The latest division sc�al (news):


• Next Meeting: June 6th - 3PM @ O'Rorke's Pub.
  


• T� f�ilte romhat!: Welcome to the division, Jess McGlaughlin. Jess is from Fairfield and is a new member to the Order.
  


• Pictures!: Our website now has pictures of a couple of our events with more to come. Use the "Gallery" link to the left for pictures of last year's Battlefield Tour and our recent St. Patrick's Day party.
  


• Upcoming Events: Come out and see us at the Adams County Irish Festival, on July 17th, at Moose Park here in Gettysburg. We are also working on another AOH tour of the Gettysburg battlefied. More details to come..
  

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic, Irish American Fraternal Organization founded in New York City on May 4th, 1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a parent organization, of the same name, which has 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 Order evolved from a need in the early sixteen hundreds to protect the lives of priests who risked immediate death to keep the Catholic Faith alive in occupied Ireland after the reign of England's King Henry VIII. When England Implemented its dreaded Penal Laws in Ireland, various secret social societies were formed across the country. These groups worked to aid and comfort the people by whatever means available. Similarly, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was founded on May 4th, 1836 at New York's St. James Church, to protect the clergy, and church Property from the "Know Nothings" and their followers. At the same time the vast influx of Irish Immigrants fleeing famine issues in Ireland in the late 1840's, prompted a growth of various social societies in the USA - the largest of which was, and continues to be, the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Active across the United States, The Order seeks to aid the newly arrived Irish, both socially, politically. The many Divisions and club facilities located throughout the U.S. traditionally have been among the first to welcome new Irish Americans. Here, the Irish culture -- art, dance, music, and sports are fostered and preserved. The newcomers can meet some of "their own" and are introduced to the social atmosphere of the Irish-American community. The AOH has been at the political forefront for issues concerning the Irish, such as; Immigration Reform; economic Incentives both here and in Ireland; the human rights issues addressed in the MacBride Legislation; Right-To-Life; and a peaceful and just solution to the issues that divide Ireland.

The Order has also provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those who are generations removed from our country. The AOH sponsors many of the programs associated with promoting our Irish Heritage such as the Irish Way Program.