The exact date of the formation of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) in Ireland is not known, but it originated to preserve the Catholic faith during the oppressive Penal Laws.  As emigrants fled Ireland for America, they brought AOH with them. There was overwhelming anti-Irish and anti-Catholic sentiment in the United States in the early 1800s, due to the rise of the Know-Nothing Party.  Their bigoted sentiments led to attacks on some churches in cities such as New York, Boston and Philadelphia.  Immigrants, who had been AOH members in Ireland, felt the necessity to start an American branch of the order.  The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was founded in New York City in 1836. In the early years, the order was a secretive society.  Members would actually stand guard outside churches.  As the Know-Nothing Party died out, AOH became more prominent.  The churches no longer needed defending, so they changed their focus to preserving Irish culture and heritage.  They were vital to the lives of Irish immigrants in the 1800s, by providing insurance, job assistance and monetary stipends to members in good standing. The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America is the largest fraternal, Catholic lay organization in the United States.  To become a member one must be male, baptized a Catholic and of Irish descent, by birth or adoption.  AOH also has a Ladies Auxilliary.  There are divisions in Ireland and in 49 of the 50 US states. NEXT: AOH Records for Genealogical Purposes?