About The Knights of St. Patrick

Proudly Preserving Irish Heritage Since 1878

Founded in New Haven in 1878, the Knights of St. Patrick is a cultural, educational, and nonsecular organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Irish heritage. For over 145 years, our mission has remained the same: to celebrate our culture, uplift our community, and reflect the enduring spirit of the Irish-American experience.

Our Origins

The organization was established during a time when Irish immigrants faced widespread discrimination, with "Irish Need Not Apply" signs still posted across the country. Our first president, Francis Donnelly, was a native of County Tyrone who emigrated to America in 1836. Through determination and hard work, he became a successful real estate and quarry businessman. His story of perseverance and success is echoed by many of our founding members and early leaders, whose lives are deeply woven into the civic, business, and political history of New Haven.

“Let each of us do something to reflect credit and add to the sum total of the glory of the Irish race.”

– C.T. Driscoll, 1878

Notable Founding Members

Among our charter members were Doctors John Luby, William Sheehan, James Maher, and M.C. O’Connor—who went on to found The Hospital of Saint Raphael. These same men, along with past presidents Daniel Colwell and John McPartland, were instrumental in supporting Father Michael McGivney of St. Mary’s Church in founding the Knights of Columbus. Colwell would serve as the first Exalted Secretary, and Dr. O’Connor as the first Exalted Physician of that national organization.

The legacy of leadership extended beyond medicine and faith. Past president William Neely and his business partner Edward Malley operated a clothing store on Chapel Street that eventually became the well-known Malley’s Department Store—an iconic name in downtown New Haven. Another past president, James English, helped shape New Haven’s infrastructure, serving as Chairman of the New Haven Water Company, Director of Southern New England Telephone, and founder of United Illuminating Company.

A Legacy of Leadership

The club faced challenges during the Great Depression and World War II, when membership declined. But through the leadership of John M. Golden, a committee was formed to revive the organization. Golden’s commitment and guidance lasted nearly 36 years, until his retirement in 1974. His portrait, along with those of nearly every past president, proudly lines the walls of our club facility at 1533 State Street.

Our Ongoing Mission

Today, the spirit of our founding members continues to guide us. The Knights of St. Patrick regularly opens its heart and home to charitable causes and cultural initiatives, including Red Cross Blood Drives, Connecticut Hospice events, the Irish History Round Table, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and meetings related to the Irish Immigration Reform Movement.

Honoring Our Heritage, Serving Our Future

For generations, the Knights of St. Patrick has stood as a symbol of pride, service, and heritage. We honor the words spoken at our first dinner in 1878 by C.T. Driscoll, Esq.: “Let each of us do something to reflect credit and add to the sum total of the glory of the Irish race.”

We invite you to become part of our living legacy—a community where tradition meets purpose, and Irish pride lives on.

Our Location

Located in New Haven, we celebrate Irish heritage through cultural and educational initiatives since 1878, fostering community and connection.

Heritage

1533 State St, New Haven, CT 06511

Hours

Mon-Fri 9am