

History books love the "Great Men" of 1776. They give us men like Commodore Barry and Dr. James McHenry—the polished, high-profile figures who define the traditional narrative. But that version of the Revolution is an incomplete picture.
If we only look at the leaders, we miss the actual force that sustained the war. The real momentum of the Revolution didn’t exist in a vacuum; it was built by a diverse, massive coalition—including thousands of Irish immigrants and their descendants—who were working to survive in a society being violently rebuilt from the ground up.
This session looks at the work that happened beyond the command posts. We are tracing the roles of the tradespeople, the laborers, and the families who provided the grit and manpower that allowed the war to continue. It is time to look at the contributions that history often glosses over and see how a wide, complex community became a vital part of the nation’s foundation.
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Are you ready to test your wit against the past? Decoding Liberty transforms the museum into an immersive landscape of secrets and strategy. You are the operative. From cracking complex substitution ciphers to intercepting cryptic dispatches, you will step into the boots of those who operated in the shadows of the American Revolution. Use your logic, master the era’s ingenious tradecraft, and uncover the intelligence that changed the course of history. The missions are set—do you have what it takes to solve them?

Spend your August Sundays at the Irish American Museum learning the delicate art of Irish crochet lace. This four-week series is a great way to explore this heritage craft, where you’ll work on creating a unique, heirloom-quality Christmas ornament to take home.
We’ll walk you through the process, covering traditional motifs and the specialized stiffening techniques needed to give your ornament its final shape. We provide all the necessary supplies, so you just need to bring your enthusiasm for craft, history, and connecting with others in our community.
Spaces are limited—register for the full four-part series to secure your spot today!

Dive into the fascinating story of Irish Americans, from the arrival of the first immigrants to their profound impact on modern culture. The Heritage Pages Book Club is the Irish American Museum's newest monthly series, dedicated to exploring the rich and complex tapestry of the Irish American experience through literature, history, and memoir.
This club is a core part of our 250 Programming Series, with each month's selection tied to a unique theme that spans two and a half centuries of history. We will journey together through the colonial days, the great immigration waves, major cultural contributions, and modern Irish American life.
What to Expect:
Join us to turn the page on a new chapter of discovery!
Ready to bring those old family portraits and hidden stories to life? Our team of experienced researchers has helped hundreds of people like you uncover their past, and we can help you break down those family history roadblocks.
How to Begin Your Discovery:
Register & Focus: Submit your $50 fee through our payment system. This includes the necessary form to gather the specific details and focus for your search.
Expert Research: Our team conducts the search, delving into vital sources like census records, city directories, historical newspapers, and sacramental records.
Report Delivery: You will receive real answers to your questions, along with a comprehensive digital document that lists dozens of resources for your continued research journey.
Your $50 directly supports the museum's mission to preserve and share history, making this a true partnership in discovery.
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