South Australia History month: Irish Orphan Girls in Victor Harbor
From AUD
$15.00
- Duration: 60 Minutes (approx.)
- Location: Victor Harbor, SA
- Product code: PNMLEC
In 1845, the Irish potato crop was infested with a blight for the first time in history, resulting in widespread starvation among Irish peasants. Many experiencing starvation had no option but to seek shelter and food from the overcrowded Irish workhouses. An assisted emigration scheme bought 4,000 Irish orphans from the workhouses to Australia between 1848-50. A total of 621 girls arrived in Adelaide. Subsequent assisted immigration schemes followed of which 90 young Irish women came to Victor Harbor between 1853-55.
Despite the large numbers of the young women settling across Australia, many of their stories are overlooked in our history. They were rarely seen or known in the public domain. When they are written about it is largely through the lens of marriage, mother, or the migration scheme, rather than as an asset.
During this one hour talk we will undertake a short walk to sites related to the talk around the centre of Victor Harbor.
