About Us • AOH Cape May County Div. 2 • All Irish Martyrs
About the Ancient Order of Hibernians
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is the oldest and largest Irish Catholic fraternal organization in the United States. Learn more about our story, causes, and impact on the community.
THE POULNABRONE DOLMEN: Dating back to around 3600 BC, this Neolithic portal tomb in the Burren, County Clare, served as both a burial site and ceremonial space, emphasizing Ireland's ancient spiritual connection to the land.
Guardians of Heritage:
Supporting Irish Identity in America
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization, founded concurrently in the coal-mining region of Pennsylvania and New York City in May 1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a series of similar societies that existed in Ireland for more than 300 years. Today, the AOH exists in America, Canada, Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland.
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The early Irish societies were born of a need in the mid-1500s to protect the welfare of fellow Irish Catholics, especially the clergy who risked immediate death to keep the Catholic Faith alive in occupied Ireland after the Penal Laws of 1691. The AOH in America was founded at New York’s St. James Church on May 4, 1836, by men emulating these Irish societies to protect the clergy and churches from the violent American Nativists who attacked Irish Catholic immigrants and Church property. At the same time, the vast influx of Irish Immigrants fleeing Ireland’s Great Hunger in the late 1840s prompted a growth in many Irish societies in the USA – the largest of which was and continues to be, the AOH.
Champions of Community:
Uniting Through Charity & Action
Active across the United States, The Order seeks to aid the newly arrived Irish socially and economically. The many Divisions and club facilities located throughout the U.S. have traditionally been among the first to welcome new Irish immigrants. The newcomers can meet some of ‘their own’ and are introduced to the social atmosphere of the Irish-American community. the AOH has been at the forefront of issues concerning the Irish, such as Immigration Reform, economic incentives both here and in Ireland, the human rights issues addressed in the MacBride Legislation, Right-To-Life, and a peaceful and just solution to the issues that divide Ireland.
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The AOH sponsors many programs that promote our Irish heritage, such as the IRISH WAY PROGRAM, SCHOLARSHIPS, and NATIONAL HISTORY DAY sponsorship.
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We invite all Catholics of Irish birth or descent to seek admittance to the FINEST Irish Catholic Organization in the World. All we ask is that you live our motto of “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.”
2024 Mission Statement
We, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a Catholic Irish-American fraternal organization, are dedicated to promoting our Catholic faith through charity, friendship, and honoring our Irish heritage within the Upper Township Irish Community.
Objectives:
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Promotion: We strive to amplify the Ancient Order of Hibernians' presence and significance within our community, showcasing our identity and importance.
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Service: When called upon, we commit to serving our Church and community, leveraging our blessings and faith to make a meaningful difference through our time and resources.
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Inspiration: We endeavor to inspire fellow Irish American men through our actions, fostering education and contribution to our local community and churches.
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Celebration: We celebrate our Irish American heritage by promoting its rich traditions and history through tangible actions and deeds.
Core Values:
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Brotherhood: We prioritize the well-being of our fellow AOH Brothers and their families, fostering inclusivity and support in times of need while actively attracting and retaining talented community members.
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Commitment: We highly regard the values of respect, service, and dedication to our fellow AOH brothers, our Church, and our families.
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Vision: Our vision is to exceed the expectations of our members, promote our Division imaginatively, and assist those in need.
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Operational Guidelines:
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Collaboration: We operate as a cohesive team, valuing teamwork, respect, and integrity in all endeavors.
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Support: We uphold the principles of the National AOH Constitution, fostering Friendship, Unity & Catholic Charity among all Hibernians in good standing.
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In Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity,
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Brian Galvin
President AOH, Cape May County, Division #2
All Irish Martyrs
