There are numerous Irish Heritage Month events scheduled for southeastern Connecticut this month with last Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Norwich kicking off the festivities.

Irish Heritage Month recognizes the history and culture of Ireland and the Irish-American population and their contributions to American society, economics, education, entertainment, sports, and politics.

New London’s parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 12, with Mystic’s slated for Sunday, March 19.

The John P. Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) has also scheduled two heritage events that are open to the public. The first, a free Irish Genealogy Workshop, will be held at St. Bernard's School on Saturday, March 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. with Ellen Bohan of the New Haven Irish-American Historical Society as the featured speaker. Advance registration is appreciated.

Forty Thieves Pub in Groton will host “Irish Hooley at Hanafins" on Saturday, March 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. The free event will feature Irish music and dance with The Spirited Soles Irish Step Dance School, the traditional Irish music RAM band, along with a demonstration of adult Irish step dancing. Advance registration is appreciated.

Other events in the area include include Music of Ireland at the Westerly Public Library on Saturday, March 11 at 1 p.m., Shamrock Tea with the Blarney Stone band at St. Joseph’s Church School Hall in New London on March 18 at 4 p.m. and the popular Irish bands "High Kings" and "Gaelic Storm" at the Garde Arts Center in New London on Tuesday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

The Kate Theater in Old Saybrook will show "Celtic Tenors" on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. "Lunasa" is scheduled for Friday, March 10 at 8 p.m, the Best of Boston St. Patrick's Day Comedian Festival will play Friday, March 17 at 8 p.m. and "Young Dubliners" on Sunday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m.

For more information on the events email jimgall127@gmail.com or call (860) 739-8216.