The Irish Famine

befikero@unc.edu — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 01:48:52 +0000

Description:

There are two sculptures facing each other, but from a distance. On one side there is a sculpture of a man sitting down and a woman on her knees. They are both extremely skinny and have on inadequate clothing. There is also an empty bowl sitting right beside them. The man doesn't have a shirt on and both figures look overall very rough. The woman is also on her knees with her hand in the air giving the impression that she is praying. On the opposite sculpture there is a man, a woman, and a child. All three are dressed very well and look very fit. Unlike the other sculpture, all three are walking. This contrasts depicts the struggling, anxious immigrant transforming to a new life in America with opportunity and freedom. This memorial is visited by over 3 million people per year.

LocationMem:

Between washington street and school street in Boston, Massachusetts

Institution:

Boston Irish Famine Committee

Official/Unofficial:

Unofficial

Group Acknowledged:

Irish, Irish-Americans

Historical Subject:

This memorial reflects on Ireland during the potato famine. It shows one family that is impoverished and greatly suffering while another family is thriving because of new opportunities found in America. Some say the memorial honors Irish-Americans as they have found a way to prosper, but there are also critics that say the memorial mocks the famine itself and Irish people affected.

Physical Aspects:

On one side there is a wealthy family dressed in proper clothing. They look healthy and able bodied. The family consists of a man, woman, and child. On the other side there is a man and a woman. They are very impoverished as they lack proper clothing. They also lack food as there is an empty plate next to them.

Date of Dedication:

June 1998

Place Location:

Files:

Themes:

immigrants

settlers

famine

Irish Famine Memorial

kendal@unc.edu — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 18:32:35 +0000

Description:

The Irish Famine Memorial is a collection of two statues that depict a family suffering from the Great Famine in Ireland, and another prosperous family who migrated to the U.S.

LocationMem:

Boston, MA 02108

Institution:

Boston Redevelopment Authority

Official/Unofficial:

Official

Group Acknowledged:

Irish immigrants

Historical Subject:

This statue commemorates the 150 year anniversary since the height of the Great Famine. The Great Famine led to a great migration of Irish people to the U.S.

Physical Aspects:

The memorial depicts two groups. The first is a family that appears ragged and starving, having suffered from the Irish Potato Famine. The second group is prosperous and well-fed, having found prosperity after moving to the United States.

Date of Dedication:

June 1998

Place Location:

Files:

Themes:

Migration Memorials - famine

The Irish Famine

Irish Famine Memorial