FROM FAREWELL TO FÁILTE: THE VOICES OF IOWA’S IRISH DAUGHTERS

• Katie Hermanson, University of Nebraska at KearneyFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-8-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Linda Van Ingen

Second Advisor

Will Stoutamire

Committee Members

Linda Van Ingen, Will Stoutamire, Nathan Tye, Rebecca Nelson

Keywords

Irish immigration, Women's history, Iowa, Rural, Catholicism, Education

Abstract

Irish women’s immigration to Iowa brought rich culture and lasting impacts, despite their contributions being silenced by history. Women left Ireland for economic opportunity and education abroad to support their impoverished families. Millions emigrated between 1830 and 1915, spreading across the world. The Irish women who came to the United States encountered discrimination and cultural stereotyping as they worked in domestic service, developed religious orders, taught school, owned businesses and raised families. Women bore the burden of supporting their families in Ireland by sending remittances home and communicating between countries. Their cultural identity as exiles dwelled in guilt for leaving Ireland and reflected every element of life that was touched by their Irish heritage. Historians, Hasia R. Diner, Donna Gabaccia, Mae M. Ngai, Mary E. Daly and Kerby Miller, argue the diaspora embraced guilt and exile. Although the Irish immigrant voice of women first appears silent in Iowa’s history, this study shows that the diaspora of Irish women includes their impact on rural America. In Iowa, their impact is evident through their religious influence, establishment of Irish-American communities, and in their work to maintain cultural traditions. Primary source research found the focus on women’s narrative of the Irish immigrant experience through the archives at the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Motherhouse, the University of Galway, and the papers of Father Leo R. Ward at the University of Notre Dame. The women’s narrative provided evidence of the diaspora through religion, community and traditions.

Recommended Citation

Hermanson, Katie, "FROM FAREWELL TO FÁILTE: THE VOICES OF IOWA’S IRISH DAUGHTERS" (2026). History Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity. 49.
https://openspaces.unk.edu/hist-etd/49

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