The Irish American Heritge Museum has been nominated for an Eddies Award 2026 in the “Alternate Venue of the Year” category (non-traditional spaces that meaningfully support live music, even though presenting concerts is not their primary function)!
IAHM is a heritage space where the rich story of the Irish who came to America is told: why they came, what they brought with them, what they found, and their contributions that made America what it is, today. Many non-Irish visit the Museum, are engaged by IAHM’s telling of this story, and relate.
Our heritage is history. Our collective heritage also includes our culture and arts. The Irish have a wildly energetic brand of creativity - words, art and music. This energy is known well to many with Celtic roots. A similar, explosive and rich energy is owned by other cultures, and is part of their heritage story. When I was hired just over a year ago as the Executive Director of IAHM, I told everyone that would listen that I was going to utilize ALL of IAHM’s space in the telling/demonstrating/exhibing of that heritage story. The Story. IAHM has in the past fourteen months maximized its unique, intimate theater - has made it a vibrant exhibition space - by bringing in world class presenters and performers, several times a month.
IAHM is so grateful for all of you in our community who have noticed these efforts, and who enthusiastically show up and fill that space. Who have seen the poetry read. The actors perform. The academics speak. The players play. The singers sing. The seanchaís tell. The Story. We have brought the very best from Ireland, from across the United States, and from Canada and the EU (as part of our “Celtic Influences Performance Series” and “Special Event Perfomance Series.)”
At IAHM, we are grateful to each and every world class performer, presenter and artist who help us telling The Story.
I say this to all when telling The Story: our heritage is one generation away from going away. We are grateful to all who have came either to tell or to enjoy - that engagement is so powerfully and positively encouraging on this heritage road upon which we all travel.
All are welcome to 2026’s events. Bring your friends and family. We love seeing you, and sharing The Story.
Lastly, we are so grateful to all stakeholders in the Capital Region Thomas Edison Awards and Hall of Fame - for this remarkable nomination and recognition. The curation and presentation of the events in the past twelve months - what a fantastic living and breathing heritage exhibition!!! - has truly been a labor of the deepest love.