The dedication event will feature prominent members of the New York and Irish-American community and descendant family members. Confirmed program participants are:

• Famed Irish tenor and New York City resident Ronan Tynan will perform "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears," the iconic song about Ellis Island and Annie Moore written by Ireland's composer/lyricist Brendan Graham
• "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears” composer Brendan Graham will fly in from Ireland to attend the ceremony as an honored guest
• Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Sullivan, vicar general, will preside over the ceremony representing the Archdiocese of New York
• Radio personality Adrian Flannelly, host of New York’s "Adrian Flannelly Show" for the Irish Radio Network USA, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event
• Ireland’s New York Consul General Niall Burgess will represent the government of Ireland
• Genealogist Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak will appear at the dedication and speak about her role in the discovery of the true story of Annie Moore
• New York Commissioner of Records and Information Brian Andersson, who’s genealogical detective work helped uncover the true identity of Annie as a New Yorker and who revealed the unmarked gravesite, will make a presentation
• Members of New York's County Cork Pipe and Drum Band, led by Kevin Healy, will perform throughout the ceremony
• New York's County Cork Benevolent, Patriotic and Protective Association will provide flags, the County Cork banner and logistical support for the event
• Patricia Prior, president of the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation in Phoenix, Arizona, sponsor of the event and project, will make remarks
• Members of the descendant family will speak and unveil the Annie Moore memorial

The dedication is a special event to properly honor Annie as both a simple, humble woman of Irish heritage from the Lower East Side, and as an Irish-American historic icon. Annie holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Irish-American immigrants and their families here in America and Ireland. There has been such interest in Annie and the discovery of the real story of her life as a New Yorker. The public is welcome to join the family and project supporters to honor Annie as well as celebrate her place in history. The ceremony incorporates both cultural and liturgical aspects, which are both fitting and appropriate to the occasion.

Government officials, dignitaries, project supporters, descendant family members and representatives of the Irish-American community and media are expected to attend. Representatives from Ellis Island National Monument have confirmed their attendance as well.

The monument [insert link to “Monument” page], carved from Irish Blue Limestone was produced in County Clare, Ireland by master carver Francis McCormack of Irish Natural Stone Products, Ltd and is imported by their Boston affiliate, Irish Natural Stone, Inc. Cardinal Edward Egan, Archdiocese of New York, granted a special waiver for the use of Irish Blue Limestone for the monument in Calvary Cemetery due to the historic nature of the project. The monument is a simple but elegant Celtic cross with elements that represent both her Irish and American heritage, and her connection to the “Ellis Island” story.

The unmarked gravesite of historic figure "Ellis Island" Annie Moore was discovered in 2006 when noted genealogists corrected history by unveiling her true identity and story. Fully donor supported, funding for this special project has been realized through a national and international effort.

EVENT DETAILS:

What: Dedication of Annie Moore Memorial, for the unmarked gravesite of
Irish-American historic icon Annie Moore,
the first immigrant through Ellis Island in 1892

When: Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 3 p.m.

Where: Calvary Cemetery, Queens, New York
4902 Laurel Hill Blvd, Woodside, NY 11377

Directions: Plot location Section 20/Third Calvary;
Enter from 52nd St and Queens Blvd
Recommend arrive at 2:30 to allow for ample time to park
Cemetery employees will direct parking around areas of the cemetery
Download Map

Admission: The event is free and open to the public

Contact: info@anniemoore.net