ABOUT THE IRISH MEMORIAL
HONORING THE PAST, LINKING GENERATIONS
OUR MISSION & DEDICATION
The Irish Memorial is dedicated to the memory of more than one million innocent men, women, and children who perished during the years 1845 to 1850. It further honors the millions of Irish immigrants who found here in the United States of America the freedom, liberty, and prosperity denied to their ancestors in Ireland.
The Memorial at Front & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia.
A NATIONAL MONUMENT
To mark the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the Irish Starvation, civic leaders, government officials, private foundations, and the community at large joined together on a $3 million project to plan and construct The Irish Memorial Monument. The project was co-chaired by Edward G. Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania, and Reverend Nicholas S. Rashford, S.J., former President of Saint Joseph’s University.
The centerpiece of this project is a monumental bronze sculpture set within a dedicated 1.75-acre park. Created by internationally renowned artist Glenna Goodacre—the sculptor of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial—the monument is a spectacular feat of artistic storytelling measuring 30 feet long by 12 feet wide and 12 feet high.
THE STORY IN BRONZE
The memorial features 35 life-sized figures arranged to capture the harrowing narrative of the Great Hunger. The sculpture depicts three distinct phases: the cruel starvation that claimed one million lives; the desperate journey to America taken by a million more; and the indomitable spirit of those who arrived safely, resolved to face the challenges of a new world.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District near Independence National Historical Park and Penn’s Landing, the site adds significant cultural and historical richness to the city. While it holds special meaning for the 44 million Americans of Irish descent, the memorial is designed to touch every visitor regardless of their ancestry.
A PLACE FOR CONTEMPLATION
The Memorial represents a significant addition to Philadelphia’s collection of public art and remains one of the few major public pieces created by a premier female artist. It serves as both a national attraction for education and a peaceful place for contemplation.
Visit the Memorial
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE PARK
The Memorial Park is located at a temporary location at 109 Spruce Street in Old City, Philadelphia. Come and experience the story of resilience firsthand.
