A portion of "Absolution Under Fire" by Paul Henry Wood, and Dr. Ryan Keating.AIHS

Dr. Ryan Keating of California State University will discuss the Irish Brigade during the US Civil War in a Zoom lecutre hosted by the American Irish Historical Society on Thursday, October 17.

Dr. Keating's work focuses on the American Civil War, especially soldiers, veterans, and families, and the impact of the war on notions of ethnicity, identity, race, and gender.

The Irish Brigade was an infantry brigade that consisted of mostly Irish Americans, and is known for its famous war cry "faugh a ballaugh," an Anglicization of "fág an bealach," meaning "clear the way."

Irishmen and Irish Americans joined the brigade for a number of reasons - to show loyalty to their newfound home and in the hope that this display of patriotism would dispel anti-Irish sentiment throughout the US.

Ethnic units like the Irish Brigade were also a way for the Union Army to garner support for their cause. Due to its fearlessness and bravery, the Irish Brigade led the Union charge at Antietam, Fredericksburg, and most famously at Gettysburg where there is a monument erected in the Brigade’s honor.

Ryan Keating, PhD is the chair of the History department at California State University-San Bernardino. His research interests focus on the Civil War Era with a special focus on soldiers, veterans, and families and the impact of the war on notions of ethnicity, identity, race, and gender.

Dr. Keating's lecture on the Irish at Gettysburg will take place at 6 pm Thursday, October 17. You can register for the lecture, to be hosted on Zoom, here.

The American Irish Historical Society

The American Irish Historical Society (AIHS) in New York City is an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and culture of the Irish in America.

Founded in 1897, it serves as a cultural and historical repository, offering resources, exhibits, and events that highlight the contributions of Irish Americans to the United States.

For more information on the AIHS and its upcoming events, visit AIHSNY.org.