The Irish American Heritage Museum (IAHM), a museum in Albany, New York, that is dedicated to preserving Irish American history and culture, has elected Denise Murphy McGraw as its new Chair of its Board of Trustees. This is McGraw’s second three-year term on the Board of Trustees of the Museum.
McGraw is a partner at the New York State government
relations firm Hill, Gosdeck & McGraw. She played a massive role in bringing
the Irish Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, to New York's
Capital Region to be the keynote speaker of Schenectady LAOH's 125th
Anniversary Gala.
McGraw is active with the Schenectady Division of the Ladies
Ancient Order of Hibernians, the National Irish American Hall of Fame Society,
and is the National Co-Chair of Catholics Vote Common Good. She was named Hero of Irish America by The Irish Echo, the
nation's leading Irish-American publication, in 2025.
"It is a tremendous honor to be elected Chair of the
Irish American Heritage Museum," said McGraw in a news release. "The
Museum plays a vital role in preserving the stories, traditions, and
contributions of Irish Americans while helping new generations understand the
rich legacy that continues to shape our communities and our nation.
"Denise has long been one of New York's and the
nation's most effective champions of Irish heritage and culture," said
Executive Director Michael Clarke in a news release. "Her lifelong
dedication to preserving and promoting Irish-American history, traditions, and
community engagement makes her uniquely qualified to lead the Museum.
McGraw succeeds national Ancient Order of Hibernians leader
Liam Nabb, who oversaw the museum through expanded programming and growth.
Retired banker David Foster was elected as Vice Chair. "Irish" Don Kelly was re-elected as
Secretary, and Pat Hale was re-elected as Treasurer. Kim DePeaux, Tom Gleason,
and Erik Smith were welcomed as new members of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.