About the AOH
Ancient Order Of Hibernians
John P. Holland Division  #2                                                                               
P.O. Box 682                                                                                                                      
New London Connecticut 06320
Sean Moore President

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


What is the Ancient Order of Hibernians In America

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic, Irish American Fraternal Organization founded
in New York City 4 May,1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a parent organization, of
the same name, which has existed in Ireland for over 300 years. However, while the
organizations share a common thread, the North American A.O.H. is a separate and much
larger organization.

The Order evolved from a need in the early sixteen hundreds to protect the lives of priests who
risked immediate death to keep the Catholic Faith alive in occupied Ireland after the reign of
England's King Henry VIII. When England Implemented its dreaded Penal Laws in Ireland,
various secret social societies were formed across the country. These groups worked to aid
and comfort the people by whatever means available. Similarly, the Ancient Order of
Hibernians in America was founded May 4th, 1836 at New Yorks St. James Church, to protect
the clergy, and church Property from the "Know Nothings" and their followers. At the same
time the vast influx of Irish Immigrants fleeing famine issues in Ireland in the late 1840's,
prompted a growth of various social societies in the USA - the largest of which was, and
continues to be, the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Active across the United States, The Order seeks to aid the newly arrived Irish, both socially,
politically. The many Divisions and club facilities located throughout the U.S. traditionaly had
been among the first to welcome new Irish Americans. Here, the Irish culture -- art, dance,
music, and sports are fostered and preserved. The new comers can meet some of "their own"
and are introduced to the social atmosphere of the Irish-American community. The AOH has
been at the political forefront for issues concerning the Irish, such as; Immigration Reform;
economic Incentives both here and in Ireland; the human rights issues addressed in the
MacBride Legislation; Right-To-Life; and a peaceful and just solution to the issues that divide
Ireland.

The Order has also provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those Irish-Americans who
are generations removed from their country of origin. Many A.O.H. Divisions bring children
from the North of Ireland under Project Children or other programs. The Order sponsors
many programs associated with promoting our Irish Heritage, such as, one year overseas
study scholarships at Irish Universities and the Irish Way Program. Irish Studies programs at
American universities and scholarship at universities, like Notre Dame, are also sponsored by
the Order.

You may further seek admittance to the FINEST Irish Catholic Organization in the World -- all
we would ask is for you to live our motto of:


"Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity"