Irish-American book collection donated to St. Ambrose

March 24, 2004
By Phil Lineburg
Staff Writer

Timothy Walch, director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, began collecting Irish American and Catholic American books as an undergraduate at the University of Notre Dame, in 1966.  His passion has grown into a collection of 1,800 books.

“I’m very passionate about this collection," said Walch.  "I know the history of each book and when  and how I acquired it.”  He later joked that by donating the collection it will now allow him start a new collection.

While serving as an adviser to the history department, he became aware of the Irish Studies program offered by the university.

“I decided to donate this book collection to Ambrose because it will help to enhance the current Irish Studies program and become a resource for SAU students and the community to learn more about Irish American culture and heritage,” Walch said.

“I am thrilled and honored that Tim chose St Ambrose as the site for his impressive collection," said Dr. Ryan Dye, St. Ambrose director of Irish Studies.  “I know that there are many other institutions in the country that would have been really really happy to have received this collection.”

“It’s a great enhancement to the faculty and the scholars who will avail themselves of this  information,” said Dr. Edward Rogalski, president of St. Ambrose University.

The contribution, which will be transferred to the university over the next three years, will bring the total collection to approximately 2,200 books.  It makes the collection one of the largest of its type in the region.  The new collection will be added to the Lawrence McCaffrey Collection, donated by McCaffrey, a renowned professor and historian of Ireland and Irish Americans, in 2000.

The Irish Studies program was established in 2000.  The interdisciplinary program allows students to minor in Irish Studies, focusing on areas such as history, literature, theology, theater and music.  The program also supports a student club, the SAU St. Patrick Society, which promotes the work of local and regional Irish musicians.

Timothy Walch is the author and editor of several books on United States presidents, ethnicity and Catholicism.

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