The Library at The Irish American Heritage Center

Save the Date August 15,2026

The IAHC Saturday Morning Tea Series Returns! ☕

Join us on Saturday, August 15 for an elegant afternoon of tea, treats, literature, and conversation at the Irish American Heritage Center.

We'll be celebrating acclaimed Chicago author, poet, educator, and longtime IAHC artist John S. O'Connor, who will join us in person to share stories and insights from his remarkable career. His latest poetry collection, Streets & San, was named 2025 Book of the Year by the Illinois State Poetry Society.

Enjoy a delicious assortment of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cookies, desserts, seasonal fruit, and tea in the warm company of fellow guests.

📅 Saturday, August 15 @ 11am
📍 Irish American Heritage Center
🎟️ $35 per person

Space is limited—reserve your seat today and join us for a proper afternoon of tea, culture, and community.

📚 BLOOMSDAY IS TOMORROW! ☘️

Join us at the Irish American Heritage Center for a FREE evening celebrating the life and works of James Joyce and his masterpiece, Ulysses.

The Fifth Province Pub & Restaurant will open at 5:00 PM, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy dinner, drinks, and good company before the event begins at 6:30 PM.

Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy dramatic readings from Ulysses, live music, storytelling, and a lively atmosphere inspired by one of Ireland’s greatest literary traditions. Whether you’re a longtime Joyce enthusiast or simply curious about Bloomsday, this event is designed to be fun, engaging, and welcoming to all.

🎟️ FREE Admission
📍 Irish American Heritage Center
🍽️ Fifth Province Pub & Restaurant opens at 5:00 PM
📖 Program begins at 6:30 PM

RSVPs are appreciated, but all are welcome. We look forward to celebrating Irish literature, culture, and community with you!

RSVP HERE: https://irishamerican.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F44625

🌻 RISE & DINE AT THE IAHC ☘️

Start your summer off right with one of the IAHC’s favorite traditions — Mass & a Full Irish Breakfast on Sunday, June 14! 🌞🥓🍳

Celebrate the end of the school year, treat Dad a little early for Father’s Day weekend, or simply gather with family and friends for a cozy Sunday morning filled with great food, warm hospitality, and community spirit 💚

⛪ Free Mass at 10:00 AM in the Mayfair Theatre
🍽️ Full Irish Breakfast immediately following in the Fifth Province Pub
🎶 Live music, friendly faces, and a true taste of Ireland

🎟️ Tickets:
Adults $30 | Seniors $25 | Children $15

📍 Irish American Heritage Center
4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago
🚗 Free Parking

RSVP online or call 773-282-7035 ext. 10 ☘️

📚 BLOOMSDAY AT THE IAHC ☘️

Join us for a FREE Bloomsday celebration at the Irish American Heritage Center on June 16 beginning at 6:30 PM!

Inspired by James Joyce’s Ulysses, this special evening will feature dramatic readings, live music, storytelling, and Bloomsday-themed activities in the warm atmosphere of the Fifth Province Pub.

Whether you’re a lifelong Joyce enthusiast or simply curious about one of Ireland’s greatest literary traditions, this event offers a fun, welcoming, and accessible way to celebrate Irish literature, culture, and community.

📍 Fifth Province Pub at the IAHC
🕡 6:30 PM
🎟 FREE ADMISSION

More details coming soon—stay tuned!

Lovely piece of history

Grace Gifford, an artist from Rathmines, fell in love with Joe Plunkett in 1915 and they got engaged, planning to marry on Easter Sunday 1916. Shortly before the Rising, Grace converted to Catholicism, and Joe’s sister Fiona became her godmother; however, the wedding was postponed due to Joe being a leader of the rebellion. After the Rising, Joe was imprisoned in Kilmainham Gaol and sentenced to death.

On 3 May 1916, just hours before his ex*****on, they were married in the prison chapel. Joe was shot the next morning in the Stonebreakers’ Yard. Grace later spent time imprisoned in Kilmainham during the Civil War and left a famous Madonna drawing on the cell wall. She died on 13 December 1955.

Their story was later immortalised in the song “Grace,” one of Ireland’s most well-known ballads.

Interested in joining the AOH? Fill out our application form below or contact your local division:
https://aoh.com/join/

Support Local

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is the oldest and largest Irish Catholic fraternal organization in the United States, with over 46,000 members.

Interested in joining the AOH? Fill out our application form below or contact your local division:
https://aoh.com/join/