The Ancient Order of Hibernians trace their beginnings back to 1565 in Ireland where they protected Catholic Priests as they celebrated Mass with the faithful – an act punishable by death.  The structure of small divisions of local residents worked well in keeping secret the AOH membership and allowing the AOH to continue to protect Irish Culture and the Catholic faith to this day.  

Founded in 1836, the AOH brought together a vibrant group of Irish Americans who worked to move Irish America forward as they continued to honor their Irish roots and Irish heritage. 

The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America has evolved tremendously over the years since its beginning in 1836, when it was established to protect the Catholic clergy and Irish immigrants from the attacks of nativists, attacks we still, unfortunately, hear echoes of even to this day. The AOH will never forget the prejudices we faced as a people as they continue their work as the voice of Irish America to see that the issues of concern to Irish America are treated with parity of esteem.

Based on their own history, the AOH constitution calls for its members to accept and support, without prejudice, the concept of free expression of religious practice for the world’s people.

The AOH is Irish Catholic Americans promoting Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity, a charity that extends to people of all ages, ethnicities, and creeds.

The AOH fosters and sustains loyalty to country and community while remaining non-partisan as an Order. The AOH is cause-centric and will work on Irish and Catholic issues with people of goodwill irrespective of party while reserving the right to respectfully disagree on other issues.

The AOH is committed to aid and advance the Irish people’s aspirations and endeavors for complete and absolute independence, promoting peace and unity for all of Ireland. They are committed to Freedom for All Ireland (FFAI), remembering the words of Patrick Pearse that “Ireland unfree shall never be at peace” and his vision to ending the “the differences carefully fostered by an alien Government, which have divided a minority from the majority in the past.”

The AOH is Irish History, Culture, and Heritage, fostering the ideas and perpetuating the history and traditions of the Irish people, promoting Irish culture at every opportunity. They are Irish festivals; they support Irish song and Irish dance.

The first Canadian Division of the AOH was incorporated in Montreal in 1892.  Now named the Father Murray McCrory Division #1 – Hochelaga.  While being heavily involved in Irish heritage and history, the AOH never forgot its roots in the poor Irish areas of Montreal.  Without fanfare, and with total anonymity, the AOH paid for the funerals of those not able, provided food and clothes for families in need, and help pay current and back rent.

The AOH became custodians over the Irish Commemorative Stone (Black Rock) and hold the Annual Walk to the Stone for more than a century and a half.

On August 15, 1909, the AOH unveiled the 46-foot Celtic Cross atop Telegraph Hill on Grosse Île Canada’s first quarantine station. We continue our Annual Pilgrimage each August since 1972.

We will forever protect and promote the Irish culture and History……