ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS IN AMERICA DIVISION 87 (PORT RICHMOND, PHILADELPHIA)

1.5 ft.

MSS 84

by

E. Kenneth Giese

Summer 1991

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Ancient Order of Hibernians originated as a secret society in Ireland in the late 16th century.  It was introduced in the United States in 1836; Irish immigrants were active in the organization throughout the 19th century.  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. 

The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, Division 87, was organized on April 14, 1898 in Port Richmond, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

PROVENANCE

The collection was donated to the institute under the auspices of Paul Moore, the Division Recording Secretary, in 1991.

This collection was processed in 1991 by E. Kenneth Giese with the assistance of Balch archivist Monique Bourque.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The minutes and ledger books are the most informative part of the collection, containing handwritten accounts of those present at meetings, various motions, financial matters and other information.  The first two minute books contain minutes for the first 39 years of the organization's history, 1898-1937.  The third minute book covers the years 1975-1979.  The remaining folders contain miscellaneous materials, some of which were removed from the volumes, including correspondence, minutes, financial and membership records.  The bulk of the collection covers the years 1898-1937 and ca. 1960-1979.