Staten Island in the USA became part of the Global Irish Famine Way(GIFW) recently as the Irish American community gathered to dedicate the Irish Famine Memorial and unveil the first Global Irish Famine Way Bronze Shoes monument in the United States.
More than 8,000 Irish Famine victims are believed to be buried on Staten Island. They arrived at the Marine Hospital Quarantine Station in St. George, having endured hunger, disease, and a perilous Atlantic crossing in search of a new life in America only to perish on the doorstep to a brighter future.
The ceremony was marked by a consecration of the ground by Bishop Byrne, creating a solemn and lasting place of remembrance for those who died here.
Cároilín Callery, International Convenor of the Global Famine Way spoke about the importance of connecting Famine sites in Ireland with the places around the world where Irish emigrants sought refuge. Professor Christine Kinealy, Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute at Quinnipiac University, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the historical significance of the Famine and the experiences of those who made the journey to America.
Following remarks on the history and significance of the Staten Island site by Boyle native Hilary T Beirne, the Irish Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason formally unveiled the Bronze Shoes, the international symbol of the Global Irish Famine Way.
The Bronze Shoes now connect Staten Island with a growing international heritage trail that follows the journeys of Irish Famine emigrants from Ireland to the communities where they sought refuge and began new lives. With this unveiling, Staten Island became the first location in the United States to join the Global Irish Famine Way.
The monument offers more than a place to remember the thousands who died. It provides a tangible connection for descendants seeking to understand the journeys of their ancestors and ensures that the experiences of those who arrived on Staten Island during the Great Famine remain part of the story of the Irish diaspora in America.
A huge thank you goes to the Staten Island Irish Famine Memorial Committee, led by Lynn Rodgers, whose dedication, commitment, and years of work helped make this historic occasion possible. Their efforts have ensured that this important chapter of Irish and Staten Island history will have a permanent place of remembrance.
The ceremony brought together members of the Irish American community, descendants, local organizations, historians, clergy, and supporters of the memorial to honor those who rest at this historic site.
More than 175 years later, their journey continues to be remembered. Staten Island now stands as a lasting bridge between Ireland and the Irish diaspora—ensuring that the stories, suffering, courage, and hopes of those who came here are never forgotten.
Photo credit Janet Burke Photography
