The Men of Duffy's Cut - A Novel

Grave marker memorializing the men who died at Duffy's Cut.

Pen to Paper, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s wonderful lecture series on the mastery of 18th and 19th Century handwriting.  Dr. Robert J. Mahar discusses a brief history of the role cursive handwriting served in society. Many of the men from the Duffy’s Cut crew were likely illiterate however I can’t help but imagine that someone in the group may have penned letters home for these men. I don’t know about you, but I find these letters and the the beautiful writing a piece of art and “heart” all rolled into one!

If ever there was a song to pair with the story of “The Men of Duffy’s Cut,” Phil Couter’s “Farewell To Inishowen” would be it. <3

Staring out the window of a speeding commuter train on its way towards Philadelphia, a passenger would have no clue of the horror and injustice that occurred in this quiet wooded valley. They mig…

A Millersville University professor considers Ireland's complex and colorful history.

Duffy’s Cut dig site organizers and Philadelphia Irish raise funds to send remains of Catherine Burns back to her native Co. Tyrone.

EAST WHITELAND >> An arts focused symposium developed after the discovery of Duffy’s Cut, the burial site of about 57 Irish immigrant railroad workers who died in 1832, will be held at Immaculata University Oct. 11.

                                              - Nona MacIntyre, The Men of Duffy's Cut.

With Dr. William E. Watson, Professor of History at Immaculata University, Pennsylvania. Looking over the Duffy's Cut Memorial wall.  Constructed in 1909 by Martin W. Clement for the 1832 railroad workers at Duffy's Cut. This area will soon be the site of the next phase of archaeological research, in search of the remaining 57 men from Ireland who tragically lost their lives.