Established in 1992, the Ward Irish Music Archives houses the largest public collection of Irish music in America. It is named after John J. Ward Jr., father of Irish Fest founder Ed Ward. The archive currently consists of more than 40,000 Irish recordings and pieces of music memorabilia ranging from rare 78 rpm's, LP's and sheet music to song books, instruments, and concert memorabilia. Many of the archives items are extremely difficult to find today.
In 2010 Milwaukee Irish Fest celebrated its 30th anniversary. In doing so the festival brought in many great musical friends that have graced the Irish Fest stages through these years. The Ward Irish Music Archives put together a film to document this occasion. Using the iconic song "Wild Mountain Thyme" as our theme, this film highlights one of the great gatherings of Irish musicians in one moment in time, always the third weekend in August…Milwaukee Irish Fest.
Explore the Dunn Family Collection microsite, which contains audio from the Francis O'Neill cylinders, historic recordings of Irish traditional music made c. 1904. Also browse manuscripts, photos, and other items from the collection!
Learn how you can help support the Archives through the donation of collections and resources, including our Milwaukee Irish Fest Free Ticket Program.