Webster Library to host Irish cultural event

On March 6, for the 5th year in a row, the City of Rochester and County of Monroe will declare March Irish American Heritage Month, in recognition of all the contributions by Irish descendants in our community both past and present.

The declaration will be made at a joint press conference with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee at City Hall at 10 a.m. on the 6th, officially kicking off a month-long celebration of Irish culture which includes parade — of course — on Saturday March 14, and lots of Irish-themed events all over the county.

The Webster Public Library joins the celebration on Wed. March 11 when they host a Siamsa (pronounced “shEEm-suh”), an evening of Irish culture and entertainment from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The 90-minute program will include traditional music, dancing and historical stories, presented by five local Irish organizations.

The schedule looks like this:

• 7 to to 7:15 p.m.: soda bread-making demonstration by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians
• 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.: traditional Irish music session by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
• 7:45 to 8:15 historical presentation by the Irish American Cultural Institute president Michael McCarthy, featuring an overview of Col. Patrick O’Rorke’s life, death and legacy.
• 8:15 to 8:30 p.m.: Irish step dance by Jamieson Irish Dance and Creative Arts
• 8:30 p.m.: conclusion of the program and soda bread tasting 

Registration is not required, but seating is limited and when I went last year, it was pretty crowded, so get there early.

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Also coming up at the library, an Irish Genealogy workshop on Monday March 16, at 7 p.m.

Topics will include U.S.-research tips with emphasis on the immigrant ancestor and how to find their siblings and parents; a process to use the results of your research to mine Irish records, and an overview of all other Irish resources.

Registration is required. For more information and to register call the library at (585) 872-7075 and choose 3 for the Reference Desk.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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P.S. If you can’t make it to the Siamsa presentation at the Webster Public Library, the same program will be hosted by the Penfield Public Library on Wednesday March 25 at 7 p.m. Registration for this program is required. Call the Penfield Public Library at (585) 340-8720 for more information.

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