Global Irish Famine Way
South Shore
Their Journey. Our Responsibility. Remembering the Great Hunger, honoring the lives lost, and connecting communities through history, education, and service.
A collaborative initiative of the Father John Murphy Division, AOH of the South Shore, and the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail.
A Global Story, Rooted on the South Shore
The Global Irish Famine Way connects places shaped by the Great Hunger and the journeys of those who left Ireland in search of survival and opportunity. Here on the South Shore of Massachusetts, that history is inseparable from the people who crossed the Atlantic, the communities that received them, and those whose journeys ended tragically along our coastline.
Led in cooperation by the Father John Murphy Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail, this initiative brings together remembrance, historical research, education, and charitable action. Cohasset is a major first chapter in a broader effort to recognize the region’s connections to the Great Hunger.
The Brig St. John
In 1849, the Brig St. John was wrecked off the coast of Cohasset, claiming 99 lives. The tragedy is part of the wider story of Ireland’s Great Hunger and the dangerous passage faced by those who sought a new life across the Atlantic.
The story also preserves the memory of survivors, including Mary Kaine, and the local people who responded to the disaster, including rescuer John Jacob Lothrop. The Celtic Cross memorial, erected in 1914, and the Division’s longstanding commemorations help ensure that those lives are not forgotten.
For the South Shore, this is not distant history. It is a story of human loss, courage, compassion, and a responsibility to remember.
99 lives lost
Each life was more than a number. Our mission is to preserve the history of the voyage, the victims, the survivors, and the people of Cohasset who answered a call to help.
Explore Our Heritage →
The Cohasset Memorial
Cohasset has been selected as a Global Irish Famine Way site, connecting the story of the Brig St. John to an international network of remembrance.
The planned memorial will feature bronze children’s shoes associated with the Global Irish Famine Way, displayed on a granite plinth. The shoes invite visitors to consider the journeys made during the Great Hunger—and those that were never completed.
Sunday, May 2, 2027
Further information about the dedication ceremony and public participation will be shared as plans are finalized.
Education, Research & Future Sites
Our work extends beyond a single monument. We aim to help students, families, and visitors understand the Great Hunger and its enduring influence on Irish-American communities, while researching additional places across the South Shore with meaningful connections to this history.
Great Hunger Education
Support educational programs and resources that bring the history of the Great Hunger to readers and learners of different ages.
Local Historical Research
Explore the stories of immigration, maritime history, and community connections that link the South Shore to Ireland.
A Growing Heritage Network
Build partnerships and develop future opportunities for interpretation and remembrance across Plymouth County and beyond.
Our South Shore Launch Reception
Our community came together to launch the Global Irish Famine Way South Shore initiative and the Bronze Shoe Society. The evening brought together supporters, local heritage partners, traditional Irish music and dance, and a shared commitment to remembrance.
Join the Bronze Shoe Society
The Bronze Shoe Society supports the South Shore initiative’s commemorative and educational mission. Members help bring the Cohasset memorial to life and strengthen future work in remembrance, research, and community outreach. Ten percent of Bronze Shoe Society proceeds are designated for the South Shore Food Bank.
Single Membership
$150
Join the Society as an individual supporter of the mission.
Family / Small Business
$250
Recognize your family or small business’s commitment to remembrance.
Business / Inspired Donor
$500
Help advance the initiative through a higher level of support.
A lasting symbol of support
Bronze Shoe Society supporters receive a commemorative bronze shoe lapel pin and a founders certificate. To inquire about joining, donating, or partnering with the initiative, contact the project committee.
Inquire About Membership →Working Together with the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail
The Global Irish Famine Way South Shore initiative is a cooperative effort of the Father John Murphy Division, AOH of the South Shore, and the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail. Together, we are working to commemorate the lives affected by the Great Hunger, develop educational resources, research additional historically significant sites, and connect communities across the South Shore with their Irish heritage.
We welcome inquiries from educators, researchers, local businesses, families, and anyone interested in helping the next generation understand this history.
Keep the memory alive.
Follow our progress as we prepare for the Cohasset dedication on May 2, 2027, and develop educational initiatives and additional South Shore connections.
View Upcoming Events →