Dear Friends!
As I look at my social media posts and see the children gearing up for a new term of virtual learning, I am moved by the adaptability of the human spirit! More than anything, I continue to marvel at the Irish Community and the ways everyone has come together over the past 6 months to support one another. We are proud to play a part in that support through food assistance, hardship grants, and online legal consulting!
While we miss being able to sit for a cup of tea and a chat, we love seeing your faces on Zoom! This fall, we will increase our educational opportunities to include a seminar by Conor Donnan, Irish language lessons for middle school and high school students with Alene O’Malley, and videos of Irish stories for the younger children. Our genealogy program consistently grows with fascinating sessions led by Lori Murphy, Aengus Lawlor, and Bill McCray. I hope you and your family can join us for some or all of the online series.
Please note that the cost for applying for US citizenship, changes of status, and other fees are significantly increasing very soon – by more than 80% in most cases. If you are interested in making applications, now is the time to schedule your appointment for our legal clinics. Be sure to reach out to Nicola to schedule at nicola@icphila.org,
As we move into the cooler weather of Fall, it may become more difficult for some people to get out of the house to run errands. If you find that you or someone in your life needs a helping hand to do the shopping or just needs a call or porch visit, please reach out and let us know. We are here to help!
Be well!
Emily Norton Ashinhurst
Executive Director
A Transatlantic Conversation - Irish and Native American Relations
Tuesday, September 15 at 7 pm
In 1847 the Choctaw people sent $170 to help Irish people impacted during the potato famine. That was the start of a long and interesting relationship between the Irish and Native Americans that continues to the present.
Join Conor Donnan, a doctoral student in the History Department at the University of Pennsylvania, as he reconstructs the interactions of Irish Catholics and Native Americans from 1841 to 1924 over Zoom.
To sign up please contact Nicola at nicola@icphila.org. All are welcome
Monday, September 21 from 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm via Zoom video conferencing.
Do you need some immigration advice? We are now offering our free immigration clinic through Zoom video conferencing.
Please note that USCIS is increasing its fees in October. Get help with your US citizenship application now by contacting Nicola at nicola@icphila.org. All are welcome.
Our appointments are confidential and can be booked via our website using the butting below. For those of you who are unable to access Zoom, we can also do phone consultations.
Irish American Genealogy Group - The Curtis Family Letters
Thursday, September 24 at 7 pm over Zoom.
Before modern technology, to communicate with their loved ones back home, people wrote long and engaging letters depicting their new lives. This genealogy session Lori Lander Murphy will take a look at the Curtis Family Letters.
The mid-1800s letters were written between mothers, sisters, brothers, uncles, and cousins of the Curtis family, between Ireland and Pennsylvania. These letters tell the stories of hardship and famine alongside opportunity and strength, as a family strives to maintain its connections from thousands of miles away.
To sign up please contact Nicola at nicola@icphila.org. All are welcome to join
Free Irish Language Classes for Middle and High School Students
Start Date - October 21 - Wednesdays
Time: 4.00 - 4.30 pm - Middle school students
Time: 4.30-5.00 pm - High school students
Join us over Zoom for a six-week course in the Irish language, introducing basic vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and practical use in conversation. The classes are free and all middle and high school students are welcome to join.
