It's a subject that's virtually taboo to moviemakers. Studios believe audiences wouldn't want to watch a story about such a grim historical period. But even though the events took place long ago, they remain a matter of vital concern to people throughout the world. Many books are written about the subject. Activists lobby for it to be taught in schools. Eventually, filmmakers … [Read more...] about Where’s the Great Film on The Great Hunger?
The Great Hunger
New York Rock Band: Black 47
Irish America speaks to Larry Kirwan about the Irish Famine's Musical Legacy.Think of any major event in Irish history and a song or two will spring to mind that describes the emotions of a people. Except, that is, for the Great Famine, which left its sufferers at a loss for words to describe their anguish and devastation. With the exception of “Skibbereen,” the musical … [Read more...] about New York Rock Band: Black 47
Hunger Memorials in America
Some crimes are so terrible, an affront to humanity, that they are impossible to capture in a memorial. But it could be said that memorials are for the living, not for the dead, a way to comfort the survivors, a way to redeem the suffering through beauty, and a reminder that we have to care for the hungry citizens in the world today. New YorkThousands suffering in Ireland made … [Read more...] about Hunger Memorials in America
Education and Debate
Maureen Murphy and Martin Mullin talk to Irish America about teaching American students about the Great Hunger. It has been nearly ten years since New York State released a new human rights curriculum, which would include alongside its existing subjects of the North American slave trade and the European Holocaust: the Great Irish Famine. Dr. Maureen Murphy, a professor at … [Read more...] about Education and Debate
How the Irish Famine Changed American History
IA Newsletter March 25, 2023
Niall O'Dowd, Irish America's publisher, was the guest of honor at the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's 239th-anniversary dinner in New York City on March 16, 2023. In his speech to the over 600 members and guests, he talked about the history of the Irish in America – from the early days when they were the first wave of poor refugees to arrive in the U.S. – to how they went on to … [Read more...] about How the Irish Famine Changed American History