New York Irish Soldiers Relief Society

 

Members of the New York Irish Soldiers Relief Society, 1996.
Image by Wm. Dunniway & Co.

 

 

History

The New York Irish Soldiers Relief Society was one of the many "ladies aid societies" that came into being at the beginning of the war. This particular society supported the men of the famous "Irish Brigade" which consisted of five units; the 28th Massachusetts, the 63rd, 69th and 88th New York and the116th Pennsylvania.

Relief societies were formed by the women on the homefront and supported their men by organizing sewing circles to sew shirts and quilts, knit socks and gather foodstuffs to send to the troops. They also wrote letters and organized fundraisers. Even young girls got involved by sewing quilts with pockets in them which they stuffed with letters for the soldiers, sometimes they even got a reply!

Relief societies also created "packages from home" filled with jams and jellies, breads, cookies, fruits and vegetables for the soldiers. Many a man eagerly awaited mail call, hoping for one of these gifts. The New York Irish Soldiers Relief Society is just one of many societies that supported the war effort and the ladies worked hard to show their love and concern for the men who fought and died to preserve their freedom.

Recruitment

One of several civilian units in the NCWA, the New York Irish Soldiers Relief Society (NYISRS) is an association dedicated to supporting the soldiers of the 69th New York State Volunteers, a Union military unit. Historically, thousands of such relief organizations existed on both sides of the conflict, largely composed of the wives, sisters, mothers, children and sweethearts of soldiers who toiled on the fields of battle. These associations were formed to supply some comfort-such as mending, cooking, knitting bandages, doing laundry, writing letters home, and many other activities-to soldiers from particular towns or districts. The New York Irish Soldiers Relief Society represents women and children associated with Irish immigrants from New York, who together joined the Union forces to fight for their adopted country by forming the 69th New York State Volunteers-the "Fighting Irish," the senior regiment of the famed Irish Brigade.

The New York Irish Soldiers Relief Society invites you to join us, either individually or because you are associated with a member of the 69th New York or any other military unit. (Being Irish is not a requirement!) Group activities for public view at NCWA events often include scenarios such as laundering, soap or candlemaking, letter writing, and group meal preparation, as well as a few quiet moments for teatime, needlework and conversation. There's also plenty of opportunity to develop your own character based on historical precedent, and create scenarios for the public that highlight your personal skills and interests in the early Victorian period.

Your experience can be as simple or complex as you like. Many new members start by coming to an event to see what we do, and then explore their own particular interests. You don't need to have a complete 1860s wardrobe-we can help you find a few things to get started. All the members of the New York Irish Soldiers Relief Society are glad to offer support and assistance.

Call the National Civil War Association or contact a member of the New York Irish Soldiers Relief Society. You'll find a very warm welcome waiting for you.


Contact persons:

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it - Matron
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it - Assistant Matron
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it - Treasurer