This month was a fantastic reminder of the tremendous community to which we all belong. I am, as ever, blown away by the spirit of generosity among the Irish Diaspora and am so grateful to each of you for the kind words and support as we make the move from Cedar Lane to Darby Road.
I want to thank Bill McCray, Loretta McNamee, Mary Murtagh, Chris McCloskey, John Martin, Maria McGarrigle, Padraig “Kramer” McCaffrey, Pat Gibbons, John McDaid, Damien Crossan, Hugh McCloskey, Cathal McHugh, Alanna Barry McCloskey, Rory Connor, Gerard Bourke, Stephen Robinson, John Flood, Paul Welsh, Lenny Simpson, Noeline Reardon, and Kathleen Kenneally for rolling up their sleeves and jumping in to help us make the move.
A special note of thanks to Jim Reardon who has been the true driving force in all things move related. From laying new floors to hanging shelves and everything in between, Jim has taken volunteerism to the next level. We can’t thank you enough for all you do Jim!!
Please be sure to join Nicola, Ciarán, and me on March 1 from noon to 3 pm for an open house to celebrate the new location. If you can’t make it, stop by to one of the great programs coming up during the month or just swing by for a quick “hello.”
Looking forward to celebrating the month of March with you all!
Best Wishes,
Emily Ashinhurst,
Executive Director
Support our Center!
As we start a new decade, we need your help to continue paving the way for more people to receive help through our programs. Please consider a donation today toward our Annual Fund by visiting us online at the link below
Open House at 1001 Darby Road
Sunday, March 1 at from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
We welcome everyone in the community to come and view our new offices at 1001 Darby Road. We will have food and entertainment. We hope to see you there. Please RSVP to nicola@idcphila.org if you plan on attending.
Every month we host two free legal clinics offering access to the expertise of licensed immigration attorneys and help with citizenship and green card renewal. These legal clinics provide professional, confidential consultations and services to all, regardless of their immigration status. Our attorneys speak English and Spanish and give their services at our clinic pro-bono. Our next clinic with space available is March 2. We encourage you to sign up as soon as you can as appointments fill up fast. You can sign up via or website or email Nicola at nicola@idcphila.org
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Breakfast
Sunday, March 15 from 10 a.m.
It’s time for the biggest event in the Irish calendar, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Please join us for a family-friendly breakfast with our friends from the Irish Community at Con Murphy’s Irish Pub before we march in Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Tickets for the breakfast buffet are $20 and tickets can be purchased through the link below.
After breakfast, we will line up for the parade with a double-decker bus that we will share with the IABCN and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
For the Parade - we are meeting at 16th and JFK Blvd. If you are interested in marching with us, please call Nicola at the center on 610-789-6355 ext. 3200 or email nicola@idcphila.org. All are welcome.
St. Patrick's Day Senior Lunch, Tuesday, March 17 at 12 p.m.
We will celebrate St. Patrick's at our monthly lunch in the Commodore Barry Arts and Culture Center, 6815 Emlen Street. All are welcome to join us for some delicious food and good company. Please RSVP by calling 610-789-6355 ex 3200 or email Nicola at nicola@idcphila.org by Friday, March 13. Transport will be provided from the Diaspora Center at 11 a.m. so let us know if you need a lift!
Irish Colleges Information Evening,
Thursday, March 26 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Haverford High School, 200 Mill Rd, Havertown
Irish Colleges information session for people considering full-time higher education in Ireland. The event will give you an overview on the application process, college fees and the course opportunities available throughout Ireland. Please RSVP to Ciaran Porter at ciaran@idcphila.org. All are welcome
Men's Shed
Wednesday, April 1 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the Irish Diaspora Center
The CHAT committee has set up a Men’s Shed in Havertown. The men’s shed movement was first founded in Australia in the 1980’s, and has since expanded to other countries. Currently, there are over 450 sheds in Ireland, with at least 10,000 men visiting a shed every week.
All sheds are independent and self-autonomous, and the range of activities carried out by sheds differ from the next. Most sheds engage in activities such as woodwork, gardening, carpentry, DIY tips, arts & crafts, cooking and community work. However, there are more special interests sheds that focus on things like music, fishing and restoration work.
If you or anyone you know would be interested in being a part of this group, please join us at the Irish Diaspora Center, 1001 Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19083 on Wednesday, April 1st at 7 p.m.
Irish American Genealogy Evening Group - Identify your Ancestors
Thursday, February 27 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Do you have old family photos lying around your house that you can’t identify the individuals? Our evening Genealogy expert Lori Lander Murphy can help you solve the mystery! Bring along your old photos. Lori will give you contextual clues, identifying marks, details on clothing and photographers studios to help you get closer to their identity.
Irish American Genealogy Group - Special Presentation with Sheila Nye
- *Rescheduled from February
Tuesday, March 10 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join Pat Corey friends on a voyage of discovery about your ancestors. The group employs the self-help method of research. Each gathering highlights a special topic of interest related to Irish history and culture. This month we will have guest speaker Mrs Shelli Nye, the director of Family Search History center in Broomall, who will present What is new in FamilySearch .org . This will be followed by a review of search engines available for genealogy. Newcomers and beginners are welcome.
