AOH Alexandria went on the road this week, heading to the birthplace of the original Ancient Order of Hibernians. It was an early start, taking a bus to the Yuengling brewery in Pottsville, PA for a tour and tasting. We heard about America’s oldest brewery and its place in local history, and had a tasting and snacks.
Next, we stopped by the historic church of St. Patrick, where we received a blessing from the local associate pastor.
Back in the bus, we headed to Ashland for a coal mine tour led by a local miner and Hibernian. We learned about the history of anthracite coal mining in the region, including the history of many of our Irish-American ancestors who worked (and often tragically died) in the mines.
Finally, we stopped in Girardville to visit Hibernian House and hear about the legendary Jack Kehoe. The Hibernian House was the original hotel and meeting place of the alleged Molly Maguires, owned and operated by John “Black Jack” Kehoe. We learned about the struggles of early Irish immigrants and the causes that ultimately led to the founding of the AOH.
Many thanks to Murphy’s Irish Pub for providing food and drink for the trip, to Dan McCormick and the McCormick family for organizing the trip, and to all our tour guides and hosts!
