By:  Kevin Grace

Every October, the Society of Ohio Archivists sponsors “Archives Month in Ohio” in order to bring awareness to the rich historical materials contained in the state’s libraries, museums, and historical organizations.  The intent is to make citizens aware of these holdings, and to see further use of them by students, scholars, and teachers.

The theme for Archives Month this year is “Peoples of Ohio,” celebrating the ethnic and racial diversity in the Buckeye State.  In Cincinnati, the focus is on Irish Americans with exhibits and presentations planned that explore the Irish culture both in the Queen City.  Once again, an image from the holdings of the Archives & Rare Books Library has been selected for the statewide poster – a photo of Lance Underwood of the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Corps, performing at the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Cincinnati.

In keeping with the theme, throughout the month we will regularly post a contributed image of Cincinnati Irish heritage on our blog.  In addition to the piper, today’s blog features a photograph of two Cincinnatian Hibernians, Michael Keating and Barney McNamara, dressed in their finery before a 19^th century St. Patrick’s Day celebration.  The American branch of the Ancient Order of Hibernians was formed in 1836, with the Cincinnati Hibernians making their first appearance in 1869.  For more information about Archives Month in Ohio, consult the Society of Ohio Archivist’s website.  For more information on the Archives and Rare Books Library call 513-556-1959 or email archives@ucmail.uc.edu