Events › Colonel John Fitzgerald: 18th-Century Irish Émigré, George Washington’s Aide-de-Camp, and Civic Leader

Presented by Bill Halpin, President of the Irish Cultural Society of Virginia. Colonel John Fitzgerald, a colorful, yet little known, Irish émigré and visionary who made significant contributions to the fabric of America, is often overlooked in the history of the Revolutionary War. This program will trace Fitzgerald’s life from his mid-18th century arrival in the Virginia colony, his service during the Revolutionary War, including uncovering the “Conway Cabal”, and his significant contributions in establishing norms in managing foreign trade, banking, and philanthropy.

Bill Halpin is the President and founder of the Irish Cultural Society of Virginia, a 501c.(3) charity working to promote Irish traditions and culture to memorialize Irish and Irish Americans who have significantly added to the fabric of America. A Harvard University graduate, Bill served with Special Forces as an Attaché, before retiring as a Colonel.