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Boston Irish Famine Memorial
Boston, MA 02108, United States
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Comments
De
Review №1

Nice memorial, worth checking out.

Jo
Review №2

Many Irish immigrants fled to America during the great famine. This memorial pays tribute to those who desperately came to America and were able to have more opportunities.

Ka
Review №3

Whether you share Irish Heritage or not, this is still a really neat part of Boston history with beautifully sorrowful statues. Seating is also available for resting if you have been travelling the Freedom Trail and need a quick break.

Su
Review №4

Beautifully done, simple Memorial with a wide circle for gathering or eating as you learn about the great famine.

Ch
Review №5

Honestly I had mixed feelings with the site, its buried in an ally with some interesting statue designs that a local pointed out. I think theres probably a better way to tell that story

Wy
Review №6

Its important not just for the Irish but all humans on Earth not to repeat this major tragedy in history. Wish it was given more focus, maybe they include it in history tours of Boston.

Do
Review №7

Peaceful unique little park.*** This partial quote I found will explain a little bit of the history of this Memorial :*** To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Irish famine the Boston Irish community raised one million dollars for this Memorial and Park , which was completed on June 28, 1998.That is basically the history on this monument.Not a bad spot to stop to rest before moving on in your journey.

Kr
Review №8

This little corner was actually quite educational and with a stop. Places to sit and rest a bit as well along the history tour. Knowing something about the history, I would have loved to see more info about the causes etc. The history is fascinating but I suppose you cant put a whole chapter on a plaque

Mi
Review №9

The detail on the plaques put up by the memorial tell us the story, the background of the events in Ireland and how people of Massachusetts helped during those days.

Co
Review №10

Throughout our history, tragedy continues to strike humanity. Whether it be a natural evil that exists out of chance or moral injustice that plagues the downcast, humans alike suffer. From this misery, a timeless call to commemorate the fallen echos through art. In “Memorializing the Unspeakable: Public Monuments and Collective Grieving” Caro Gold Calo explains the ultimate function of a memorial is to remember the unspeakable, “by personalizing tragedy, ensuring remembrance of the victims, and motivating people to take action to realize a more hopeful future.” This notable Memorial stands on the corner of Washington Street in Boston Massachusetts. The Boston Irish Famine Memorial honors one of the greatest social disasters that led to the largest loss of life in the 19th-century. Despite its critiques, this Memorial blends traditional architecture with contemporary design to both, pay tribute to those who endured Irelands greatest tragedy and celebrate the success in paving the way for future migrant generations. Through the contrast of vertical and horizontal lines, open and closed form, and composition, the viewer is left with reverence for the countless lives lost and pride in Irish American succession.

Ja
Review №11

Nice memorial in the middle of the city, few spots to sit down on the edge. And theres street folks who hang out there too sometimes as it is the city. Overall pretty clean and nice area to eat lunch in the summer.

Jo
Review №12

Nicely done. Not much there.

Br
Review №13

Located in a small patch of green space at the corner of School Street and Washington Street is the Irish Famine Memorial, sculpted by Robert Shure in 1998 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the devastating potato famine in Ireland in 1848.The Memorial is a pair of bronze siblings. On one pedestal, you see three starving children in despair, representing the situation in Ireland during the famine (1845-1852). While on the other pedestal you find three healthy, happy and nicely clothed children, representing the American Dream.This is an interesting composition, serving to remind of the plight of the Irish at this time in history. Conveniently located in between Kings Chapel and the Old South Meeting House, you can easily have a quick look-see the Irish Famine Memorial when making your way between attractions as part of your Freedom Trail sightseeing.

Ma
Review №14

Somber reminder of a terrible tragedy. The Brits will get theirs. We will never forget.

Cl
Review №15

Great historical visit. Add it to your list.

Fa
Review №16

Loved visiting this area.

Pe
Review №17

Sad history but cool monument

G
Review №18

A timely reminder about why people move and how an unfortunate event can lead to opportunities. Hopefully, the city is paying attention and rescues the unfortunate souls who are out at this spot in need of help.

Wi
Review №19

Amazing pieces of work here. Great story too.

Pr
Review №20

Its a great historic place along the freedom trail. Tours can be taken from Faneuil Hall for free which go by this memorial.

We
Review №21

Amazing place to visit if you spend some time to read the lines about the great famine story.

Ju
Review №22

Very important place for irish people. They come here to thank for their success in the US.

Pi
Review №23

Nice place to sit and rest especially when you visiting Boston and you do lots of walking. I think there is always a bit of shade so you can cool down a little bit. The Irish Famine Memorial is a nice piece of art with I teresting history and a good subject for street photography. The only bad thing we experienced was couple agresive drunk people that yelled at each other and leave a mess.

Lu
Review №24

Very moving and most timely in relation to our current immigration problems. Should be visited by all Americans and visitors alike.

Br
Review №25

A very worthy memorial created by the residents of Boston to commemorate a most tragic time in Irish history. Thank you Boston.

Ca
Review №26

Very pretty statues. The ideality of the American dream.

Ro
Review №27

Took a walk on the freedom trail in Boston pretty cool historical trail

Do
Review №28

A good reminder that through our history there were people that struggled harder than me and that problems no matter how big will pass, life moves on, God is great

R
Review №29

Nice work dramatization of the memorial. Statues are well crafted and there is also a full description and information about the famine. In addition there is a place to sit down and read or have lunch outside.

Vi
Review №30

Awesome park, great atmosphere!

