From the coastlines of Ireland’s Beara Peninsula to the mining camps of Butte, Montana, generations of Irish immigrants forged lasting connections between these two communities. This talk presented by Archives director, Aubrey Jaap, and Assistant Director, Lindsay Mulcahy, explores the historic migration of Beara families to Butte during its mining boom, the role they played in shaping the city’s culture, labor, politics, and neighborhoods, and the traditions they carried across the Atlantic. It also examines the enduring ties that continue to link Beara and Butte today through family histories, cultural exchange, and a shared sense of identity.

About the Speakers

Aubrey Jaap is the Director of the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives in Butte, Montana. She has a deep appreciation for cemeteries and regularly leads tours of Butte’s burial grounds alongside colleagues. She believes history should be fun—and that by making collections accessible, both locals and visitors can gain a richer understanding of place.

Born and raised in Butte, Lindsay Mulcahy serves as the Assistant Director of the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives. A graduate of Montana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History, Lindsay is passionate about helping others discover and appreciate Butte’s rich and fascinating past. She has a published excerpt in the afterword of Biography of F. August Heinze: Copper King at War. In addition to her archival work, Lindsay serves as vice-chair of Butte Historical Memorials and is a committee member for the An Ri Ra Irish Festival.

For more information call: 406-782-3280