Apartment Tours

Irish Outsiders

1869

Newcomers to America have often faced discrimination. The Irish Outsiders apartment tour poignantly illustrates the impact of cultural bias through the story of one immigrant family, Bridget and Joseph Moore. The Moores arrived in America in the mid-1860s, and lived at 97 Orchard Street in 1869 with their first three daughters. At the time, many New Yorkers did not welcome Irish newcomers.

We encourage visitors to reserve tickets in advance, as tickets regularly sell out. Space is limited to 12 visitors per time slot for Irish Outsiders. 

Photo portraits of Jane and Roger Hanrahan circa 1895
1869 parlor inside the Moore family's recreated apartment
Child size shoes sitting on a baby's high chair inside the Moore family apartment
Photo portrait of Roger and Jane Hanrahan in 1935

As only one of two Irish families residing at 97 Orchard Street, the Moores were an English-speaking, Catholic family living among German-speaking Protestants in the building.

In addition to prejudice, Bridget and Joseph Moore and their children were poor, struggled with poor living conditions, rampant disease, and limited understanding of public health. Of the eight children born to Bridget and Joseph Moore, only four survived to adulthood. Tour their home as it stood in April 1869, as Bridget and Joseph grieved the loss of an infant child. Learn about Irish traditions, culture and faith. Through their story, explore issues of discrimination, housing, health and sanitation, and compare their experiences as outsiders with that of newcomers in our own time.

Apartment Tours

Irish Outsiders

1869

Newcomers to America have often faced discrimination. The Irish Outsiders apartment tour poignantly illustrates the impact of cultural bias through the story of one immigrant family, Bridget and Joseph Moore. The Moores arrived in America in the mid-1860s, and lived at 97 Orchard Street in 1869 with their first three daughters. At the time, many New Yorkers did not welcome Irish newcomers.

We encourage visitors to reserve tickets in advance, as tickets regularly sell out. Space is limited to 12 visitors per time slot for Irish Outsiders. 

Tour type
Apartment Tours
Tour Location
97 Orchard Street, 4th Floor
Tour Duration
1 Hour
Recommended ages
Ages 6 + Permitted
Not recommended for visitors with mobility issues

Tickets are available at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Accessibility Information

  • This tour takes place on the fourth floor of 97 Orchard Street in a series of small, low lit apartments. There are 61 steps to enter and 53 steps to exit. See building diagram.
  • This tour uses an outdoor stairwell with an open stair.
  • Limited seating will be available during the tour.
  • Additional handling objects and braille materials are available if requested.
  • Some audio components on this tour can be accessed via induction loop.
  • Assistive listening devices are available if requested.
  • Printed tour summaries are available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian if requested.

 

For more information about accessibility at the Museum please visit the Accessibility at the Museum section.

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