Charitable Irish Society is established.

(OS-3/17) Originally the Irish Society in New England, it is founded by 26 Protestant “Irish gentlemen, merchants and others” at its first annual dinner, which marks the first celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in the British Colonies. Its purpose is to “cultivate a spirit of unity and harmony among all resident Irishmen and their descendants in the Massachusetts colony.” Catholics are not allowed as members until 1804. The organization is incorporated on February 23, 1809, “for the relief of any of that nation, who may be reduced by sickness, shipwreck, old age or other infirmities.” It continues in existence today.