The Great Irish Famine that took place in the 19th century was a seminal event for cities and entire countries, impacting the makeup of communities all over the world. That history is both commemorated and venerated in the Boston Irish Famine Memorial in Boston, Massachusetts. Visited by more than 3 million people per year, it is equal parts landmark and memorial, highlighting what it can mean to profoundly honor the history of a city and community.
Commemorating the tragedy of An Gorta Mór
The Great Famine in Ireland that went from 1845-1849 compelled mass emigration from the country. Known in Irish as An Gorta Mór (The Great Hunger), over one million died of starvation and disease. Another two million emigrated, creating large Irish communities across the world, with an especially large one forming in Boston. In 1847 alone, 37,000 Irish refugees landed in Boston. The people who escaped would end up being especially fortunate, as those remaining in Ireland suffered poverty, eviction, and the decimation of their culture.
Created in 1998 by Robert Shure, the Boston Irish Famine Memorial commemorates both sets of people with two sets of families. One represents an emaciated Irish family suffering during the Great Famine while the other depicts a healthy family whose condition is on account of their emigration to the United States of America. The sculptures are accompanied by eight narrative plaques, each of which outlines the fate and challenges of these Irish immigrants.
The installation of this moment to mark 150 years since the height of the Great Famine proved to be controversial, with some mentioning it as the “most reviled public sculpture in Boston.” That controversy has fueled a popularity though, as the space hosts events and memorials for the Irish community and is also part of the Irish Heritage Trail, highlighting how it has become part of the community that compels engagement from everyone.
The Boston Legacy
By depicting multiple perspectives of the Boston Irish story, the Boston Irish Famine Memorial commemorates Irish Americans while also serving as a memorial to those who died from it, representing a dual legacy that some find inappropriate. Those feelings have defined a place for engagement and connection, showcasing what it can mean for a memorial to be more than a landmark that fits into the history and legacy of an entire community.
