To mark the publication of Navigating Historical Crosscurrents in the Irish Atlantic: Essays for Catherine B. Shannon (Cork University Press, 2022), and Shannon’s scholarship on Modern Irish and Irish American history and steadfast advocacy for peace in Northern Ireland, Burns Library is pleased to collaborate with BC’s Irish Studies program, the Charitable Irish Society, and Eire Society of Boston in hosting a book launch and reception honoring Shannon on Wednesday, September 21, in Burns Library from 4:30-6:30pm. All are welcome.

Volume editor Mary C. Kelly, professor of history at Franklin Pierce University, will speak about the inspiration for the collection, the contributors, and the range of topics their essays cover, from the Famine and its impact and legacy, to Irish nationalism and Boston political culture in the early twentieth century, to the Northern Ireland conflict. Her remarks will be followed by audience discussion and light refreshments in the Burns Library Irish Room. Copies of Navigating Historical Crosscurrents in the Irish Atlantic will be available for purchase.

Catherine Shannon is professor emerita of history at Westfield State University and a past president of the Charitable Irish Society. Among the many prizes and recognitions she has received for her work, the Eire Society of Boston presented her with its Gold Medal Award in 2015.