The Irish Hunger Memorial
Located: Vesey St. and North End Ave. near WFC 4
Anna Tedstrom
April 1, 2014
Seminar: Constructed Env.
Anne Hays
Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. “Irish Hunger Memorial,” accessed
March 30, 2014 http://www.bpcparks.org/bpcp/parks/parks.php#memorial
This article briefly summarizes all of the Battery Park City parks and describes the
features of the Irish Hunger memorial and what from Ireland and the original
cultures inspired each feature.
Battery Park City Authority. “Irish Hunger Memorial,” accessed March 30,
2014 http://www.batteryparkcity.org/Visit/Museums-And-Memorials/IrishHunger-Memorial.php
This description states the measurements and construction details of the monument
and it mentions the purpose of the memorial.
Brian Tolle Studio. “Brian Tolle,” accessed March 30, 2014
http://www.briantollestudio.com/bio/bibliography_2011.htm
The Brian Tolle biography lists all of his past work, awards, exhibitions, education,
and articles that his work has been mentioned in. Brian Tolle is the artist
responsible for the Irish Hunger Memorial.
Brian Tolle Studio. “Brian Tolle Studio,” accessed March 31, 2014
http://www.briantollestudio.com/bio/index.htm
The opening page to Brian Tolle’s website summarizes his goals when producing an
installation or park feature that memorializes an event or group of people.
Battery Park City Authority. “Irish Hunger Memorial Brochure,” accessed
March 31, 2014
http://www.batteryparkcity.org/pdf/IHM_Flyer_REV_8.30.10_cropped.pdf
The Irish Hunger Memorial Brochure lays out the memorial on a map and shows the
plants you can find when visiting the memorial and where. It also gives a brief but
detailed summary of what the memorial is for and what elements help support it’s
purpose. It explains the reasoning behind the hut and the lettered glass that wraps
around the outside of the memorial.
New York Magazine. “Irish Hunger Memorial,” accessed March 31, 2014
http://nymag.com/listings/attraction/irish_hunger_memorial/
This is a visitor’s account of the memorial that relates the memorial to the reminder
that New York meant freedom to many immigrants including the Irish. After
touching on the hunger side of the memorial’s purpose the author mentions the
engraved walls and their contents, commenting on the ironic use of Irish recipes.
Anna Tedstrom
April 1, 2014
Seminar: Constructed Env.
Anne Hays
NYC Parks. “It’s My Park: Irish Hunger Memorial,” accessed March 31, 2014
http://www.nycgovparks.org/video/179
This video presents different views from visitors that both have ancestors from
Ireland or have another connection to the memorial. Those interviewed talk about
the affects of the formal elements of the memorial and how it helps them connect
with the stories behind the memorial and Ireland.
Inhabitat. “Curious Irish Hunger Memorial is a Green-Roofed Monument in
Battery Park City,” accessed April 1,2014 http://inhabitat.com/nyc/curiousirish-hunger-memorial-is-a-green-roofed-monument-in-battery-parkcity/irish-hunger-memorial-16/?extend=1
This article highlights the people that were affected by “The Great Hunger” in
Ireland and tells how many of them ended up in New York City. It also talks about
the elements of the memorial that relate to the different countries and social aspects
of Ireland.
History Learning Site. “The Great Famine of 1845” accessed April 1, 2014
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/ireland_great_famine_of_1845.htm
The history of the Irish potato famine is laid out in this article including the reason
for the fall of the potato crop in 1845 and how the population was affected and how
the government chose to deal with the issue. It includes how many people died in
the famine and how much of the population left Ireland in hope of new opportunity
and better circumstances.
BBC History. “The Irish Famine” accessed April 1, 2014
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/famine_01.shtml
BBC describes the Potato Famine in depth, laying out the history of the famine, the
political actions made, and it’s affect on the Irish people.