Ancient Order of Hibernians

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH; Irish: Ord Ársa na nÉireannach) is an Irish Catholic fraternal organization founded in the United States in 1836. Stemming from a long tradition of Irish societies organized to defend Gaelic values against British colonialism, its original purpose was to act as guards to shield Catholic churches from Nativist mobs and to assist newly arrived Irish Catholic immigrants to the United States, particularly those working in the coal mines. Members later directly opposed the Ku Klux Klan and other groups dedicated to ethnic or religious hatred, and regularly organized fundraising projects for disaster relief and Catholic mission work. In 1908, they established the office of National Historian, who funded the publication of books, scholarship programs and essay competitions to encourage young people to learn about Irish history and contributions to literature, science, and the building and defense of the United States. The order expanded and became less secretive as Irish Catholics moved into more cities and states and as anti-Catholic bigotry became less prevalent. The organization became international in the 1880s, with branches eventually established in Ireland, Canada, Scotland, Australia, and elsewhere. A Ladies Auxiliary was added in 1894, which later officially changed its name to the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH).

In the United States, Divisions, as the basic unit of the Order, combine into County Boards, which make up State Boards and an overall National Board elected every two years. Annual dances, concerts, and parades sponsored at all levels of the Order raise money for charity while providing a showcase for the contributions made by the Irish Americans. Hibernian Halls across the country provide a welcome for new immigrants and a source of heritage and history for others.