The Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies’ Auxiliary
Irish American Cultural Societies
Irish societies were a significant part of social and cultural life for Irish- Americans in Indiana. The main Irish society operating in the state in the 19th century was the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and the Ladies’ Auxiliary, also called the Daughters of Erin. The AOH originated in New York City in 1836. The Irish immigrant organization grew from the tradition of Ribbon societies in Ireland. These secret societies were made up of poor Irish Catholics who wanted better conditions for the working class and supported an independent Ireland. The AOH in America continued to promote Catholicism, Irish nationalism, and the rights of the working class.
According to tradition, the first Indianapolis chapter of the AOH was founded on St. Patrick’s Day in 1870. Newspaper records, however, indicate that the group first met in Indianapolis in 1872. By its first anniversary, the Indianapolis chapter had its own meeting hall at the corner of South Street and Delaware Street, a few blocks southwest of Monument Circle. The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the AOH was not formally established in Indianapolis until the 1890s, and records of the group’s activities are scarce. Both organizations grew quickly. In 1910, there were over a thousand members in eight chapters of the AOH in Indianapolis and more than 1100 members in nine chapters of the Ladies’ Auxiliary.
The AOH and Ladies’ Auxiliary were primarily charitable and cultural societies. The groups hosted fundraising events to provide financial support for area Catholic Churches and schools, as well as society members in need. These events also served as a platform to strengthen the Irish community, promote Irish culture, and raise awareness about political and social issues in Ireland.
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