ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS DIVISION 65 (Philadelphia)

0.5 ft.

MSS 113

December 1992

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Ancient Order of Hibernians originated as a secret society in Ireland in the late sixteenth century.  It was established in the United States in 1836.  Now known as the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, it is a fraternal benefit society open to those who are Irish and Catholic.  The order provides insurance benefits to members and undertakes charitable and educational activities.

Division 65 of the AOH was established in Southwest Philadelphia in 1903.

PROVENANCE

The collection was donated by the organization in 1991.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The collection provides documentation of this AOH division's activities.  The minutes, unlike those of some of the other Philadelphia divisions, do not contain information about the financial affairs of the division.  The minutes and proceedings from state conventions are particularly informative as to the social and political issues of importance to the membership.  The collection will be of greatest value in comparing this division with others in the area and region.

PROCESSING NOTE

A photograph of organization officers has been separated to Photo Group No. 331.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

The records have been divided into three series: I. Administrative Records; II. Minutes; III. Ephemera.  The materials within each series have been arranged chronologically.

SERIES I.  ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS (1822-1852 and 1951-1971).  This series contains deeds and a will relating to the property in Philadelphia held by the Division, bylaws of the organization, lists of officers from divisions within the county, and a membership application.

SERIES II.  MINUTES (1937-1966).  This series contains minutes and state convention proceedings.

SERIES III.  EPHEMERA (1984).  This series consists of newspaper clippings concerning the activities of the Irish American community and of Joseph Montgomery, President of Division 65.