The Great Hunger, also known as the Irish Potato Famine, began in Ireland in 1845 and ended in 1852. The cause of the famine was a mold called phytophthora infestans, which destroyed nearly three-quarters of the potato crop in Ireland. The Irish relied on potatoes for food, so the impact was devastating. Food that could have been consumed in its place; such as livestock, peas, and beans, were continually exported by Great Britain, which colonized Ireland during this time period. As a result, approximately one million Irish died from starvation and other related causes. More than a million people fled the country as refugees.
On Sunday, March 24, there will be a presentation about the Great Hunger Memorial at the Will Library There will be a discussion about Irish history and the reason the monument was created. The lecture will be given by James J. Houlihan.
Michael Walsh is an Adult Services Librarian at the Will Library. He is currently reading The Women by Kristin Hannah.