Governor Stein Proclaims Irish American Heritage Month

Irish American Heritage Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, between 1680 and 1815 North Carolina became home to thousands of Irish immigrants, with communities built and established across the state; and

Whereas, Irish immigrants had a major impact in the Appalachian region, including in western North Carolina; and

Whereas, Scots-Irish culture influenced the distinctive agriculture, music, crafts, and storytelling of the Southern Appalachians, including heavily influencing bluegrass music; and

Whereas, today North Carolina has the largest percentage of Scots-Irish ancestry of any state, with 2.9 percent of the population claiming the heritage; and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina celebrates Irish Americans throughout history and salutes those who have made such significant contributions to our state and our country; and

Whereas, this month and throughout the year, the State of North Carolina honors the heritage of Irish Americans and encourages residents to learn more about the positive impact Irish Americans have made and continue to make in North Carolina’s history;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 2026 as “Irish American Heritage Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-fifth day of February in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.