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This informance (lecture and concert) is the inaugural of IAHM’s new series of 2026 events honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
Titled “Echoes of Freedom: Irish Voices in America’s Story,” the multi-event exhibition and performance series will explore the powerful and often overlooked role of Irish immigrants and Irish Americans in shaping the cultural, political, and social foundations of the United States. Through exhibitions, music, theater, spoken word, dance and storytelling, the “Echos of Freedom: Irish Voices in America’s Story" series will highlight how Irish traditions and voices contributed to America’s journey toward independence and democracy, and how those traditions and voices continue to influence the nation today. This series - which will run throughout 2026 and will be aligned with national commemorations of America’s Semiquincentennial - will take place at IAHM and partner venues, and will also be offered as part of IAHM’s extensive outreach program to community centers, schools and senior residences, making the series accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Echoes of Freedom: Irish Voices in America’s Story will commence with the launch of IAHM’s “America 250 Performance Series” on February 17, 2026 (7:00 PM) at the Museum. At that date and time, an informance (lecture and performance) given by legendary Irish performer Derek Warfield which is entitled “Irish Hands, American Waterways: The Erie Canal in Song and Story.” Warfield - a founding member of the Irish band the Wolf Tones and globally recognized historian, singer, songwriter, and mandolin player - will both tell the story of the Irish and the Erie Canal and perform songs in this historical context with his band, the Young Wolf Tones.
For more information about IAHM's events, call IAHM at (518) 427-1916.
IAHM’s 2026 "Echos of Freedom: Irish Voices in America's Story" events are offered in conjunction with multiple events similarly sponsored by the State of New York; NYS's America 250; the New York State Education Department and NYSTIA.