The Center
The new Irish Cultural Center vision is soon to become a reality! We’ll keep you posted on the groundbreaking for our state-of-the-art facility, coming soon. As we work hard to build our new hub, you can look to us as a resource for all kinds of Irish happenings in our area.
The Vision: The concept for the ICCHV was born in 2011 when a group of well-established residents and business leaders set their minds on creating and celebrating the passionate community that is the Irish-American experience. The physical center itself has been long in the making. Now, with a significant grant from New York State, and donations from enthusiastic supporters, the state-of-the-art, facility will soon be underway. The Center will be located in Kingston’s burgeoning Rondout District. In 2011 we envisioned a dream, in 2012 we obtained our non-profit status, and in 2013 we purchased the parcel. Our capital fundraising and construction plans continue in earnest, with the goal of completing construction in 2017.
The Center will be a destination to celebrate all aspects of Irish culture. Literature, song, poetry, dance, language, drama, and storytelling will be embraced and nurtured. An ambassador for many cultural, memorial, and municipal events, the region’s active Ulster County AOH will have a new resource here, too.
A meaningful location. This site is important in Irish-Hudson Valley history. Once dubbed “New Dublin,” the Rondout was a building block to the country’s canals, as well as an early Irish-American community centered on faith and family. Today, that Irish spirit lives on – it’s also the location for the popular Hooley on the Hudson™ hosted by the Ulster County Ancient Order of the Hibernians every September, and the finishing point for the Kingston St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Our outreach will be extensive. Through special events and on-going classes, people of all ages will have an opportunity to experience and learn from our rich heritage, including access to genealogical research and historical documents. Exhibit space will allow artists to showcase their work throughout unique gallery spaces. On the lower level, a theater will host musical and dance performances and movies. On the top floor, the Center will also host educational and public affairs, featuring a library and map room, classroom area, and a recording studio. A modern, full-service kitchen, along with a distinguished dining area is located on the first floor, where you can also enjoy a cup of tea and conversation or a traditional Irish session. Stand out on the balconies to take in the view of the scenic Rondout Creek waterfront, where Irish laborers in the 19th century tirelessly helped grow the maritime industry and canal systems of New York State.
Our legacy. This opportunity to embrace our colorful heritage and build this unique center benefits us all, for generations to come. Please join us as we move forward in creating the region’s most robust Irish Cultural Center.
Our facility will be a warm and welcoming destination for all who want to share in the great Irish-American experience.
Our Mission
The Irish Cultural Center is a vibrant resource and unique destination celebrating Irish-American culture in the Hudson Valley. We will promote and preserve all the spirited traits that make us who we are – Irish literature, music, Gaelic language, dance, stories, poetry, art, drama, crafts, and history – and pass on that culture to the next generation.
Our goal is also to serve as a testament to the contributions and sacrifices made by our ancestors in helping to build this great state – and to honor all they accomplished in keeping the Irish spirit strong. We look to provide a warm and welcoming place for all who want to share in our great Irish-American experience.
All things Irish-American will be celebrated at the ICCHV.
Meetings are held at 5:30 pm, every 4th Tuesday at 20 Broadway, 2nd Floor in Kingston, NY, all are welcome!
Local History
The beautiful Hudson Valley has been defined not just by its glacial activity and waterways, but also by its residents. And although many cultures and communities have played a critical role, far too many have unfortunately been forgotten. It is the goal of the ICCHV to make sure the contributions of the Irish in the region are recognized and memorialized. The hard work, vision, and talents of our ancestors deserve nothing less. Their dedication, passion, and talents are far-reaching and in the past have included critical roles in Transportation, Business, and Entertainment.
Transportation
ISLAND-DOCK-COAL
The Delaware & Hudson Canal, built between 1825 and 1829, largely by Irish laborers, was instrumental in the economic success of New York and America. Its impact on the Rondout was monumental, as Kingston became the busiest port between New York City and Albany.
It’s the center’s belief that the gathering of our history will spark a renewed interest in Irish heritage and many untold stories will come to light and be publicly documented for the future.
Board of Directors
William P. Kearney – President
Brian Devine – Vice President
Patricia Sullivan Clausi – Secretary/Treasurer
Passion and commitment. Nothing gets the mind and dreams going faster than a gathering of passionate Irish folk. And nothing gets accomplished faster than a brilliant idea fostered in this kind of environment. Enter, the Irish Cultural Center.
Born out of the growing desire to firmly establish Kingston’s burgeoning Rondout as a premier regional – even national – destination for Irish-Americans, the ICCHV became the reality of a unique dream. It’s taken perseverance, hard work and hundreds of dedicated hours from countless community leaders and volunteers. The land for the ICCHV site was purchased in January 2013, the bank loan was paid in May 2013 and we now own the property outright.