Lisle Heritage Society to host program on Irish Americans in Chicago

The Lisle Heritage Society invites the community to a presentation on “Irish-Americans in Chicago & DuPage County 1840-1870” by history professor Dennis Doyle on Sunday, Feb. 15.

By 1870, Chicago had the fourth-largest concentration of Irish Americans in the country. They comprised over 20% of the population of the city and suburbs.

Irish Americans were very influential in the development of the area. They worked in police and fire departments and in school systems. They participated in politics.

Notably, they played a foundational role in the development of Loyola University, and made up the majority of its student body for many decades. Many Irish immigrants served with great distinction in the Civil War.

Doyle earned an master’s degree in American history from American University, and an master’s degree in sociology from DePaul University. He has been teaching at Joliet Junior College for 26 years, and has developed a number of presentations about aspects of U.S. history.

Treat yourself to this history program at 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1006 Ogden Ave., Lisle. Admission is free. For information, visit lisleheritagesociety.org.