Maine Historical Society - Programs Podcast

Speaker: Matthew Jude Barker; Recorded February 11, 2014 - The Irish have influenced the city of Portland since it was first established in the 17th century. Today's vibrant Catholic community owes its origins to Irish immigrants in Portland's earliest days, when beloved leaders like Father French provided solace to souls far from home. Portland resident Matthew Jude Barker, genealogist and historian at the Maine Irish Heritage Center in Portland, talks about his new book, which explores the triumphs and challenges of Portland's Irish community prior to the twentieth century.