The Society was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 17 (St. Patrick's Day), 1771.

[1] Among the founders were General Stephen Moylan, aide to George Washington and cavalry commander in the Revolutionary War, and Thomas Fitzsimons, representative of Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress and signatory of the U.S. Constitution, both of whom were born in Ireland.

[2] Originally founded as a charitable organization with the intent of aiding migrants from Ireland,[3] the organization has since developed a focus on encouraging "greater interest in ties of friendship between America and Ireland,"[2] in addition to sponsoring scholarships, cultural events, charity activities, and educational endowments.

[5] Its founder and first president was Daniel McCormick, a merchant who was one of the first directors of the Bank of New York.

[5] Branches of the Society have also been founded in cities such as Cincinnati, Detroit, Providence, San Diego, and Spokane.