On March 17 our main office and many of our Project Access Resource Centers across the country will join with many people and organizations around the world in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, that typically bright spring holiday full of Irish songs, jigs, leprechauns, and shamrocks. Although Saint Patrick’s Day, honors Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland, it is said that on this day everyone is Irish!
Here in the United States, the wearing of the green seems to be ubiquitous. According to the U.S. Census (as of March 16, 2021):
- Irish heritage is strong in America: More than 31.5 million residents claim Irish ancestry, second only to German (43.0 million). One out of ten Americans claim Irish ancestry.
- And when it comes to U.S. presidents exactly half (23) trace some of their roots to Ireland.
- The five states with the most smiling Irish eyes are the nation’s most populous: California, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas.
- The top five states with Irish ancestry by percentage share: New Hampshire (20.2%), Massachusetts (19.8%), Rhode Island (17.6%), Vermont (17.0) and Maine (16.6%).
- Orange County, California (headquarters for Project Access) ranks #9 in the U.S. among top 10 counties by percentage of Irish ancestry (6.4%).
So, on March 17, we wish everyone the luck of the Irish and hope you have a fun and festive day.
