Gerald Forde Irish History Round Table Memorial Fund

Gerald Forde came to this country from Ireland in 1929 and made his home in New Haven, where he became well known for his non-violent activism, civic interest in world and local affairs, and love of literature and Irish poetry. After retiring from the New Haven Water Company, he spent many hours volunteering at the Community Soup Kitchen. He could also be found in local courtrooms attending trials and afterwards approaching the attorneys with questions about their arguments and different aspects of the cases. 

Among Forde’s many devotions was the Irish History Round Table, a lecture club dedicated to Irish history and culture that was started in 1971 by local New Haven resident John Boyle. At the club, he would share his boyhood memories of the Irish War for Independence as a bike messenger and being trained in guerilla tactics by his uncles.  Upon his death in 1990, Forde, who lived simply but had a reputation of generosity, left a sizable gift to the club.

Until recently, the group continuously held monthly meetings in area clubs and restaurants, exploring all aspects of Irish culture with speakers from local universities and other organizations. After many successful years, dwindling membership and the retirement of many faithful volunteers led the current leadership to the difficult decision to disband. But its legacy will live on because of Forde’s generous gift. 

The club’s assets were used to create a designated fund at The Community Foundation. Spearheaded by Elizabeth Dalton, a member since 1984 and the current president, and Michael Ryan, the club treasurer, The Gerald Forde Irish History Round Table Memorial Fund will support Irish study abroad programs and programs focused on Irish culture and history at Sacred Heart University. 

“Having had no family in this country, Forde sought a legacy through our club, where his beloved Ireland would have a voice for future generations in his adopted country,’ says Dalton. “In choosing The Community Foundation to maintain this legacy, we intend to keep the torch burning, spreading a deeper knowledge of Irish culture beyond ethnic circles and into the American community.”