In 1868, Anthony Comstock authored a comprehensive New York State statute prohibiting the distribution of “immoral” books and images. Five years later he founded the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice.
Acting as its secretary until his death in September 1915, he sought to become the arbiter of corruption and was handed legal authority to burn indecent books, destroy printers’ stocks, and enter galleries demanding that vile paintings be removed under threat of prosecution. For his enemies Comstock symbolized licensed bigotry; for his supporters he stood firm in defense of decency.
In 1895, the New York Times introduced the term “comstockery” to describe his zealous moral campaign. [Read more…] about Donleavy, Comstockery and Irish Smut
In his memoir, That Further Shore: A Memoir of Irish Roots and American Promise, (Fordham University Press, 2020) John D. Feerick shares his life story, from his humble beginnings born to immigrant parents in the South Bronx.
The Ticonderoga Historical Society is set to open for their 2020 season on Friday, March 27 with “The Singing of the Green, The Irish in American Musical Theater,” a presentation by Diane O’Connor. 
In his new book Dagger John: Archbishop John Hughes and the Making of Irish America (Cornell University Press, 2019) biographer John Loughery tells the story of John Hughes, son of Ireland, friend of William Seward and James Buchanan, founder of St. John’s College (now Fordham University), builder of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue, pioneer of parochial school education, and American diplomat. 
Christopher Klein, author of When the Irish Invaded Canada, is set to share the incredible true story of the Civil War veterans who fought for Ireland’s freedom on Monday, May 13 at 7 pm, at the Irish American Heritage Museum in Albany.
The American Irish Historical Society has announced “Eugene O’Neill and Ireland,” a talk by Dan McGovern, president of the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House, has been set for Thursday, April 25th, at 6:30 pm.