# Event Details

- **Event Name**: “Yearning to Breathe Free” Irishman Joseph Barry and His American Dream | History on Tap
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 19 Mar, 2026 at 06:00 pm – Thu, 19 Mar, 2026 at 07:00 pm
- **Event Description**: Explore the rich stories of our historic town and gain a deeper appreciation of Harpers Ferry’s place in the nation’s story during our History on Tap series. Step into the warm, inviting ambiance of Alstadts Ale House and immerse yourself in engaging discussions on a range of fascinating history.

"The Strange Story of Harper's Ferry" is cited in practically every piece written about 19th-century Harpers Ferry. And for good cause. Its author, Joseph Barry, escaped the Irish Famine to find the American Dream. But reality found him in the crosshairs of abolitionist crusaders, trapped in a border town during civil war, fighting famine in a broken country, and witnessing historic floods. Fortunately for historians, he lived to tell the tale. But what brought Barry to Harpers Ferry? Why did he stay? And can he be considered a reliable narrator of Harpers Ferry's history? 

Catherine Baldau is the Executive Director of the Harpers Ferry Park Association, where she has edited several publications including the award-winning Harpers Ferry Under Fire. Her essays are published in the Harpers Ferry Anthology and “To Emancipate the Mind and Soul”: Storer College 1867-1955. Catherine's freelance writing has been featured in Fluent Magazine and other local publications. Her first novel, Thoughts & Prayers, co-authored with three local writers, won the 2022 Florida Authors and Publishers award for fiction.

Come for the history and stay for the camaraderie, with delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and a selection of beer and wine available for purchase. Seating is limited, so registration is recommended, and tables may be shared with fellow attendees.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/harpers-ferry/yearning-to-breathe-free-irishman-joseph-barry-and-his-american-dream-|-history-on-tap/200029758537028
- **Event Categories**: art, literary-art, nonprofit
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 26

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Harpers Ferry
- **state**: WV
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Alstadts Ale House
- **lat**: 39.315814594397
- **long**: -77.768965959549
- **full address**: Alstadts Ale House, 408 Alstadts Hill Road,Harpers Ferry,WV,United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: “Yearning to Breathe Free” Irishman Joseph Barry and His American Dream | History on Tap
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/04546f827b923dff4046b167adfe5254a63600754df0ba1071b38fab0de91dac-rimg-w1080-h566-dc615f5e-gmir?v=1773686642

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is “Yearning to Breathe Free” Irishman Joseph Barry and His American Dream | History on Tap being held?
  - **A:** “Yearning to Breathe Free” Irishman Joseph Barry and His American Dream | History on Tap takes place on Thu, 19 Mar, 2026 at 06:00 pm to Thu, 19 Mar, 2026 at 07:00 pm at Alstadts Ale House, 408 Alstadts Hill Road,Harpers Ferry,WV,United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing “Yearning to Breathe Free” Irishman Joseph Barry and His American Dream | History on Tap?
  - **A:** “Yearning to Breathe Free” Irishman Joseph Barry and His American Dream | History on Tap is organized by Harpers Ferry Park Association.

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