What is the Ancient Order of Hibernians?
The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America 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 had existed in Ireland for over 300 years. However, while the organizations share a common thread, the North American A.O.H. is a separate and much larger organization. The Board of Erin and the Board of America cooperate on projects and had a joint Board meeting in Dundalk, Ireland in 1995. The Order evolved from a society formed in 1565, in Ireland, to protect the priests, who risked immediate death, to keep the Catholic Faith alive, in occupied Ireland, during the reign of Englands King Henry VIII. In 1697, when England implemented its dreaded Penal Laws in Ireland, secret societies were formed across Ireland to aid and comfort the clergy and the people by whatever means available. Similarly, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was founded May 4, 1836 at New Yorks
