Irish American News Online

New National Organization to Honor Noted Irish Americans and Their Contributions to Arts, Business, Public Service, Sports and Other Areas

Chicago, July 21, 2010 – The Irish American Hall of Fame (IAHOF) announces its first call for nominees. The organization, formed this year, will honor the achievements of outstanding Irish American individuals who have contributed to society in one or more of the areas of arts and humanities, business and industry, education, public service, religion, science and sports. The IAHOF also will recognize individuals who have positively shaped the Irish American identity in the United States. Nominations for the first class of inductees will be accepted through November 15, 2010. A screening committee will determine the slate of candidates, and submit the nominees to a voting body of distinguished individuals representing academia, government, business and Irish-affiliated organizations from across the United States. Inductees will be honored at a gala in May, 2011. 

"It is with a sense of admiration and gratitude that we launch this initiative to tell the story and celebrate the great contributions of the Irish in America.” said Tim McDonnell, Executive Director of the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago, IL. “We consider it a privilege to be the proprietors of a worthy tribute to the work and successes of Irish Americans for everyone to enjoy, and we look forward to working with proud and passionate Irish Americans from all over the country over the coming months and years to build a fitting group of honorees.”

The IAHOF’s goal is to preserve and promote the stories of the Irish in America and the ongoing links between Ireland and the United States. The Hall of Fame was founded by members of the Chicago-based Irish American Heritage Center (IAHC) in conjunction with its year-long celebration of two milestones: the 35th anniversary of the founding of IAHC and the 25th anniversary of its physical location. While the Hall of Fame is an organization born of and operated under the auspices of the IAHC, it will be overseen by a separate governing committee and have a national focus. The IAHOF’s initial emphasis will be on electronic and online information and inaugural inductees will be commemorated with a display at the IAHC. The vision is for a bricks-and-mortar museum to be founded as the Hall of Fame grows.

People are encouraged to visit the IAHOF’s website, www.iahof.org to learn more about the Hall of Fame and to nominate potential inductees. Anyone may nominate a candidate. Eligible nominees have at least one parent with Irish heritage, are citizens or long-time residents of the U.S., well-recognized as Irish American and distinguished in one of the award categories.

Paper nomination forms also are available from the IAHC. Please call 773 282 7035 to obtain a copy.

About the Irish American Hall of Fame: Founded in 2010, the IAHOF will induct its first honorees in 2011. Learn more at www.iahof.org.

About the Irish American Heritage Center: Founded in 1976, the Chicago-based organization is one of the premier Irish cultural organizations in the United States. It is a destination for people of Irish descent as well as those who wish to learn more about the Irish heritage. Learn more at www.irish-american.org.