named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
The Evolution of the Irish Dance Costume
A rotating exhibition showcasing decades of Irish dance attire, highlighting the Kenny/Savage family’s multi-generational tradition and the cultural evolution of costumes from the 1930s to present.
The History of Saint Patrick's Day
Annual exhibition tracing the life of Saint Patrick and global traditions celebrating him as Ireland’s patron saint, displayed each March.
The Irish in America (Permanent Exhibit)
Comprehensive exhibit detailing Irish contributions to American history in founding, labor, military, politics, religion, and culture, featuring a replica thatched cottage and tenement apartment.
The Irish in the American Revolution
Exhibit highlighting the role of Irish and Irish-descended soldiers in the Continental Army, including generals and revolutionaries inspired by Irish ideals of freedom.
Tragedy and Tribute: Art Illuminates Ireland’s Great Hunger
Exhibition using artwork from Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum to depict the 1845–1852 famine, its human toll, and ongoing legacy, supported by the Irish government.
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Irish and Celtic Cultural Preservation 4 activities
- Advocate for Irish Famine education in schoolsPlayed an integral role in advocating for mandatory instruction about the Irish Famine in New York State public schools and continues to support educational outreach on the subject.
- Expand cultural outreach through international exhibitionsBecame the first museum of its kind in America to exhibit at the National Library in Dublin, enhancing transatlantic cultural dialogue and visibility of Irish American heritage.
- Preserve and promote Irish cultural heritage through exhibitions and collectionsOperates permanent and changing exhibitions that display artifacts, first-person stories, and historical reconstructions such as an Irish cottage, tenement apartment, and workhouse. Maintains collections of Irish American heritage materials, including the official archives of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and hosts significant artifacts like a 15th-century Irish chalice.
- Provide public educational programs and cultural eventsHosts a robust series of lectures, musical performances, film screenings, theatrical readings, cooking demonstrations, and genealogy workshops. Events include annual celebrations such as the Celtic Cruise on the Hudson, St. Patrick’s Day Family Fest, Irish Soda Bread Competition, and 5K Sweat-er Run, offered both in-person and virtually.
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Cemetery Records and Genealogical Research 1 activity
- Offer genealogical research and assistanceProvides monthly in-person genealogy sessions on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, offers free initial sessions for new participants, and maintains a public library with books, archival materials, and records to support Irish heritage research.
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Local History Museum Operations 1 activity
- Operate museum for public visitationOperates the museum to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering access to exhibitions, programs, and collections.
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Charity Golf Tournament Fundraiser 1 activity
- Organize museum fundraising eventsOrganizes an annual golf tournament and other events to raise funds in support of museum operations and programming.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$146K
Contributions & grants$105K72%
Program service revenue$33K23%
Investment income$5K4%
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$151K
Program expenses59%
Admin / overhead21%
Fundraising20%
Salaries & benefits$94K
Grants paid out—
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$415K
Cash$321K
Investments$0
Liabilities$0
Net assets$415K
Liquid reserves25.6 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -38.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 8
- CHRIS MCCARTHY — Trustee
- CHRISTOPHER SHAW — Trustee
- DAN SPICER — Trustee
- DANIEL HERRING — Trustee
- DAVID FOSTER — Trustee
- DENISE MURPHY MCGRAW — Trustee
- DIANE CONROY-LACIVITA — Trustee
- PETER O'CONNELL — Trustee
relationships · 25
Who they work with
- Ancient Order of Hibernians Partner — Holds and maintains the archival collection of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
- Ancient Order of Hibernians Partner — Repository for the National Board's records and collections
- Board of Regents of New York Government — Permanently chartered the museum as an educational institution in 1992.
- EBA Studio Partner — Designed and built the custom display case for the 15th-century chalice exhibit.
- Eventbrite Partner — Uses Eventbrite for event registration and RSVP management.
- Facebook Network — Has a presence on Facebook to engage with the public
- Government of Ireland Government — Funds the museum through the Emigrant Support Programme
- Harold Qualters Partner — Featured chef and blogger contributing recipes and articles on Irish cuisine to the museum.
- Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Funder — Provides funding support for the museum's mission
- Institute of Museum and Library Services Funder — Provides funding support for the museum's mission
- Ireland's Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield Partner — Co-lender of sculptures for the "Great Hunger Collection" exhibit.
- Irish Ancestry Research Centre Partner — Partner organization whose genealogy diploma program is shared by the Irish American Heritage Museum.
- Lisa Walsh Dougherty Partner — Resident genealogist who provides in-person assistance and public lectures on Irish genealogy.
- NY State Council on the Arts Funder — Provides funding support for the museum's mission
- National Library in Dublin Partner — Hosted an exhibition by the Irish American Heritage Museum
- National Library in Dublin Partner — Hosted exhibitions from the Irish American Heritage Museum.
- New York State Assembly Government — Provides funding support through individual Assembly Members
- New York State Senate Government — Provides funding support through Senator Patricia Fahy
- Quinnipiac University Partner — Provided sculptures on loan for the "Great Hunger Collection" exhibit.
- Schuyler Meadows Club Partner — Host venue for the annual Mostly Irish Classic Tournament.
- Shenendehowa High School Partner — Collaborated with the Museum to host an educational forum featuring Tommy Sands and his son for the school's Irish Literature Studies Program.
- The Albany Parking Authority Partner — Sponsor of the bi-weekly traditional Irish music session series.
- The Common Roots Brewing Company Partner — Sponsor of the bi-weekly traditional Irish music session series.
- The United Irish Societies of the Capital District Partner — Co-sponsors the annual Celtic Cruise on the Hudson with the Irish American Heritage Museum.
- University College Cork Partner — Academic partner whose lecturer delivered a public talk on the 15th-century chalice and monastic life.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Cultural Storytelling for Universal Immigrant Connectionmethodology: cultural-education-for-community-connectionBy sharing Irish immigrant stories and framing them within the broader narrative of American immigration, the museum fosters community connection and engagement, because audiences see their own experiences reflected, enabling deeper emotional resonance and cross-cultural understanding.
- Experiential Cultural Engagement Through Immersive Practicesmethodology: cultural_engagement_through_immersionBy using live music, food, storytelling, and informal gatherings to create immersive cultural experiences, the museum deepens engagement with Irish heritage, because sensory and participatory activities make ancestral connections tangible, especially for those distanced from their roots.
- Genealogy as Personal Heritage Connectionmethodology: personalized-genealogy-guidanceBy offering expert-guided and personalized genealogy services, the museum helps individuals trace their Irish ancestry and build meaningful connections to heritage, because personal discovery strengthens identity and deepens engagement with cultural history.