The Charitable Irish Society was founded in Boston in 1737 with two purposes, as set forth in its constitution: "to cultivate a spirit of unity and harmony among the Irish in Massachusetts, advocating the interests and cultural heritage of the Irish people; to alleviate suffering by helping members or other worthy recipients."

The Charitable Irish Society is the oldest Irish organization in North America, and it remains committed to its original mission. During its first century the Society’s membership was mainly Protestant, consisting of the descendants of Ulster Presbyterians. During and after the great famine in Ireland in the 1840’s, many Irish migrated to Boston, most of them Catholics. The Society concentrated its efforts on helping the new arrivals, and gradually its membership and leadership became Catholic.

The Society has continued its original mission while adapting to changing circumstances. Its members now work with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Irish Immigration Center, and the Irish Pastoral Center to aid Irish and other people in need. The Society also plays a major role in the “Catch the Spirit – Citizenship” program.

A longer history of the Society, called The Silver Key: A History of the Charitable Irish Society Founded in Boston 1737, was written by Charles T. Burke in 1973.

Sources:

Charitable Irish Society, "www.charitableirishsociety.org." Last modified 2015. Accessed August 21, 2015. http://www.charitableirishsociety.org.