ICC: A Cultural Milestone at 25 Years
The Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston has abundant reasons to be joyful this holiday season, as it celebrates an important milestone and presents another robust season of Irish music, dance, social gatherings and family fun this Christmas and through the winter months.
Thirty-five years ago, in 1989, a group of Irish and Irish-Americans came together to discuss a year-round headquarters for Irish culture in greater Boston and New England. Ironically, it was an idea that had. never been realized, despite Massachusetts being regarded as the Capital of Irish America.
But after a decade of fundraising, purchasing land, and relying upon hundreds of volunteers who pitched in on weekends and after work, the dream came true, and the Irish Cultural Centre officially opened 25 years ago in the Town of Canton on Sunday, October 17, 1999.
Since then, the Centre has blossomed as a dynamic and vibrant cultural hub for the Irish community, offering year round programs in education, entertainment and sports, celebrating holidays from St. Patrick’s Day to Christmas, and becoming a place where everyone, from seniors to children, families and friends, congregate to have some fun.
The Centre has a vibrant membership of active supporters who continue to shape the direction of the facility. This year the Centre purchased additional land, increasing its total size from 46 to 61 acres, ensuring that future generations can enjoy this superb facility.
The 25th anniversary milestone is being celebrated on December 14 at the Centre’s Annual Open House, when members will congregate to reflect upon their remarkable journey that started with a dream and developed into a lasting display of Irish culture in the region.
The Open House also features live music by local singing favorite Dave Try and harpist/multi-instrumentalist Ciaran McKenna, along with dancing, food and drink. The popular 50/50 raffle drawing takes place, which helps fund year-round programming at the Centre.
December is filled with holiday activities, with a busy calendar throughout the winter, leading up to March 4, 2025, when the Irish Cultural Centre welcomes the legendary Irish traditional ensemble, Cherish the Ladies, which celebrates its own 40th anniversary. The much anticipated concert features flutist Joan Madden and her brilliant band of female musicians, along with several of the group’s alumni dancers over the years.
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