Staten Island Unveils First U.S. Global Irish Famine Way Monument
Staten Island, New York, has become the first location in the United States to join the Global Irish Famine Way (GIFW) with the dedication of the Irish Famine Memorial and the unveiling of the first Global Irish Famine Way Bronze Shoes monument. This ceremony commemorates the more than 8,000 Irish Famine victims believed to be buried on Staten Island. These individuals arrived at the Marine Hospital Quarantine Station in St. George after enduring hunger, disease, and a perilous Atlantic crossing, only to perish upon arrival. The event included a consecration of the ground by Bishop Byrne, establishing a solemn place of remembrance. Cároilín Callery, International Convenor of the Global Famine Way, emphasized the importance of connecting Famine sites in Ireland with places where Irish emigrants sought refuge. Professor Christine Kinealy, Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute at Quinnipiac University, also spoke, highlighting the historical significance of the Famine and the experiences of those who j...
