Irish Famine Memorial

The Irish Famine Memorial in Boston commemorates the devastating period between 1845 and 1852 known as the Great Famine. Situated on a plaza, this memorial park features two distinct groups of statues. One grouping poignantly depicts an Irish family enduring the hardships of the famine, while the other portrays a family who have successfully emigrated to America and found prosperity. This memorial serves as a significant reminder of a pivotal moment in Irish history and its impact on the diaspora, particularly in cities like Boston, which became a new home for many seeking refuge.

This memorial, unveiled in 1998, stands within a broad tradition of public monuments that acknowledge significant historical events and their human cost. The Great Famine led to a mass exodus from Ireland, with many finding new lives in North America. The memorial directly addresses this historical migration, illustrating both the suffering that prompted it and the hope found in new beginnings. Funded through a trust established by Boston businessman Thomas Flatley, its creation reflects a community's desire to remember and reflect on this profound historical trauma and its legacy.

The memorial is located in Boston, Massachusetts, on a plaza that connects Washington Street and School Street. Visitors will find the park easily accessible in the city centre. The site features the contrasting sculptural groups, inviting contemplation on the themes of hardship and new opportunity. As a public memorial, it is open for respectful viewing by anyone wishing to learn more about the Irish Famine and its lasting impact on immigration to the United States.