Mission

Whilst the society continues to evolve, the objects of this Society has been the promotion of good fellowship among its members, the promotion of Celtic heritage, and the cultivation of the highest ideals since it’s foundation in 1891.

A brief history of the society

The Society was founded by Dr. James Kelly, an Irish Doctor from Dublin, a skilled anatomist and surgeon in 1891. He came to the United States and eventually settled in New York.

He was at that time a visiting surgeon of Charity Hospital, now The New York City Hospital, on Welfare Island. He formed the nucleus of the Society from his associates at Charity who were of Irish extraction.

The meetings were held at the Gaelic Society rooms, Luckman’s, Terrace Garden, Reisenwebbers, City Club, Academy of Medicine and it was from these early days that links of Celtic friendship were forged. It was felt from the earliest days of the society, that by its solidarity, the Society would be a wedge to open opportunities by our mutual aid.

Based on an account by Dr George B. McAuliffe, New York Celtic Medical Society Historian.