New York’s Irish bonds were celebrated in November at the renaming ceremony of a municipal stairway in Maspeth, Queens. The step-street, now officially “Easter Rising Way,” overlooks Calvary Cemetery, the final resting place of many Irish Americans native to the area. Also visible is the Fenian Monument, erected by the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood in 1907 to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the 1867 Fenian Rising. The Brotherhood would go on to be involved in planning the 1916 Easter Rising.
“As Easter Rising Way ascends, this staircase symbolizes the struggle of Irish people who fought for freedom and peace for centuries,” said Irish American congresswoman Elizabeth Crowley (who proposed the renaming) during her speech at the ceremony, which was also attended by City Councilman Danny Dromm, Consul General of Ireland Barbara Jones, and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.
“There would not have been an Easter Rising in Ireland without the support and inspiration of people from this very state,” added Consul General Jones. “We’re getting better at remembering. What we choose to remember is really vital in this uncertain world.” ♦
New York City Street Renamed for Easter Rising
I am writing the story of the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood Veterans Association and their sponsorship of the so-called Fenian Memorial. I have the early history, but am also interested in the history since its dedication in 1907. I am writing the article for the New York Irish History journal.
I know Gerry Adams visited it when he still had black hair. Can you provide me any info?