Happy Anniversary,

Irish Cultural Society of Scranton

Twenty-five years ago, a number of Irish-Americans from the Scranton area, decided to form a Society to further and preserve Irish Culture for their children and many generations to come.

Having been drawn together by their children and the need to increase the awareness of Irish heritage, this dedicated group formed the Irish Cultural Society of Scranton.

For the past 25 years, under the leadership of 6 presidents, this group has remained dedicated to just this task. During this time, the following people have held the position of President: Jerry Clarke, Jack Murphy, Jim Salmon, Bob Ruane, Tom McCafferty and Chris King.

Within this time, our society has done many things to encourage the interest in Irish Culture. One of the most important developments has been the purchase of a building in 1979 so that our children and members could have a place to meet and learn about our heritage. This building was purchased from the city of Scranton on June 26^th, 1979, (approximately one year after the group first met) and was renovated by the Society. This building is still in existence today and has seen many improvements since it was purchased.

In 1984, a group of 9 Societies (8 Irish groups and 1 Scottish group) became involved in a yearly festival to celebrate our Celtic Heritage. This first festival was held at Rocky Glenn Park, after which we were told that we would be allowed to continue there, but only if we paid a portion of the fees. This induced our members to look for a better deal, (seeing that we are a non-profit organization) and to this end, the Irish Cultural Society began to hold its own festival annually and has done so ever since. This festival, now called the Montage Hooley has been located in several places. From 1985 through 1986, its home was on Montage Mountain. Then it was held from 1987 through 2001 at Jack Frost Mountain in the Pocono Mountains. This year will be the second year to see the Montage Hooley again on Montage Mountain.

Throughout this time, there has always been a steadfast program of Irish Stepdancing instruction under the direction of many teachers. It is now under the direction of Maureen King, whose dancers have performed each year at the festival and also visit many nursing homes, personal care facilities and other areas where people can’t get out. This is just one way in which we continually increase the awareness of the Irish Culture in America. There is also a small but outstanding research library in the ICS building for the use of our members. We continue to develop new programs to instill the interest of our heritage in our youth and will do so as long as we are able.

This page will be ever changing, with the addition of comments from those members who have been with the Society for many years. We will hopefully be adding comments from each of the past and future presidents plus some input from as many of the founding members as possible.

Please check back with us as we continue our purpose of adding to the knowledge of Irish Culture in America.

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