The Irish American Heritage Center Proudly Announces
The Irish American Hall of Fame
“In establishing the Irish American Hall of Fame, the Irish American Heritage Center honors a tradition as old as Ireland itself. We have always remembered our heroes. The Book of the Hy Many, The Kelly’s Book, housed in the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin, contains a list of chieftains and their deeds and then comes a section headed with a phrase that meant 'Let us praise famous women.' Now the Irish American Hall of Fame will carry out this Irish injunction and praise renowned men and women in a permanent and beautiful way.
"The members of the Hall of Fame will inspire us with a wide range of Irish American achievements. These politicians and poets, educators and entertainers, religious leaders, musicians, athletes, innovators and entrepreneurs connect us to the deep down things that have sustained the Irish through the generations. Let us now praise famous men and women.”
-- Mary Pat Kelly, author, Galway Bay
The Irish American Heritage Center (IAHC) reaches a significant milestone in 2010-2011. The year 2010-11 marks the anniversary of both the creation of the dream of the Irish American Heritage Center in 1976 and the purchase of our building in 1985. Over the course of the history of the IAHC, significant initiatives have been undertaken to secure the future of Irish cultural heritage in Chicago. To date, these initiatives have rightly manifested in “hammers and nails” projects that have provided a sense of “place” for the preservation of Irish culture.
As the Irish American Heritage Center looks toward the future, new initiatives will be explored with an eye toward continuing the mission of preserving Irish culture, heritage and tradition. The Irish American Hall of Fame is the next big initiative. The Hall of Fame will preserve the story and history of individuals who through their leadership, work and vision contributed to the success of the Irish in America, the preservation of Irish culture in America and in Ireland and the continued strengthening of the bond between Ireland and America.
Take a moment to ponder the many contributions by Irish Americans in so many areas of society. Then take the time to nominate one or more of these outstanding Irish Americans so they can be rightfully recognized, perhaps by induction into the Irish American Hall of Fame.
Be sure to visit the “Our Story” section of our website for information and inspiration as we tell the story of the Irish in America.
