Did you know that the shamrock was not originally a ‘good luck’ symbol? According to the Irish American Heritage Museum in Albany, New York, the Irish thought they had no luck at all! When the Irish emigrated to the U.S., it was to escape poverty and famine. With them, they brought their rich culture, which included symbols like the shamrock and their love of music, including the harp. Musicians were central to Irish culture, and the harp is the national symbol of Ireland. Many workers at King Manor in the 19th century were Irish immigrants.

Stop by to learn about the history of Irish immigration to New York, what the Irish workers of King Manor did, and make your own craft shamrock and harp to take home!

Hands On History is a FREE family program series held each first and third Saturday of the month at King Manor from 1-4pm.