Join Loretto Leary of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum in Fairfield, Connecticut, on Thursday, September 18th at 7:30 PM to explore the deep ties between Staten Island and Ireland during the Irish Famine era. Few people are aware of the significance of Staten Island to Irish Famine immigration and the thousands of Famine immigrants who were unceremoniously buried in mass graves that still exist today.
For countless families from Derry, the Port of New York was the longed-for destination after leaving behind hunger and hardship. Many stepped ashore with hope for a new beginning. Yet for others, the voyage ended in heartbreak at the Staten Island Marine Hospital and Quarantine Station—the very place where today’s Staten Island Ferry Terminal stands.
Thousands of famine emigrants, including men, women, and children, never made it past quarantine. Their final resting places lie in two cemeteries on Staten Island that remain powerful, if often overlooked, reminders of the sacrifices of Irish Famine immigrants.
This talk brings their story to life—linking the Irish Famine immigrants to the harbors of New York and honoring the resilience and sorrow of those whose journeys began on Irish soil but ended at America’s edge.
Free Entry to Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story from 3pm - 7pm
