ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS DIVISION 9 (New Bedford, Massachusetts)

0.25 ft.

MSS 115

February 1993

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.

This Division 9 of the AOH was established in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

PROVENANCE

The collection was acquired in 1989.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection will be of use to scholars exploring regional differences between divisions of this organization.  The printed materials are of interest in and of themselves, and also as additional documentation of this division's interest in social and political affairs affecting Ireland and Irish Americans.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

The collection has been divided into two series: I. Minutes; II. Ephemera.  Each has been arranged chronologically.

SERIES I.  MINUTES (1921-1940).  1 volume.  This series consists of minutes of regular meetings, with some ephemera laid-in.

SERIES II.  EPHEMERA (1919-1939 and n.d.).  2 folders (1 OS).  This series contains printed materials from the division and from an organization called the Friends of Irish Freedom.  Included are broadsides, pamphlets, the Friends of Irish Freedom publication Weekly News Bulletin, and membership materials.