Ancient Order of Hibernians-Annapolis, Maryland
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The Ancient Order of Hibernians was formed in Ireland in 1565 with the prime purpose of protecting the Catholic Church and the priesthood against oppression and threatened extinction by the Elizabethan government. It's motto remains "Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity".
In 1836, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, Inc. was established in New York City. It continues as the oldest Catholic men's organization in America, with membership consisting of practicing Catholics of Irish birth or descent. Detailed History
The purpose of the AOH include; promotion of loyalty to Church, country and community; peace with justice, unity and independence for all Ireland; the ideals, history, culture and traditions of the Irish people; civic participation and freedom of religious practice for all.
In 1980, a division of the Order was chartered in Annapolis, Maryland and was appropriately named the Commodore John Barry Division in honor of the Irish-born "Father of the American Navy". It is officially designated as Anne Arundel County Division 1.
The Order has four official holidays: St. Patrick's Day, Independence Day, Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland Day (August 21) and Commodore John Barry Day (September 13), which has been proclaimed as such by the President of the United States.
Because of many interests in common, Annapolis, home to the United States Naval Academy and Wexford, Ireland, birth place of Commodore John Barry, have been designated "sister cites" by their respective municipal councils. A maritime city on the Irish Sea, Wexford is the closest point in Ireland to the European mainland.