Purpose

The Irish Literary & Historical Society was founded in San Francisco in 1945 to provide an open, nonsectarian, and nonpolitical forum for the presentation and discussion of Irish and Irish-American art, history, literature, society, and culture.

Events

The ILHS meets monthly* to host presentations by invited speakers. Speakers have included local, national, and international scholars, artists, and writers, as well as speakers who share their personal experiences on subjects of Irish interest. Recent programs have also included speakers from the diverse cultural communities of the SF Bay Area and the West, who have explored the connections between their cultures and that of the Irish.

After each meeting’s presentation, conversation continues during an informal “social” with refreshments of tea and traditional Irish breads. Meetings are usually held on the last Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at United Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco.

*Meetings are scheduled for September, October, and from January through May.No meetings are held in November and December or during the summer months, unless otherwise noted.

In March the ILHS hosts an elegant and festive St. Patrick’s Banquet, featuring a guest speaker and an evening of Irish music, song, and poetry.

Members are also invited to participate in the ILHS Book Discussion Group which meets monthly in San Francisco.More Information

Publications

In addition addition to our U.S. Bicentennial publication of The San Francisco Irish: 1850-1976, the ILHS has recently sponsored publication of The Irish in the San Francisco Bay Area, edited by Professors Timothy J. O'Keefe and the late Don Jordan.

The book, published on the 60th anniversary of the society, reflects both the history and principles of the Irish Literary & Historical Society and its continuing commitment to the sponsorship of Irish and Irish American scholarship. More Information.