Professor Christine Kinealy of Quinnipiac University will be the keynote speaker at an event headlined "Irish Workhouse Centre – Campaign Launch & Reception" at the Bank of Ireland Hub, 2 Grand Central Tower, 140 East 45th Street in Manhattan on Wednesday, November 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Great Hunger-era workhouse in question is in Portumna, County Galway and all funds raised will be applied to what a release described as "the much-needed renovation of the former dining hall and chapel at the workhouse."
Professor Kinealy is a world-renowned historian and prolific author whose work has included a particular focus on the Great Hunger. To attend the event RSVP by November 2 to Mary Reed at mary@irishworkhousecentre.ie. To make a gift in the U.S. go to https://irishap.org/ways-to-give/.
The campaign was launched on June 22 in Ireland by way of a Joanie Madden/Cherish the Ladies concert in the former dining hall space.
According to a release, Ireland once had a country-wide network of 163 workhouses designed to alleviate poverty and destitution.
"Built in the 1840s, they predated the Great Hunger and were finally closed in the 1920s. Today hardly any trace of these vast buildings, their history, or the souls who lived in them exist on the Irish landscape. The Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna is a notable exception. Thanks to the dedication of the local community, it has been partially restored and is now dedicated to authentically preserving this crucial part of Irish history.
"The former dining hall and chapel area will be renovated for use as a space for hire for events such as community concerts, art exhibitions, lectures, and special events. A facility of this size and proportion is not available to the public in South East Galway at present.
"Support The Irish Workhouse Centre with a tax-deductible gift below. 100 cents of every dollar of your gift will go directly to the renovation of the workhouse. https://irishap.org/irish-workhouse-centre/.
You can also mail a check to The Irish American Partnership at 15 Broad Street, Suite 210, Boston, MA 02109. You can find information about more ways to give – including bank transfers – here. When you make a gift, please note 'The Irish Workhouse Centre' where possible.
"Proceeds from the evening will go directly to the Irish Workhouse Centre Campaign. Donors will be recognized either on a group plaque or an individual plaque depending on the size of the donation. All U.S. donations will go through the Irish American Partnership in Boston and are tax deductible.
