THE OLDEST CATHOLIC ORGANIZATION IN AMERICA

HISTORY

What is the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America?

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization founded concurrently in the coal-mining region of Pennsylvania and New York City in May, 1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a series of similar societies that existed in Ireland for more than 300 years. Today the AOH
exists in America, Canada, Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, however, while the organizations share a common thread, the American AOH 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 on 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 and politically… San Francisco Division 17 was chartered in 1896 and continues to serve the San Francisco Bay Area to this day.

The primary purposes of the Organization are briefly set forth in the preamble to its National Constitution.

To promote friendship, unity and Christian Charity among its members.
To uphold and sustain loyalty to the government of the United States of America.
To aid and advance by all legitimate means, the aspirations and endeavors of
the Irish people to complete and absolute independence.
To foster the ideals and cultivate the history and traditions of the Irish race throughout the world.
The A.O.H. provides a unique opportunity for its members to be involved in
issues that are of interest to Irish Americans today.

AOH Heritage & Culture