Memorandum on Irish cultural interests in the United States of America from Maurice Moynihan to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(S9215) (Copy)

I have to state, for your information, that the question of the promotion of Irish Cultural interests abroad, particularly in the United States of America, has been under consideration in this Department. A proposal has recently been received from Dr. Eoin McNeill¹ the purpose of which is to bring people of Irish connections or affections abroad to a knowledge of all matters pertaining to Irish National Culture, past and present. Dr. McNeill's proposal aims at securing the institution of a special Irish Cultural Section in Public Libraries and in the libraries of Schools, Colleges and Universities. Towards this end he had suggested that a special agent should be sent to America to make a tour of certain cities, Universities, etc., equipped with a specimen collection of publications which are regarded as a suitable foundation for such a Library Section.

It has been tentatively agreed that Miss Roisin Walsh, Chief Librarian of the City of Dublin Public Libraries, should visit the United States of America for the purpose, subject to the concurrence of the City Manager. It is contemplated that she will leave Ireland in the Spring of next year and remain in the United States for two or three months for the purpose of a preliminary exploration of the ground. Her itinerary will be confined mainly to the Eastern States and it will probably include the following cities:- New York, Boston, Springfield, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, Chapel Hill, N. Carolina, Providence.

Miss Walsh will visit the New York World Fair at which, it is learned, an Irish Cultural Exhibition will form part of the Irish Section. It is thought that Miss Walsh will be afforded an opportunity to deliver one or more talks on Irish Culture there. In general, it is anticipated that she will endeavour to stimulate interest in Irish literature, publications, the language revival movement, the promotion of Irish scholarship, folklore and archaeology. Dr. McNeill and Dr. Best² of the National Library will supply illustrative material for her lectures in the form of a small representative collection of books, manuscripts, facsimiles etc. relating to Ireland.

Miss Walsh has had discussions with Dr. McNeill, and with officials of this Department and the Department of Industry and Commerce regarding her proposed visit to America. She is acquainted with Librarians, University Professors and other persons likely to be interested in the scheme in a number of cities which she proposes to visit. It is assumed that your Department will be in a position, through our representatives in the United States, to obtain further facilities for her in the course of her visit.