Irish Massachusetts

Today, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte proclaimed April 13, 2026 as General John Stark Day in the State of New Hampshire, encouraging citizens to "remember the legacy of General Stark and reflect on the values of freedom, bravery and patriotism that continue to guide our state and nation."  The annual event to honor native son John Stark includes a ceremony at 1:30 on April 13 at the New Hampshire Capital Building in Concord, organized each year by the Sons of the American Revolution. The ceremony features remarks from members of the New Hampshire legislature and a reading of the proclamation issued by Governor Ayotte.   The ceremony includes the placement of a commemorative wreath at the base of the John State statue and concludes with a traditional three-volley musket salute by the Color Guard. Stark may be best known today for coining the phrase 'Live Free or Die.'  In her proclamation, Governor Ayotte notes, "In a letter written in 1808, General Stark fam...

On Friday, April 24, the  Éire Society of Boston holds its 81st Annual Gold Medal Award at 6 p.m. at the Omni Parker House in Boston. This year's award recipients are James Callery and his daughter Caroilin Callery.   Purchase tickets here . Jim Callery and his daughter Caroilin Callery According to the Society, James Callery is being honored "for his creative leadership and generosity in preserving the lessons and legacy of Ireland's Great Hunger by founding Ireland's National Famine Museum and Archive in 1994 at Strokestown.  Caroilin Callery's contributions include organizing a homecoming for the Canadian descendants of the 1,490 Strokestown tenants who were sent into exile in 1847, launching the biannual Irish Famine Summer Schools, and developing Ireland's National Famine Way in 2019 and the Global Irish Famine Way in 2022."   The Éire Society of Boston was formed in 1937 by former pupils of Maurice J. Lacey, headmaster of the Jamaica Plain High S...