Ancient Order of Hibernians records

The origins of the Ancient Order of Hibernians' (A.O.H.) can be traced back to the Irish-Catholic militant societies founded in opposition to forced mass conversion to Protestantism during the 18th and 19th centuries. A.O.H. is America's oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization to date. The original, Ireland-based version of A.O.H. was founded in 1565. This early version was an amalgamation of other militant societies with similar aims; to oppose penal law and protect Irish-Catholic priests from religious persecution. The American branch of A.O.H. was established in New York City and the coal-mining region of Pennsylvania in May 1836. The American branch aims to promote Ireland's reunification, protect Irish-Catholic immigrants' welfare, advocate for U.S. immigration reform, support the Roman Catholic church, and promote Irish culture and history.

Both Division 19 and 14 of the A.O.H. are represented in this collection. The Waltham Branch (Division 19) was established in 1875. The Watertown branch (also called the Thomas Cardinal O'Fiaich Division or Division 14) was established in 1894, and is still active. There previously existed an A.O.H. branch in Watertown before 1894, but its history is unclear. No information is currently available about the first Watertown branch. Division 19 (now called the James C. Campbell Division) has since relocated to Lowell, MA. The relocation took place after 1930.

Division 14 held meetings and events in multiple different locations across Watertown (St. Patrick's Hall, Pequosette Hall, the Otis. Brothers Building, and the Knights of Columbus Hall) before securing a permanent space. In the late 1950s, Division 14 secured a permanent home at 151 Watertown St. Division 19’s headquarters used to be Hibernian Hall, at 710 Main St. in Waltham, MA.

During the early years, both Divisions explored various fundraising activities, including organizing dances, raffles, and plays to raise money. Much of the funds were taken by the Sickness and Death benefits A.O.H. offered to its members (similar to modern-day PTO and pension plans), which were discontinued by Division 14 in November 1962. Both groups struggled to remain fiscally sound until membership significantly increased in the 1950s after WWII. Membership continued to flourish throughout the 60s and 70s which allowed the Divisions to make more significant contributions to the Church and host events on a larger scale. In recent years, Division 14 has continued to raise money for local charities, organize blood drives, food pantries, and fund scholarships for local schools.