Established in late 2019, the Irish Culture Center of Virginia, Inc. was incorporated as a 501c.(3) charitable organization to support the Virginia Ancient Order of Hibernians with the means to finance projects designed to further the Irish culture, heritage, traditions and history through education and visual, tactile memorials. We found the word “Center” created the illusion of a “brick and mortar” facility and resulted in donations of Irish book collections and antique Irish dance costumes for display cases. We placed these gifts into storage awaiting the opportunity to acquire real estate where these treasures can be displayed. In the meantime, we successfully petitioned the Commonwealth of Virginia to “do business as” the Irish Culture Society.
Updated December 2025
In spring 2025, the Irish Culture Society of Virginia engaged accomplished Virginia sculptor Thomas Marsh to design a memorial to honor Irish émigré and American patriot Colonel John Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald significantly contributed to the fabric of America. He built Alexandria, VA into an international port, served heroically in the Revolutionary War as infantryman and George Washington’s aide de camp, served as Alexandria’s mayor, and served his faith in founding the first Catholic church in Virginia.
The bronze raised relief sculpture was installed at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Alexandria on December 6, 2025. It depicts St. Patrick Day 1788 when Fitzgerald accepted the first donation toward building the church from George Washington. The sculpture was blessed by Very Rev. Father Hathaway.
Society Vice President Terry Riley and Basilica of Saint Mary Archival Manager Virginia Nyce were co-project managers. They deserve great credit for shepherding the project from beginning to end through frequent consultations with sculptor Thomas Marsh and Father Hathaway during the critical design, construction, delivery, installation, and ceremonial phases of the project.
This dedication marks culmination of four years fund raising supported primarily by the Gen. Meagher, Col. Cunningham, Father Kelley, Herbert-Cady Divisions, the Virginia State Board, and many individual Hibernians.
Very Rev. Father Hathaway Blessing the Sculpture
(L to R) Rev. James R. Searby, Parochial Vicar; Terry Riley, Society Vice President; Very Rev. Edward C. Hathaway, Rector;
Bill Halpin, President Irish Culture Society; Vince Eikmeier, Viginia AOH President; Jay McCarthy PSP, Society board member
Hibernians at the reception following the dedication
Sculptor Thomas Marsh and Project Manager/Society Vice President Terry Riley at installation
Postscript Worthy of Note: In a 1787 letter to Thomas Jefferson, Washington wrote:
“a Gentleman who is a native of Ireland – Colo. John Fitzgerald. The active Services of this Gentleman during the War — his long residence in the Country—and intermarriage in it . . . all entitle him to be considered as an American”.
