Kingston Irish Famine Commemoration Association

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KIFCA Information

     The Kingston Irish Famine Commemoration Association (KIFCA) was founded in 1995 to make the City of Kingston more aware of the Irish Famine of 1847-48 and the impact of the resulting Irish immigration on the history of Kingston and surrouding settlements. KIFCA does this through the marking of historical sites, commemorative ceremonies, research, publications and the maintenance of a web site. KIFCA is a duly registered Canadian charity with no political affiliation. It welcomes people of all nationalities and religious denominations who are interested in its goals. Annual membership costs $5.00.
     Much has been written about the horrific conditions the Irish immigrants suffered while on route to Canada and the many thousands who perished from disease and deprivation at places like Grosse Ile.
     The aim of KIFCA, founded in 1995, is to increase awareness of the historic role many Kingstonians played while helping the Irish immigrants and also to commemorate those who died on Kingston's shores and were buried in the mass grave on the KGH grounds. Members of KIFCA have, to date, researched over 600 of the names of the "nearly 1,400" buried at KGH. We continue to research the names of the other Irish Famine victims buried in 1847-48 in other grave sites in the city (Skeleton Park, for example.) Research is ongoing and we hope to publish the material through a series of pamphlets and booklets.
     KIFCA successfully petitioned (1997) Kingston City Council to set aside a small, well travelled, downtown park on the lakeshore as a Memorial Park to the Kingston Irish Famine victims (named Án Gorta Mór Park.) KIFCA has erected a Celtic Cross Memorial in Án Gorta Mór Park.
     The erection of the Cross took place on Monday, May 22nd 1998. The blessing of the Celtic Cross took place on July 1st under "typically Irish" skies (slightly overcast with occasional rain.) We would like to thank everyone who turned out to make the ceremony a great success, despite the weather and various other celebrations around the city.
     On August 15th, 1998 the Kingston Irish Famine Commemoration Association held its 1st Annual Commemoration and Wreath Laying Ceremony, in memory of the Irish immigrants and the Kingstonians who died caring for them in Kingston's fever sheds during 1847-48. It was a beautiful, warm day and the event was a great success! Beginning at 2:30pm there was a parade from City Hall to Án Gorta Mór Park followed by the Commemoration Ceremony. The following receptions at Martha's Table and Tir nan Óg Irish Pub were excellent and all those who participated should be commended. KIFCA would like to thank everyone who came out to support our 1st Annual Commemoration and Wreath Laying Ceremony and we hope for continued support in our further endeavors.
     KIFCA is continuing to raise funds for the protection and maintenance of the Cross, as well as various other projects, including further research, site markings and the publishing of pamphlets, booklets and other media to spread awareness of this significant part of Kingston's history.
     The site of the original mass grave (Stuart St.) on KGH grounds is presently unmarked, but a plaque will be erected at the site soon.
Pamphlets in the works. The Kingston Irish Folk Club, Tir nan Óg and private donors, Tony O'Loughlin (founder and first President of KIFCA) is co-ordinating pamphlets and booklets about the history of the Irish in Kingston i.e. the Typhus Epidemic, influence at City Hall, the building of the Rideau Canal, the settling of several surrounding communities etc. To achieve this goal, he would appreciate access to family memorabilia, oral histories, and the participation of typists and volunteer reseachers. Research training will be provided. If you wish to be involved in this information project, please contact Tony O'Loughlin at (613) 389-0754.

For more information, or to volunteer your time, please contact:

          Tyler Percy
           (Website Designer)
          111 Bay St. Apt #3
          Kingston, Ontario
          CANADA
          K7K 1H9
          tel: (613) 544-1646
          e-mail: KIFCA

or       Tony O' Loughlin
           (Founder and President of KIFCA)
   1093 Hickorywood Cres
   Kingston, Ontario
   CANADA
          tel: (613) 389-0754

     If you would like to make a donation, please make your cheque payable to: Kingston Irish Famine Commemoration Association and return to the Treasurer.

Barbara Dawe
tel: (613) 634-6028

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