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The Hunger Memorial

  • Ardsley Fire Department 505 Ashford Avenue Ardsley, NY, 10502 United States (map)

On Sunday, March 19, 2023, James. J. Houlihan will present a program about the Great Hunger Memorial.

The Great Hunger in Ireland (1845-1851)

Poorly clad and terribly housed, the Irish peasants were entirely dependent on the potato for

sustenance--out of 8 million, some 3.5 million ate little else, consuming 12-14 pounds per

day. This dependency was to become fatal. Famines were nothing new in Ireland by the

I840s, but a fungus virtually destroyed the potato crops. During 1840-50, 1.5 million died

from hunger and related diseases. The few doctors working among the poor were unable to

cope. Children were most susceptible to the famine fever. Yet in one year alone, 1847, four

thousand ships carrying peas, beans, rabbits, salmon, honey, arid potatoes left Ireland for

English ports. Also, 9,992 Irish cattle, 4,000 horses, and 1,000,000 gallons of butter were

sent to England, too. In 1847, 400,000 Irish died due to starvation. That is why the year

1947 is often referred to as “Black 47.”

The Atlantic Crossing

So many people perished on the ships bound for the United States that these filthy, fever-

ridden vessels became known as “Coffin Ships.” Between 1845 and 1855, 2 million Irish

emigrated. During 1846-51, over 600,000 entered the port of New York. The 1850 U.S.

Census shows 7,068 Irish-born living in Westchester. In Irish history, this period is called

“An Gorta Mor,” the Great Hunger. It is the single most important event in Irish history.

The Irish and Westchester County

Where they went, they were known as “Diggers.” In Westchester County, they were largely

responsible for the building of the railroads, dams (including Kensico Dam), and aqueducts.

The early Catholic parishes in the county were built by and for the Irish. They made their

mark in the Civil War and soon began to prosper. For those who were willing to persevere,

the United States offered the best opportunity for success.

Our Program

This program will help you understand the historical events that resulted in the Great

Hunger. The program will also describe the work of the Great Hunger Memorial Committee.

Finally you will gain a better understanding of the meaning of this memorial and the lessons

that can be applied to today’s world.

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October 23

The New Croton Aqueduct

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May 7

The History Making Partnership of Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey, the Men Who Broke Baseball’s Color Barrier