Ward Irish Music Archives

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.

News & Events

June 1, 2010: Adopt a Cylinder
Sponsor a cylinder to support an important Irish music collection!

August 16, 2010: CD Launch Party
Join us at the Todd Weir Conference on the MSOE Campus for a CD and website launch for the Francis O'Neill Cylinders and the Dunn Family Collection website!

Festival Season:
Catch WIMA on the road all summer:

August 6 - 8, 2010: Dublin Irish Festival
August 13 - 15, 2010: La Crosse Irish Fest
August 13 - 15, 2010: Minnesota Irish Fair
August 20 - 22, 2010: Milwaukee Irish Fest
September 3 - 5, 2010: Kansas City Irish Fest
September 10 - 12, 2010: Pittsburgh Irish Festival
September 17 - 19, 2010: Michigan Irish Festival