By Anne Marie McLaughlin

When the potato crops of Ireland were ravaged by disease from 1845-1848, the people of Ireland were forced to make an extremely difficult decision- to remain starving in Ireland or to risk a fearful transatlantic voyage on an emigrant ship to the New World. Of the more than 1.8 million people who choose to immigrate, many made it safely to their new home aboard the Jeanie Johnston. In commemoration of the historic events of the famine, a touring replica of the Jeanie Johnston was created and will be docked in Newport at the John Jagshitz State Pier Newport on July 17 and 18.

“With the rich Irish heritage that abounds in Newport, it is an honor and a delight to host this historic vessel in our City,” states Newport City Councilman Richard O’Neill. “The immigrant ship is a source of education for many of the young population of Irish decent, here in Newport. We invite the public to take part in the welcome reception to meet the crew, the breakfast the next morning with the crew, culminating with a VIP open house aboard the ship on Friday, July 18th from 10:30am-1pm,” added O’Neill.

Originally intended as a cargo vessel, the dire situation in Ireland soon altered the ship’s plans and the vessel made its maiden voyage to Quebec on April 24, 1848, bringing 193 immigrants to their new homes. Over the next seven years, the wooden sailing vessel made 16 heroic voyages, delivering more than 2,500 individuals to Quebec, Baltimore, and New York. Amazingly, not a single life was lost during the journeys.

The ships visit to Newport was the joint efforts of The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Museum of Newport Irish History, and the Irish Heritage Committee. Together they organized a two-day special event to commemorate the Jeanie Johnston’s incredible history and welcome the ship to Newport. Admission to visit the ship is $25 and includes a welcome reception at Celtica Pub, 95 Long Wharf on Thursday, July 17 at 8 p.m., breakfast at Laforge Casino Restaurant, 186 Bellevue Avenue, on Friday, July 18 at 8:30 a.m., and admission to visit the ship with a VIP Tour at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 18.

Tickets for the Jeanie Johnston are available at Laforge Casino restaurant. For ticket information please call 847-0418. For more information on the Jeanie Johnston, visit www.JeanieJohnston.ie.

Anne Marie McLaughlin is Communications Coordinator for the Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the City of Newport and the five townships of Newport County as a destination resort for business and leisure travel. For further information, please contact the NCCVB Marketing Department at (401) 845-9151 or www.GoNewport.com.