November 2009

Native American Indian Heritage Month

Heritage Month - March

On a Clear Day You Can See Boston Video Presentation
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Time: 12 –1 p.m.
Location: ICC 3114

Video presentation: Part two of the nine-part Destination America video series, this documentary covers the story of Irish immigrants in America. In the 1840s and 1850s, many Irish families came to the United States in order to escape the famine in their native country. A large percentage of these immigrants settled in Boston, Massachusetts. Over 30,000 came to the city during 1847 alone. Irish immigrants worked hard to make a prosperous life for their families, many in underpaid labor jobs, but their determination paid off. The Irish became the first immigrant population since the early 1800s to prove themselves as a political force in local, state and eventually national government. This video demonstrates that power as it opens with footage of President John F. Kennedy touring Ireland.

Because many Americans celebrate their Irish lineage on St. Patrick's Day, March was chosen as Irish American Heritage Month. The month was proclaimed in 1995 by Congress (Public Law 103-379).

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day: Ireland. Tradition holds that Ireland's patron saint died on this date in 493 AD at the age of 106. The anniversary of his death is celebrated in Ireland as a national holiday, with green, the color of the day, signifying undying gratitude to the memory of St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland.

The saint as a symbol of the Trinity wears the shamrock to commemorate its use. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of Irish decent all over the world as an expression of pride in their heritage.

Click on the image to view the full size poster! (PDF)

Contact UMUC Diversity Initiatives
for additional information.
Phone: 301-985-7940
E-mail: diversity-initiatives@umuc.edu