LECTURE: "Bliain an Áir: The Forgotten Famine of 1741”
The Irish American Heritage Museum is proud to host Dr. Karen Sonnelitter, the Chair of the History Department at Siena College, who will present an intriguing lecture on the Irish Famine of 1741, also known as "Bliain an Áir" (Year of Slaughter). The Famine of 1741 was a period of severe food shortages and high mortality in Ireland. Dr. Sonnelitter will discuss the causes, including extreme weather and pre-existing vulnerabilities in Ireland at the time. It is estimated up to 480,000 people perished during this time.
Dr. Sonnelitter received her Bachelor's degree in History and Philosophy from Ithaca College, a Master's degree in History from the University of Connecticut, a Master's in Irish Studies from Queen's University (Belfast), and a Ph.D. from Purdue University. Dr. Sonnelitter's research has focused on eighteenth century British and Irish history. This presentation highlights this thorough research, and amplifies Dr. Sonnelitter's findings on how eighteenth century Ireland developed its own unique adaptations of new models of philanthropy in response to the political and social instablity of the era. This area of developed expertise resulted in the publication of Dr. Sonnelitter's first book, entitled "Charity Movements in Eighteenth-Century Ireland: Philanthropy and Improvement," which examined in-depth the influence of the Enlightenement on the development of organized charity societies in Ireland. Dr. Sonnelitter has frequently lectured the Irish American Heritage Museum community on fascinating historical topics, including issues relating to philanthropy and military families in eighteenth century Ireland.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to delve into the past and learn about the devastation of the Irish Famine of 1741.
Please RSVP for this free event by following this link.