Becoming Irish American

Ever wonder how the Irish went from being outsiders to a cornerstone of American identity? Discover the incredible journey of a people who transformed their struggles into political power, cultural influence, and an enduring legacy that continues to shape the United States today. This summary unpacks the 300-year saga of Irish America, from the earliest settlers in Roanoke to the Kennedy era. You'll learn how key events, religious identity, and fierce ambition allowed the Irish to not only survive but thrive, creating a distinct and powerful identity that was both Irish and uniquely American.

Timothy J. Meagher is the preeminent historian of Irish America, serving as a university archivist and associate professor of history at The Catholic University of America. His lifelong immersion in the historical records of Irish American communities, combined with his own family's story, provides the unique foundation for his groundbreaking work. Meagher's research reveals the complex, centuries-long journey of how Irish immigrants and their descendants forged a new identity in the United States, a story he was born to tell.