The Newport Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 1 will celebrate its 125th anniversary in September with a series of public events highlighting the organization’s community service and Irish heritage.
The group, one of the largest and oldest LAOH divisions in the country, is a sisterhood of Irish-American Catholic women with 240 members dedicated to “Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.”
“We give everything we raise from events and collections back to our community through directed donations, drives, and scholarships,” said division president Kathryn Brady.
The organization awards $10,000 annually in scholarships through the Brigid Kelly Memorial Irish Step Dancing Scholarship, Ellen Brady Nursing Scholarship and Catholic High School Scholarship. Another $10,000 goes to local organizations including the MLK Community Center, Child & Family Services, Lucy’s Hearth and Newport Mental Health.
The group also organizes donation drives for Newport Public Schools’ “Adopt a Family” program, “Elder Baskets” for Newport County’s aging population and Lucy’s Hearth’s “Baby Shower” for families in need.
Anniversary events begin Sept. 12 with a cocktail party at the Sailing Museum from 6-9 p.m., catered by McGrath Clambakes with music by Rhode to Dublin. Tickets cost $75.
The celebration continues Sept. 13 at noon at the Great Friends Meeting House with Irish step dancers, a lecture by Dr. John Quinn titled “Dr. Ellen Ryan Jolly, Hibernian Pioneer,” and unveiling of the organization’s restored original charter. The event is free and open to the public.
The anniversary concludes Sept. 14 with Mass at St. Augustin’s Church at 9:30 a.m., followed by a pinning ceremony honoring LAOH veterans, Blue Star mothers and wives of service members at Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Avenue. A brunch with music by Charlie Meehan follows, with tickets costing $30.
Women interested in joining must be at least 18, practicing Roman Catholic and Irish by birth, descent or legal adoption. Practicing Catholic wives of Ancient Order of Hibernians members and mothers of Junior Division LAOH members are also eligible.
The organization seeks photos and memorabilia for its archives. Contact Brady at (401) 258-0218 or kathrynbrady84@gmail.com for more information.
