• Who Did the Irish Support in the American Revolution?
    Apr 6 2025

    America won its independence from the British in the 1770s. Although not widely known, the Irish played a significant role in the conflict. They fought in several key battles, and numerous signatories of the Declaration of Independence were Irish – it was even printed by an Irishman. However, that’s not the full story, as many Irish also fought in the British Army.


    Join Damian and Fin as they pick apart the history.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • The Irish in Pennsylvania Coal Country
    Mar 31 2025

    Pennsylvania has a long history of coal mining. In the late 19th century, the conditions in the coalfields were atrocious leading to major conflict between the miners and the mine owners. The most notorious incident involved the execution of twenty Irish immigrants for their role in what was dubbed the Molly Maguires, a secret society of miners. While the convictions were based on dubious testimonies, they have become synonymous with the hard lives in these mining communities.


    In this episode, Damian and Fin are joined by Jake Wynn. Jake is a historian and expert in the mining history of Pennsylvania. In this podcast, we explore the fascinating history of the Irish in Pennsylvania's Coal Country.


    Check out Jake Website Wynning History


    Listen to Jake's podcast Public History with Jake and Justin Podcast is excellent!

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    Other resources on the topic

    Book: Kevin Kenny. Making Sense of the Molly Maguires


    Book: Mark Bulik. The Sons of Molly Maguire: THe Irish Roots of America's First Labor War


    Eckley Miner's Village Museum


    Sound by Kate Dunlea




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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Typhoid Mary: Victim or Villain
    Mar 24 2025

    'Typhoid Mary' is one of the most recognisable names in 20th-century American history, but the history behind this Irish woman is often lost in sensationalism. Born Mary Mallon in County Tyrone in 1869, she emigrated to the USA, where she enjoyed a successful career as a cook.


    However, in 1907, she found herself at the center of a public health scare when she was accused of spreading typhoid fever. In this episode, Damian and Fin delve into the fascinating history of Mary Mallon. What exactly was she accused of, and was she a victim or a villain? Join us as we explore the complexities of her story and its impact on public health and individual rights.


    Subscribe to the show at https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod


    If you have any ideas for episodes get in touch at @transatlanticseries@gmail.com


    Sources

    DIB Mary Mallon Entry


    George Soper. The Curious Career of "Typhoid Mary"


    New York American Article that coined the term "Typhoid Mary" via New York Public Library


    Book: Judith Walter Leavitt. Typhoid Mary: Captive to the Public's Health



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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Season II is coming on Monday March 24th!
    Mar 18 2025

    Damian and Fin have been busy recording a new season! In this short episode they share what you can expect!


    Subscribe to the show at https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod


    If you have any ideas for episodes get in touch at @transatlanticseries@gmail.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    6 mins
  • Special Episode: The Irish language in the USA
    Jan 20 2025

    Through 19th century hundreds of thousands of native Irish speakers emigrated to the USA. In this bonus episode Fin and Damian explore the history of the Irish language in the USA.


    Season 2 is coming in late Feb - subscribe to get the first episode when it drops https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod


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    43 mins
  • Your Questions Answered: Christmas Special
    Dec 17 2024

    In a special episode, Fin and Damian delve into the intricacies of 19th-century emigration, answering listeners' questions about this pivotal era. Discover how people managed to reconnect with relatives and friends after leaving Ireland during the Great Hunger. Learn about the ingenious methods used to send money home long before the days of Revolut or even telegrams. And what currency could you use? Explore the impact of the American Revolution on Ireland. Uncover tips on tracing your family roots back to the 19th century and understand why so many Irish place names can be found across the United States.


    We hope you have a wonderful Christmas! We'll return in February with Season 2, but stay tuned for a bonus episode or two before then!


    Get in touch with Damian & Fin at transatlanticseries@gmail.com


    Subcribe to the show at https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod


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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Irish in New Orleans
    Nov 18 2024

    New Orleans is one of the most famous cities in the American South. World-renowned for Mardi Gras, the city has a unique history. Founded by the French, it was also an outpost of the Spanish, today, it is famous for its Creole and Cajun culture. However, the city also became home to tens of thousands of Irish emigrants in the 19th century. In this final episode of Season 1 (don't worry, we are already prepping Season 2), Damian and Fin are joined by Dr. David Gleeson, an expert on the Irish in the American South. David details the origins of New Orleans, when the Irish first arrived, how they shaped the city, and how they were influenced by its unique culture.


    We are currently preparing Season 2, which is coming in early 2025. In the meantime, we are recording a special bonus Christmas episode where we answer your questions and share some fascinating stories we didn't get to include in Season 1. If you have any questions, get in touch at transatlanticseries@gmail.com.


    Check out David's books:

    • The Irish in the American South 1815-1877 Link
    • The Green and the Gray: The Irish in the Confederate States of America (Civil War America) Link


    Sound by Kate Dunlea



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    56 mins
  • Coffin Ships & Famine Emigrants: Surviving the American Journey
    Nov 11 2024

    Many Irish Americans trace their roots back to the Famine emigrants who escaped the death and disease that ravaged Ireland in the 1840s. In this episode, we delve into the harrowing journeys these emigrants faced aboard the infamous "Coffin Ships." Join us as we explore the stories of these resilient individuals, uncovering who they were and the compelling reasons behind their flight from Ireland. We also dissect the grim realities of their transatlantic voyage, encapsulated in the chilling term ‘Coffin Ships.’


    Pre-order Damian’s new book Green and Blue: Irish Americans in the Union Military, 1861–1865 at https://lsupress.org/9780807183700/green-and-blue/


    Sources mentioned in the episode.

    The Coffin Ship by Cian T. McMahon.

    Fin Dwyer: A Lethal Legacy: A History of Ireland in 18 Murders

    The Irish History Podcast: The Great Famine Series Irish Histord

    National Famine Museum, Strokestown Co. Roscommon


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    1 hr and 19 mins