Ancient Order of Hibernians
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The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is an Irish-Catholic anti-Protestant fraternal organization based in the United States which was established in 1836. It purpose was to assist Irish Catholic immigrants, including those who faced discrimination or harsh working conditions. Its mixture of religion and politics is comparable to that of the Orange Order.
The American branch of the AOH was founded in New York City in 1836, but the use of the name in Ireland may go back as far as 1641. When it was first founded in the United States, its existence and activities were concealed for some years. The motto is, "Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity." The AOH also has a large number of branches in Ireland itself, especially in Ulster.
The Ladies Auxiliary of the AOH was formed in 1894 in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Molly Maguires used the AOH as a front to conduct a campaign of intimidation against mine and railroad managers in Pennsylvania in the 19th century. Their objective was to improve the harsh working conditions that existed at the time.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians controls the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York and has refused to allow gays and lesbians to march in the parade, as they claim it is essentially a Christian festival and the Roman Catholic Church opposes homosexuality. There is no ban on homosexuals joining parades in Ireland, and a large contingent form part of the parade annually in Dublin.
External links
- Ancient Order of Hibernians webpage (http://www.aoh.com)
- AOH information (http://www.irishroots.org/aoh/aoh.htm)