Curated OER
Exploring the Irish in America Through Found Poetry
What was life like for Irish immigrants settling in America during the late 1800's? Learners examine primary source documents, such as lyrics, poems, and letters, to understand the immigrant experience. They then use those primary source...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Population Perils: The Potato Famine and Irish Immigration to America
Activity on the plight of the Irish immigrant in America during the potato famine. Through a combination of class discussion and role play, students gain an understanding of the reasons people sought to immigrate to America.
BBC
Bbc: History: The Irish Famine
BBC historian Jim Donnelly describes how a million people died of hunger in Ireland in the late 1840s, on the doorstep of the world's richest nation. Archived.
Other
Fitzhenry and Whiteside: 'Greener Grass' Teaching Guide [Pdf]
"Greener Grass" an historical novel by Canadian author Caroline Pignat, is set in Ireland, follows a family's struggle to survive after a potato blight hits their crop and famine comes. The family has many trials along the way. This...
Hartford Web Publishing
World History Archives: The Great Hunger
This article discusses the aftermath of the potato famine; 4 million dead, 2.5 million refugees. Mentions the Irish peasantry, landlords, British Government, relief, and the cause of the famine.
The History Place
The History Place: Irish Potato Famine
The History Place provides complete history of the Irish Potato Famine and life in Ireland in the 19th century.
Other
Understanding Race: The Famine and the Irish Race: 1840s 1890s
Article discusses how the Industrial Revolution in Europe and the potato famine in Ireland brought millions of people to the U.S. and highlights some of the impacts of immigration during this time.
Read Works
Read Works: Irish Immigrants
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about Irish Immigrants to the United States. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Ancestry
Ireland: The Famine Years
This site offers information about the famine years. Using a map of Ireland, authors discuss the percentages of the population living in the lowest class housing and the devastating effects of the famine.