El
Review №31

Two beautuful monuments

Cl
Review №32

Wonderful memorial to a terrible time. Did think it was odd that theres are tables there for people to eat.

Mi
Review №33

Never knew this was there, but a nice bit of history.

Ch
Review №34

This is an interesting little memorial. Well-located, it’s a good place to hang out. There are plenty of beggars in the area, so just beware. There are a lot of good shops in the area if you need to go indoors for whatever reason, and the subway stop is located right in front.

Ti
Review №35

Boston is a very historic city to visit.

Ma
Review №36

A poignant reminder that immigration is what built this country.

Ke
Review №37

Honestly its a little depressing but depicts historical facts. Great peice of art work fine details

Lu
Review №38

The Irish Famine Memorial is a beautiful tribute to the strength and perseverance of the Irish people. Its also located in such a scenic spot.

le
Review №39

I remember when i left my home country !

Ge
Review №40

Bostons past ,present and future generations i guess could all be found engrained within this beautiful memorial to a darker period which also needs to be viewed itself in proper context & not as SOMETHING else to beat the English with & THATS without mentioning the Tea party!

Ce
Review №41

DT Boston, away from the big box stores. Nice little reprieve and a little bit of history

Ce
Review №42

History of the irish famine. Love the Art work.

De
Review №43

Finally put up a sign to respect the memorial. For years it was a homeless gathering place and nobody knew what was there. The Irish Famine should be commemorated in a city with such a large Irish population. Also, it should be mentioned it wasnt actually a famine. There was plenty of food to feed people, the English instead exported it to England or fed their cattle and horses, while evicting people to starve to death on the street, or if they were lucky, emigrate to places like Boston.

Fi
Review №44

Nice landmark in the middle of haymarket...fun to look down and see tge lights at nighttime

Ka
Review №45

Its just a statue in a couple places to sit in front of Walgreens

L.
Review №46

Absolutely beautiful and nice juxtaposition to see the Irish famine sufferer statues next to those representing Irish American counterparts. Downtown Boston, so full of suits taking lunch, folks asking for cigs, the free library cart, and many walking tours in a few languages.

Jo
Review №47

Dope memorial. Never forget.

Ni
Review №48

Great sculptures. Great for kids!

Ch
Review №49

Nice place

Mi
Review №50

Im Irish and I appreciate this memorial. It is important to remember the where we came from and the struggles of past generations. I wish there were more memorials like this for imagrants of all cultures.

R.
Review №51

Outstanding Freedom Trail experience

Mi
Review №52

I loved it, lot of history!

Ah
Review №53

Cool place to drop by and visit.

Ju
Review №54

Beautiful area to enjoy the scenery!

Ra
Review №55

Ok not bad

vi
Review №56

Beautiful

Da
Review №57

Make sure you read all the plaques. Very sad to hear so many people suffer from hunger.

Er
Review №58

Beautiful place to rest among public art and consider the devastating history promoting Irish emigration to America.

Ri
Review №59

Still too many survivors.(I do not like Boston and I do not like the people there).

ca
Review №60

Beautiful statue

Jo
Review №61

Nice place to sit outdoors when the weather is good. Its smack in the middle of downtown, and theres often something going on here (buskers, protestors, preachers, etc).

Al
Review №62

Its a good thing that the irish did not discover how to make vodka from patatoes!

Da
Review №63

Cool place to look at your roots

Ka
Review №64

Great tribute.

Da
Review №65

Some Boston history of

Ro
Review №66

Good point

Jo
Review №67

I like this out here.

Sh
Review №68

I love Irish history especially when it comes to Boston

Er
Review №69

Good intentions, but the monument is cloying, saccharin and of poor artistic merit.

Me
Review №70

On the corner of Washington street and Spring street, this memorial shows the contrast of Irish men and women who ventured to America in the time when famine was rampant in Ireland, and those who remained in the Homeland.

Jo
Review №71

Interesting, didnt know it was there

Ka
Review №72

Nice Memorial

Ma
Review №73

Beautiful

Cl
Review №74

Great service

ka
Review №75

It was nice

ja
Review №76

Sad

Zs
Review №77

History

Ch
Review №78

Decolonize Ireland

He
Review №79

Havent been there B4.

Ky
Review №80

Evocative

Br
Review №81

Interesting

Br
Review №82

Very humbling.

De
Review №83

Very moving

Pa
Review №84

This was very interesting and sad.

Sr
Review №85

Nice one

mi
Review №86

Very informative

S
Review №87

The memorial is OK to look at but the surrounding area seems to attract street drinkers.

Th
Review №88

Very nice

Da
Review №89

1850-1854 : The Great Famine

Vi
Review №90

Loved the statues

Ma
Review №91

Its a statue inside Readers Park

Ba
Review №92

I like the monument...but I think the bad side is when drinkers dont respect it.

Ju
Review №93

Moving Memorial. Make sure to read all the plaques

br
Review №94

Interesting bit of history, the famine was not just about food it was about class.

Ki
Review №95

Not much to this memorial but it serves its purpose with a few statues and relevant history

Information
100 Photos
95 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:Boston, MA 02108, United States
  • Site:https://irishfaminememorials.com/2014/01/16/boston-massachusetts-1998/
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday:Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday:Open 24 hours
  • Thursday:Open 24 hours
  • Friday:Open 24 hours
  • Saturday:Open 24 hours
  • Sunday:Open 24 hours
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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