The primary purposes of the Organization are set forth in the preamble to its National Constitution:
1. To promote Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity among members.
2. To uphold and sustain loyalty to the government of the United States of America by members living here in America, or whatever government under which its members may be citizens.
3. To aid and advance by all legitimate means, the aspirations and endeavors of the Irish people to complete and absolute independence.
4. To foster the ideals and cultivate the history and traditions of the Irish people throughout the world.
To be admitted to membership, an applicant must be of Irish birth or of Irish descent through either parent, a practicing Catholic, and at least 16 years of age.
What is the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America?
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic, Irish-American fraternal organization founded in New York City in 1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a parent organization of the same name, which has existed in Ireland for over 300 years. However, while the organizations share a common thread, the North American AOH is a separate and much larger organization.
The Order evolved from a need in the early 1600s to protect the lives of priests, who risked immediate death to keep the Catholic faith alive in occupied Ireland after the reign of King Henry VIII. When England implemented its' dreaded Penal Laws in Ireland, various secret social societies were formed across the country. These groups worked to aid and comfort the people by whatever means available. Similarly, the AOH of America was founded May 4, 1836 at New York's St. James Church to protect the clergy and church property from the "Know Nothings" and their followers. At the same time the vast influx of Irish immigrants fleeing famine issues in Ireland in the late 1840s prompted a growth of various social societies in the US - the largest of which was, and continues to be, the AOH.
Active across the United States, the Order seeks to aid newly arrived Irish, both socially and politically. The many Division and club facilities located throughout the US traditionally have been among the first to welcome new Irish immigrants. Here, the Irish culture - art, dance, music and sports are fostered and preserved. Newcomers can meet some of "their own" and are introduced to the social atmosphere of the Irish-American community. The AOH has been at the political forefront of issues concerning the Irish, such as: immigration reform, economic incentives both here and in Ireland, human rights issues addressed in the MacBride Principles legislation, Respect Life and a peaceful and just solution to the issues that divide Ireland. The Order has provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those who are generations removed from our country. The AOH sponsors many of the programs associated with our Irish heritage, such as the Irish Way program.
Members of the AOH come from all walks of life and social and economic backgrounds yet enjoy fraternal fellowship in our Irish heritage.