The month of March 2024 represents the 34th anniversary of National Irish Heritage Month, or IHM.

In New London, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, John P. Holland Division, will celebrate one aspect of IHM with a program “History of the AOH in New London” from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Saint Joseph’s School Hall, Squire Street, New London.

In America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians formed in 1838 in New York City. In 1871, 145 New London men formed an AOH Division 1, with the name of Father Joynt Division; Joynt was the pastor of Saint Mary’s Church in New London at the time. Division 2 was formed shortly thereafter.

Saturday’s event will feature a display of archival AOH information and photos, covering the original and current divisions over the period from 1871 to the present. A brief talk on Irish immigration and the showing of an annotated loop of photographs projected onto a large screen are scheduled concurrently. The historical program will be followed by an hour of live Irish music, performed by Jeff Butler, leader of the Bards of Gungywamp band.

This is phase one of a long-term project entitled “History of the Irish in New London County.”

Saturday’s event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (860) 739-8216 or send email to jimgall127@gmail.com.