From Black Rock to DNA: Uncovering Montreal’s Irish Famine Story
Speakers: Kelley O’Rourke and Esmé Cavanaugh
When: Thursday, January 21, 2027, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Centennial Hall,
288 Beaconsfield Blvd, Beaconsfield, H9W 4A4
Lecture in English followed by a bilingual question period
In 1847, thousands of Irish Famine migrants arrived in Montreal, many suffering from typhus after the transatlantic crossing. Approximately 6,000 died, while Montrealers from many backgrounds came forward to care for the sick and dying.
Nearly 180 years later, the discovery of the remains of fourteen individuals during construction of Montreal’s REM opened a new chapter in this history. Kelley O’Rourke and Esmé Cavanaugh of the Montreal Irish Monument will trace the story from Black Rock and the events of 1847 to the archaeological discovery, DNA analysis and ongoing genealogical and historical research. They will also discuss the partnerships being developed in Canada and Ireland and introduce the plans for the future Montreal Irish Monument memorial site.
Kelley O’Rourke is Secretary of the Montreal Irish Monument, Chair of its DNA Subcommittee, and President of the Canadian Irish Migration Preservation Network (CIMPN). She holds an M.Sc. in Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies from Concordia University, where her research focused on the historic Irish cemetery of Saint-Colomban, Quebec. She currently leads the Montreal Irish Monument’s From Ship to Shore: Reconstructing the Identities of Fourteen Irish Famine Migrants project, combining DNA, genealogy and historical research to investigate the fourteen individuals discovered during REM construction near Montreal’s Black Rock.
Esmé Cavanaugh is the Executive Manager of the Montreal Irish Monument. She holds a double major in Irish Studies and Classics from Concordia University, with a concentration in Ancient History and Archaeology. Drawing on her background in museums, heritage and community engagement, she works to preserve and share the history of Montreal’s Irish community.
A proud Irish-Trinidadian-Dutch Canadian, Esmé is committed to creating inclusive spaces within Montreal’s Irish community. She is also a classically trained musician who performs traditional, folk and contemporary music with several local bands, maintaining a strong connection to her Irish cultural heritage.
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