Who are the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians?

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians was organized in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1894 as the “Daughters of Erin,” which pledged itself to God and Country. At the National Convention of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (organized in 1836 in New York) held in Saratoga Springs in 1906, the name of the organization was changed to the Ladies Auxiliary to the Ancient Order of Hibernians and functioned as a separate organization. At the National Convention in 1984 held in Albany, New York, the name was changed to the “Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.” At its founding, the primary purpose of the LAOH was to protect young immigrant Irish girls, assist them in securing employment, and provide social interaction with Irish and Irish Americans to help them from becoming homesick and discouraged.

The motto of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians is “Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.” St. Brigid is the patron saint of our organization. Our purpose is to promote Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity among our members, to foster and sustain loyalty to our country and community, to aid and advance by legitimate means the aspirations and endeavors of all Irish people for a Irish Republic which shall include all 32 counties of Ireland, to promote Irish history, traditions, and culture, and to support the Church through mission work and Catholic action activities.

Our organization is open to women who are Irish by birth or descent, or married to an AOH member, or the mother of an LAOH/AOH member, is a practicing Catholic, and at least 16 years of age.