More than 30 million Americans have Irish Ancestry, and many of us have ancestors who were affected by the Great Famine of 1845-1852. During this time, many relied on Ireland’s Poor Law Unions, which centered around a workhouse where people could labor to receive temporary relief from their poverty. The records produced by the Poor Law Unions can provide valuable information about your ancestors’ lives and rich historical context about the famine. Join Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure as she covers how to use these records in your Irish family history research.

Image Credit: Nast, Thomas, Artist. The Herald of relief from America / Th. Nast. Ireland, 1880. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/91732265/.