CDIAA Famine Garden

The Capital District Irish American Association property features a "Famine Garden" to commemorate a potato blight on the island of Ireland that led to disease, mass starvation and unprecedented emigration between 1845 and 1852. During that time, an estimated 1 million people died and more than 1 million more emigrated from Ireland, cutting its population by more than 25 percent.

The highlight of the Garden, at its center, is an engraved granite 5 foot high Celtic Cross. Stones from the four Provinces in Ireland are at the base. These stones are surrounded by memorial bricks, flowering plants and shrubbery. Benches are placed along the perimeter to provide a place for quiet thought and peaceful mediation.

The garden was the pet project of one of our members, Rosemary O'Brien, who sadly passed away in October of 2013. Rosemary worked tirelessly to raise money to bring the garden to fruition.

Here is an article from the Albany Times Union about Rosemary and the Famine Garden.

The 2026 Famine Garden Benefit is planned for Sunday, September 13.

If you would like to contribute, you can donate via the PayPal link below.

Please choose a level or "other" using the PayPal button below, then click "Buy Now" to complete your donation.

All contributions appreciated! Here are the levels of sponsorship:

Copper $50

Bronze $100

Silver $200

Gold $300

Platinum $400

Or, choose "other" and donate whatever amount you wish.

Please email info@cdiaa.com if you have problems with any of these links.

Memorial Bricks: $50 per brick

includes engraving of up to 3 lines of 45 letters and spaces.

Memorial Bricks can be ordered from now until August 14, 2026. This is a great way to honor the memory of a loved one or to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or the gift of friendship. Brick Inscription: it is suggested you inscribe only one or two names per brick for greater legibility. Please avoid using titles (i.e. Mr. & Mrs. John Doe). It is more personalized to use first names (i.e. John & Jane Doe).

Print out the form below and mail with a check to the address on the form.

OR you can go to this link and fill out the form online.

https://forms.gle/czaWxJ6rzkd5r1sw6

At the end of the form, you will have the option to mail a check or pay online via PayPal or Venmo.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Carole at 518 928-3655 or email me.