American Irish Historical Society Museum

The American Irish Historical Society is a cultural and scholarly organization devoted to preserving and celebrating the history of the Irish in the United States. Founded in 1897, it was created to document the contributions, experiences, and heritage of Irish immigrants and their descendants at a time when their role in American history was often overlooked. Over the decades, the society grew into an important center for research, cultural programming, and community engagement.

Its headquarters, a landmark Beaux-Arts townhouse at 991 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, houses one of the most significant private collections of Irish and Irish-American historical materials in the country. The library and archives include rare books, manuscripts, artwork, letters, periodicals, and genealogical resources that attract scholars, writers, and anyone interested in exploring Irish heritage. The building itself also serves as a venue for exhibitions, lectures, readings, and musical performances that highlight Irish cultural life.

Through its collections and public programming, the society plays a role in connecting contemporary Irish-American communities with their past while also making that history accessible to a wider audience. Its mission continues to center on documenting the Irish experience in America and fostering appreciation for the cultural and historical ties between Ireland and the United States.

Book your tour beforehand to guarantee a visit. Please note our tours run everyday (except Friday and Saturday) at 12pm and 2pm.