Irish Massachusetts

  Winslow Homer, American, Schooner at Sunset, 1880. Courtesy of Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum. Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College This summer,  Harvard Art Museums  announced a new, permanent free admission policy for all visitors, effective June 23. The new policy represents a significant expansion of free access to the museums’ collections, exhibitions, and research for public audiences. Granting free admission represents a significant new investment in opening the museums and collections to residents of the Greater Boston area as well as those visiting from around the world, according to museum officials.  Harvard University and Harvard Square are major attractions to visitors. “We are thrilled to implement this new comprehensive free admission policy, which will remain in place permanently,” said Martha Tedeschi, the Elizabeth and John Moors Cabot Director of the Harvard Art Museums. “Taking this step represents our deep commitment to serving all...

Congratulations to the  New England Free Jacks Rugby Team , based in Quincy, Massachusetts. The Free Jacks capped a dream season with the franchise’s first league title, defeating the San Diego Legion 25-24 on Saturday, July 8 in the 2023  Major League Rugby  Championship Final at SeatGeek Stadium in suburban Chicago. Read the full  press release  of the championship game. The Free Jacks are greater Boston’s professional rugby team, competing in Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier North American professional competition, representing all six New England states on and off the field. “The league extends its congratulations to the Free Jacks’ athletes, coaches, front office, and New England for taking home their first-ever MLR Championship Shield,” said Major League Rugby CEO Nic Benson. “We are thrilled to see the Free Jacks’ hard work throughout the season culminate with a win at the 2023 Championship Final and lifting the MLR Shield for the first time.” I...

Come enjoy the 28th annual Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival , taking place on Saturday, July 25 at Look Memorial Park in Florence (Northampton), Massachusetts!  This is the only Scottish Festival in Massachusetts, and the second largest one in New England.   Purchase your tickets here . The festival features incredible dancers, athletes and entertainers including Albannach, Enter the Haggis, Screaming Orphans, Sarah the Fiddler and Charlie Zahm.  The event features all things Scottish, including bagpipes, athletics, Celtic dance, drumming, Scotch Tasting, vendors, historical demonstrations and children’s events. Food and drinks are available for purchase including Whisky Tasting. Dogs on leash are allowed. Entertainment in the Celtic Pub until 9:30 p.m.

 An event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Boston Irish Famine Memorial took place on Wednesday, June 28 at the memorial park at the corner of Washington and School Streets. US Congressman Stephen Lynch provided a Congressional Proclamation in Honor of the Boston Irish Famine Memorial, copies of which were distributed at the event.  Read more about Congressman Lynch and his work representing the people in his congressional district. Find more details here of the Irish Famine Memorial , which is part of Boston's Irish Heritage Trail , and is also along the city's Freedom Trail . For more information on the Irish community in Massachusetts and New England, visit IrishMassachusetts.com .