Monday 18 November 2013

Irish American Museum opens Connolly exhibition

The Irish American Museum in Albany NY has opened a new exhibition – Labor & Dignity: James Connolly in America.

It tells the story of Connolly's time in the US from 1903 to 1905. He and his family lived at 96 Ingalls Avenue, in Troy's North Central neighbourhood, among many Irish immigrant women who worked in the city's collar industry.

Connolly was in Troy during the Starcher's Union strike, and it was during this time he became involved with the rights of women and children, which he brought back to Ireland in 1910. He went on to become General Secretary of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union, led the Irish Citizen Army, and was executed by a British firing squad for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916.

The new exhibition was officially opened by Ireland's Ambassador Consul General Noel Kilkenny. He also rededicated a statue of the Irish revolutionary, which stands on the nearby Riverfront Park.

The Irish American Heritage Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday (weekdays 11am–4pm; weekends 12noon–4pm.)

On Tuesday 19 November:
In conjunction with the new exhibit, the Museum is hosting a free screening of the documentary series: 1916 Seachtar Na Cásca, which tells of the individuals involved in the 1916 Easter Rising. The drama is in English and Irish (with English subtitles) The screening will take place in the Trustco Bank Gallery with theatre screen and surround sound. 6pm–7:15pm. Telephone for details: +1 518-427-1916.