Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial Committee

Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial Committee is a non-profit organization dedicated to commemorating the Great Famine that occurred in Ireland from 1845 to 1852, resulting in the deaths of over a million people, including those who perished on Coffin Ships while fleeing to North America. The committee's efforts are inspired by the work of Irish diaspora organizations, such as the Irish Famine Memorial in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Canada Ireland Foundation. The committee's mission is also informed by the experiences of Irish-American communities, including those in New York City and Chicago, Illinois, who have worked to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Ireland.

● History

The Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial Committee was established in 1997 by a group of Irish-American community leaders, including John F. Kennedy's nephew, Joseph P. Kennedy II, and Boston College professor, Thomas H. O'Connor. The committee's founding was influenced by the 150th anniversary of the Great Famine, which was marked by commemorations and events across Ireland, United States, and Canada, including the Irish Famine Memorial in Quebec City. The committee's early efforts were supported by organizations such as the Irish American Cultural Institute and the National Museum of Ireland, and were inspired by the work of historians like Cecil Woodham-Smith and Robert Kee.

● Purpose

The purpose of the Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial Committee is to educate the public about the Great Famine and its impact on Ireland and the Irish diaspora, including the experiences of Irish immigrants in Rhode Island and other parts of New England. The committee achieves this goal through a variety of initiatives, including the development of educational materials, such as the Irish Famine Curriculum used in Providence Public Schools, and the organization of events, such as the annual Irish Famine Memorial Lecture at Brown University, which has featured speakers like Mary Robinson and Garret FitzGerald. The committee also collaborates with other organizations, such as the Irish Heritage Trail and the New England Irish Cultural Center, to promote a greater understanding of Irish history and culture.

● Membership

The Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial Committee is composed of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including Irish-American community leaders, historians, and educators, such as Noel Ignatiev and James M. O'Toole. The committee's members are drawn from across Rhode Island, including Providence, Rhode Island, Newport, Rhode Island, and Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and are affiliated with organizations like the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Daughters of Erin. The committee's membership also includes representatives from local universities, such as University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College, and from cultural institutions, such as the Museum of Work and Culture and the Providence Athenaeum.

● Memorial Design

The Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial Committee oversaw the design and construction of a memorial to the victims of the Great Famine in Riverwalk Park in Providence, Rhode Island. The memorial, which was dedicated in 2007, features a series of granite stones and a bronze sculpture, designed by artist Ronnie Rooney, and was inspired by the work of other Irish Famine memorials, such as the Irish Famine Memorial in Dublin and the National Famine Memorial in Murrisk, County Mayo. The memorial's design was influenced by the committee's consultations with historians, such as Tim Pat Coogan and Christine Kinealy, and with community leaders, such as Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline.

● Dedication and Legacy

The Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial was dedicated on June 21, 2007, in a ceremony attended by dignitaries, including Irish Ambassador to the United States Noel Fahey, Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri, and Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline. The memorial has since become a significant landmark in Providence, Rhode Island, and a symbol of the city's Irish-American heritage, and has been recognized by organizations like the National Conference of Mayors and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The committee's efforts have also inspired similar initiatives in other parts of United States, including the Irish Famine Memorial in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and have contributed to a greater awareness of the Great Famine and its legacy, as reflected in the work of historians like Fergus Campbell and Mary Daly. The committee's legacy is also reflected in its collaborations with other organizations, such as the Irish Famine Commemoration Committee and the National Irish Famine Museum, to promote a greater understanding of Irish history and culture. Category:Irish-American organizations