Widowed Wretches and Pitiable Orphans: Philanthropy and Military Families in Eighteenth Century Ireland

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 intersection of philanthropy and military families in eighteenth century Ireland. 

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.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to delve into the past and learn about the impact of philanthropy on military families in Ireland. See you there!

For tickets, follow this link.