Interested in Joining?
*
The
Current membership is around 200 Men and Women consisting of Full Members
and Associate Members. To be a full voting member, you must be a Male of
Irish descent over 16 years of age and a practicing Catholic. Everyone else
is welcome as an associate member of the organization. Dues of $40.00 per
year is assessed by the National AOH, State and County Boards to promote
their causes of concern and help preserve the Irish heritage. To join the
Ancient Order of Hibernians, please fill out one of the applications listed
and drop off at the AOH.
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 York's
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. traditionally have been among
the first to welcome new Irish Americans. Here, the Irish culture -- art,
dance, music, and sports are fostered and preserved. The newcomers 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 who are generations removed from our country. The AOH sponsors many
of the programs associated with promoting our Irish Heritage such as the IRISH
WAY PROGRAM.
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". Dia 's Muire dhuit!
Full
Membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc. is confined to men 16
years and older who are practical Roman Catholics of Irish birth or descent
and who are citizens of United States of America or who have declared their
intentions to become citizens of the United States of America. Anyone else is welcome as an associate
member of the organization.
To join the Ancient Order of Hibernians
please fill out one of the applications listed above and drop off at the
AOH.
