Irish American Archives Society

The Irish American Archives Society (IAAS) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Irish American experience, particularly in northeast Ohio. Founded in 1994 by Dr. Thomas F. Campbell, a professor of history at Cleveland State University, the IAAS works to collect and preserve archival materials related to the Irish community in the region[1][2].

Mission

The core mission of the IAAS is to document and celebrate the contributions of individuals and families of Irish descent to the social, cultural, and economic development of northeast Ohio. This includes supporting research, organizing educational events, and maintaining partnerships with other cultural and historical institutions[1][2].

Activities and Initiatives

• Partnership with Western Reserve Historical Society: IAAS has partnered with the Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS), which is the leading repository in Ohio for ethnic studies. This collaboration has led to the acquisition and cataloging of numerous archival collections related to the Irish American community[1].

• Walks of Life Awards: Since 1997, the IAAS has annually honored outstanding individuals of Irish heritage from Cleveland and northeast Ohio through the Walks of Life Awards. These awards recognize achievements across various fields such as business, justice, education, and philanthropy[2].

• Community Outreach and Education: The IAAS engages in community outreach through public events, a newsletter, and a podcast series titled "Finding Home." The podcast explores the history and cultural heritage of the Irish in Cleveland[4].

Accomplishments

The IAAS has accomplished several notable projects, including the publication of a commemorative book on Cleveland's St. Patrick's Day Parade and the commissioning of a sculpture honoring boxer Johnny Kilbane[1]. Additionally, IAAS has contributed to the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History by documenting the biographies of deceased Walks of Life honorees[4].