Boston Irish Famine Memorial
The Boston Irish Famine Memorial is a tribute to the victims and survivors of the Great Famine and a celebration of the resilience and contributions of the Irish community in America. It stands at the corner of Washington and School Streets in Boston’s Downtown Crossing district, on a plaza between the two streets and across from the Old South Meeting House. The memorial is part of both the Freedom Trail and the Irish Heritage Trail.
History
The Great Famine
The Great Famine, also known as the Irish Potato Famine or An Gorta Mor (The Great Hunger), took place from 1845 to 1852. Potato blight destroyed a primary food source for much of the Irish population, causing widespread starvation and disease. Approximately one million people died and another million emigrated. Between 1845 and 1849, approximately 100,000 men, women, and children fled Ireland for Boston (Mass Moments; TripSavvy).
The British government’s inadequate response exacerbated the crisis. Absentee landlordism, colonialism, and successive crop failures contributed to the dire living conditions described on the memorial’s plaques.
Boston also responded to the famine. In 1847, the Boston Relief Committee, headed by Mayor Josiah Quincy Jr., collected 800 tons of food and clothing and persuaded the U.S. government to allow a fully loaded warship to sail from Boston to Ireland on a mercy mission. The voyage of the USS Jamestown is also commemorated on the plaques (Mass Moments; Irish Echo). By 1855, more than 50,000 Irish people lived in Boston; over the following decades, they transformed the city’s political, social, and cultural life.
Origins and unveiling
Mayor Raymond Flynn announced the idea for a Boston Irish Famine Memorial in May 1993, emphasizing that it would address human dignity and respect as well as Ireland. Faneuil Hall Marketplace was initially proposed as the location. The project stalled after Flynn left City Hall later that year to become the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican (Wikipedia).
The project was revived in 1996 by Irish-American real estate tycoon Thomas J. Flatley. On May 1, 1996, Flatley convened a committee of Irish-American officials, cultural leaders, business leaders, historians, university presidents, and art administrators. The Boston Arts Commission helped solicit design bids, and sculptor Robert Shure was selected in April 1997 (Wikipedia).
The memorial was unveiled on June 28, 1998, marking the 150th anniversary of the Great Famine. The ceremony drew 7,000 people, including notable members of the Irish-American community (Wikipedia). The unveiling was also part of worldwide commemorations of the 150th anniversary of the Great Hunger.
Reception, commemorations, and legacy
The memorial has drawn both praise and criticism. Some visitors have praised its depiction of the Irish immigrant experience, while detractors have called it “the most mocked and reviled public sculpture in Boston.” Critics describe the sculptures as overly sentimental and lacking artistic sophistication. Others argue that the memorial overemphasizes Irish-American achievements while downplaying the scale of the famine. Supporters say it honors the contributions and resilience of Irish immigrants while acknowledging their ancestors’ suffering (Wikipedia; GoXplr).
The memorial hosts commemorative events, including an annual remembrance on June 28 with reflections from local leaders, traditional Irish music, and a blessing of the memorial park. The 25th anniversary was commemorated on June 28, 2023. Confirmed speakers included Irish Vice Consul General Paul Rooney, sculptor Robert Shure, former U.S. Ambassador Ray Flynn, and Boston City Council President Ed Flynn (Irish Echo).
Flatley and his family established the Irish Famine Memorial Fund at Boston College. Its mission is to provide financial or material support to BC alumni and others working to alleviate poverty, disease, famine, and illiteracy around the world (Irish Echo).
The Irish Great Hunger Memorial Committee is also working on a new vision for a memorial on Deer Island. The proposal includes a 16-foot classic Irish/Celtic granite cross on a four-foot concrete foundation overlooking Boston Harbor, surrounded by informative plaques and granite blocks explaining the memorial’s significance (Boston Irish).
What to see
Statues and narrative plaques
Robert Shure’s memorial features two groups of statues. One depicts an emaciated Irish family suffering and dying of starvation in Ireland during the Great Famine of 1845–1852. The other shows a prosperous family that immigrated to America: they face the future with optimism and resolve while looking back sadly at the family left behind. Together, the sculptures express both the despair of the famine and the hope and heartache of the immigrant experience (IrishCentral; Irish Echo).
Eight narrative plaques encircle the statues and recount the famine years, including the conditions in 19th-century Ireland, the famine’s effects, and Bostonians’ relief efforts. They also connect the famine to modern famines in Africa and elsewhere. The final plaque, “Lest We Forget,” reminds visitors that famine continues to affect populations around the world (Irish Echo).
Heritage trails
The memorial is part of Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail. One description of the trail lists 40 landmarks across downtown Boston and its neighborhoods (Atlas Obscura); another describes a route connecting 20 downtown sites related to Irish-American history (TripSavvy). The memorial is also on the Freedom Trail.
Practical visiting information
Location, hours, and admission
The memorial is at the corner of Washington and School Streets in downtown Boston, on a plaza between the streets and across from the Old South Meeting House. It is open 24 hours a day, 24/7, year-round, and admission is free. No tickets are required.
Accessibility and tours
The memorial is wheelchair accessible and set on a flat plaza. Benches nearby offer a place to rest. Guided tours are available through various Boston historical tour companies and may include the memorial as part of a broader exploration of Boston’s history.
Events
Special events are held around significant anniversaries related to the Great Famine and Irish-American history. Commemorative events take place throughout the year, including the annual June 28 remembrance. Check official websites for updates.
Tips
Spring and fall are suggested as good times to visit, when the weather is mild and foliage is at its peak, though the memorial is open year-round (Snoflo).
The statues and plaques offer photographic subjects that combine the memorial’s artistic and educational elements. Early morning or late afternoon light can cast dramatic shadows and highlights on the sculptures.
For a taste of Irish culture and hospitality nearby, jm Curley is at 21 Temple Place, and The Kinsale Irish Pub & Restaurant is at 2 Center Plaza (TripSavvy).
Nearby places
The memorial is adjacent to the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long route passing 16 historically significant Boston sites (Snoflo). Nearby attractions include Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, and Boston Common, all within walking distance. The Old South Meeting House and Granary Burying Ground are also nearby.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit the Boston Irish Famine Memorial?
Spring or fall offers mild weather and peak foliage, but the memorial is open year-round (Snoflo).
What are the visiting hours, and is there an admission fee?
The memorial is open 24/7 and is free to the public. No tickets are required.
Is the memorial accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes. It is wheelchair accessible and situated on a flat plaza.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Various Boston historical tour companies offer guided tours that include the memorial.
Where is the memorial?
It is at the corner of Washington and School Streets in downtown Boston, across from the Old South Meeting House.
Are there special events at the memorial?
Yes. Commemorative events are held throughout the year, including an annual remembrance on June 28. Check official websites for updates.
