American Catholic Historical Society

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American Catholic Historical Society

The American Catholic Historical Society (ACHS) was founded for the purpose of collecting and preser Executive Director: The Rev. Msgr. James P. Michael H. Edgar F.

Members of the Society come from all faiths and the membership has no restrictions on race, religion or national origin. Today the Society’s membership is represented in all parts of the world. Among its Presidents have been Ambassadors, Bishops, Physicians, Judges and business leaders. McCoy
President: Mr. Finnegan
Vice President: Dr. Nicholas Rademacher
Treasurer: Mr. Welsh
Recording Secretary:

Mr. Christopher Gibbons
Corresponding Secretary: Mr. Matt S***z

Board of Managers
Mr. Lou Baldwin
Msgr. Richard Bolger
Mr. Thomas S. Coffey
Msgr. Gregory Fairbanks
Mr. Lou Ferrero
Mr. James A. Fitzsimmons, III
Mr. Eric German
Mr. John J. Grogan
Dr. Patrick Hayes
Ms. Kathleen S. Kahlau
Dr. Margaret McGuinness
Mr. Edward McMerty
Fr. John McNamee
Dr. Tia N. Pratt
Dr. Thomas Rzeznik
Dr. Rodger Van Allen

Board of Managers Emeriti
Ms. Amy W. Cline
Mr. James Qualter

Standing Committees
Publication
Co-Chair: Dr. Thomas Rzeznik
Co-Chair: Dr. Nicholas Rademacher

Finance
Chair: Mr. Welsh

Speakers and Social Network
Chair: Dr. Thomas Rzeznik

House
Chair: Mr. Fitzsimmons

Archival
Chair: Mr. Louis N. Ferrero

Membership
Chair: Dr. Nicholas Rademacher

Art and Artifacts
Chair: Dr. Patrick Hayes

Barry Dinner
Co-Chairs: Michael and Susan Finnegan

Contact
[email protected]

06/18/2026

, a historical marker and burial site of the “Father of the American Navy” John Barry, is located in the cemetery of Old St. Mary's Church located across the street from the ACHS HQ at 248 South 4th Street? Every year the church celebrates American Catholic patriot Commodore John Barry with a procession. The pastor of Old St. Mary Parish walks to the cemetery accompanied by Irish bagpipers, where they are joined by groups honoring their Irish heritage, including the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Philadelphia’s Irish Center among others.

The ACHS honors Barry’s legacy with a distinguished service award to individuals who have reached positions of eminence in their field. This year we honor award recipient Daniel M. DiLella on November 24 at the 2026 Commodore Barry Award Dinner.

06/17/2026

This image from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper depicts a torchlight procession of the Catholic Societies of Philadelphia on June 17, 1875, honoring the consecration of Archbishop Wood at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Wood became the first Archbishop of Philadelphia when the city was elevated to an Archdiocese.

06/16/2026

See how two Catholic nuns in Kansas City saw the struggles of low-income working moms and jumped in to care for their children, leading to the founding of Operation Breakthrough, a nonprofit that now provides a nurturing and safe environment for over 600 children in poverty.

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day! As we prepare for celebrations to kick off in the cradle of liberty, check out these two flags from the that celebrated the centennial and bicentennial. The reproduction Bennington flag is a famous American historical banner, best known for the bold "76" in its canton, which pays homage to the 1776 Declaration of Independence.

06/11/2026

Today, the Archdiocese observes the national consecration of the United States to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary. Parishes, schools, and institutions across the archdiocese have been preparing with a Novena from June 3 to 11.
https://archphila.org/undergod/

06/10/2026

Our 2026 Barry Award recipient, Daniel M. DiLella was featured on NBC10 News at the groundbreaking a new STEM Center for his alma mater, Roman Catholic High School.

DiLella truly exemplifies the character of Barry award recipients who are defined as, “Americans who, by their character and their contributions to the church, the community and professional accomplishments, have distinguished themselves.”

DiLella will be honored at the 2026 Commodore Barry Award Dinner on November 24.
https://amchs.org/event/2026-commodore-barry-award-dinner/?event_date=2026-11-24

06/09/2026

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us for this year’s garden party! The sunshine and wonderful company made for a truly special day. A heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Thomas Rzeznik, ACHS board member and editor of “American Catholic Studies,” on receiving the ACHS Distinguished Service Award.

06/08/2026

SEE THE LIGHT! Luminescence Philadelphia invites you to feel the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul awaken around you in a celebration of light, sound and story. The experience is a mesmerizing journey through art, music, history, and visual beauty at the historic Basilica. Shows run from June through August as a part of the celebration. https://feverup.com/m/593025/

06/07/2026

Roman Catholic High School’s class of 1956 is holding their 70th Reunion today. Thomas E. Cahill founded the school in 1890 as the nation's first free Catholic high school. This watercolor honoring Cahill was painted by alumnus Thaddeus S. Basara who was given an honorary diploma from Roman Catholic before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. The watercolor was donated to the ACHS by James G. McSherry, class of 1940.

06/06/2026

At Villanova University’s 183rd Commencement, the Class of 2026 received a very special message from alumnus Pope Leo XIV.

Address

263 S 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA
19106

Telephone

+12159255752

Website

http://www.amchs.org/

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