On April 28, 2018, The Èire Society of Boston co-sponsored a very special, day-long symposium entitled “John Hume: His Vision & Legacy for Ireland “. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the symposium was organized by Professor Sean Farren, a close colleague of Mr. Hume,  and eminent historian, Catherine Shannon. The event was hosted by the Center for Irish Programs at Boston College.

The symposium consisted in five panel discussions with Irish and American commentators and engaged with, among others, the following topics:

Healing divisions within Northern Ireland: powersharing and partnership; Civil rights and human rights campaign efforts by Mr. Hume; The framework for building “An agreed Ireland,” with the European Community and United States dimensions as backdrop.

There was also launched by Daniel Mulhall, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, a reflective and exquisitely timely new book “John Hume: In his own words.“ The formal launch was followed by insightful comments from the editor, Professor Farren, and by heart-stirring reflections from Mr. Humes son, Aidan.

The symposium was followed by a delightful reception at the Burns Library at Boston College, where there was also a mindful exhibit of memorabilia from Mr. Hume’s life and some of his more inspirational writings.