Introduction to Irish Immigration and Thomas Moore
In the 19th century, Ireland saw many of her people emigrate to the United States due to political and religious conflict as well as the Potato Blight. According to the Library of Congress, “Ireland’s population decreased dramatically throughout the nineteenth century. Census figures show an Irish population of 8.2 million in 1841, 6.6 million a decade later, and only 4.7 million in 1891” (Library of Congress). Although unfortunately many of the Irish starved during the famine of 1845, many more were able to successfully make their way to America.
With so many Irish living in America, the new Irish-Americans worked together to preserve their mother country’s history. Although they assimilated into American society, they made sure to never forget their roots. This was done through the publication of Irish historical literature in American cities like Boston and New York. By publishing their accounts in the United States rather than back home in Ireland, writers ensured that people in America would read these accounts and continually educate themselves on the history of Ireland and her people.
Thomas Moore played a fundamental role in establishing Irish national identity, even before Ireland was its own nation. Moore composed original songs while also reworking older Irish tunes, known as “airs,” to inspire the Irish people to claim their identity and be proud of it. His poetry and songs, specifically "The Minstrel Boy," are still read and performed today in both Ireland and the United States.
This exhibition will showcase the American publications of Irish history, with a specific emphasis on the presence of Thomas Moore in American publishing. Moore was discussed in an 1845 historical account, History of Ireland, published in Boston by Thomas Mooney, Esq. of New York. Almost 100 years later in 1937, Moore was once again present in literature in America, this time as the center of L.A.G. Strong's biographical portrait of The Minstrel Boy.
Work Cited
“Irish-Catholic Immigration to America.” The Library of Congress. http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/immigration/irish2.html