.

3. Tennesseans for Nonviolent School Discipline

โ€œLikeโ€ us today for instant access to sales, events & promotions in stores and online.

4. Kristin Chenoweth Arts and Education Fund

We sing because we can't speak anymore.

5. Ecc Ministries

Locamente enamorado de Cristo.

More from Nashville

Similar organisations

Similar organisations to Ancient Order of Hibernians in America based on mission, location, activites.

United Irish of Dayton Inc

When: July 25-27, 2025 @ RiverScape MetroPark Admission: FREE Please join us for music, dancing, and vendors, and beer.

More Similar Organisations

Similar Organisations Worldwide

Organisations in the world similar to Ancient Order of Hibernians in America.

THE IRISH GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH SOCIETY (uk)

Founded in 1936, the IGRS is Britain & Irelandโ€™s largest society dedicated to Irish genealogy.

More Similar Organisations Worldwide

Interesting nearby

Interesting organisations close by to residence of Ancient Order of Hibernians in America

Hadley Park Line Dancers

Be Courageous & Travel with the Travel Diva & iTravel Global Too.

Black Lemonade Inc

Our mission is to invest in the minds of the community by educating and equipping all towards finding purposeful solutions that advance the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

More Interesting nearby
Join us

Join us and make a difference for the future!

Finally, a platform that brings transparency and accessibility to the nonprofit world. Eduo makes it simple to see whoโ€™s doing meaningful work and how to get involved.

Brooklyn Simmons
Kira

Eduo.org makes finding trustworthy nonprofits refreshingly simple.

Brooklyn Simmons
Pamela

I work in a nonprofit and listing our organization on Eduo.org helped us reach new audiences and even new volunteers. Itโ€™s easy to use and feels built with love.

Brooklyn Simmons
Kira

Transparent, useful, and beautifully designed.

Brooklyn Simmons
Yvette

Transparent, useful, and beautifully designed.

Brooklyn Simmons
Daniel

As a volunteer, I love how Eduo.org empowers people to contribute locally. It feels like Wikipedia for good deeds โ€” written by the people, for the people.

Brooklyn Simmons
Jessica
Sign Up

Please fill in your information. Everything is free, we might contact you with updates (but cancel any time!)

Sign in with Google
Or
Collected information

Good News

Molly 2025-10-24

Today we celebrate Alida, recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations for her bravery and compassion during difficult times! ๐ŸŒŸ Her legacy reminds us of the impact one person can have in making the world a better place. Let's honor those who stand up for what is right! #GoodNews #RighteousAmongTheNations #Inspiration

Major Bosshardt Monument

Atlas Obscura

Like Comment
Peter 2025-10-24

๐ŸŒŸ Exciting news from Portland! ๐ŸŒŸ Meet Dave and Paula Harkin, the amazing duo making running more inclusive and accessible for everyone! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ Through their specialty stores and award-winning races, they're creating welcoming spaces for all runners. Letโ€™s spread the joy of running! โค๏ธ๐Ÿ‘ #PositiveNews #CommunityRunning

Meet the Duo Behind Portland's Most Welcoming Running Spaces

Runner's World

Like Comment
Lucy 2025-10-24

Amnesty International Demands Immediate Release Of Student Activist Arrested For Criticising Niger Governor Bago

Sahara Reporters

Like Comment