The Political Science Department is proud to share the work of faculty member Dr. Jim Walsh, who recently unveiled a historic memorial that was the result of years of dedicated research!

On September 16th, 2023, Dr. Walsh's years-long project came to fruition with Unearthed: Voices of Leadville’s Shanty Irish, where the newly installed Leadville Irish Miners’ Memorial was unveiled. This memorial statue commemorates the more than 1,300 immigrants buried in unmarked pauper graves in the Catholic Free section of Evergreen Cemetery in Leadville. The event was attended by members of the Irish community, union representatives, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire D. Cronin, and Senator Michael Bennet!

“The unveiling of the Irish Miners’ Memorial in Leadville was the culmination of decades of research and activism by Dr. James Walsh, CU Denver students, and the Irish community in Colorado and beyond. The beautiful memorial not only commemorates the memory, spirit, and humanity of the named and unnamed miners interred there but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of labor movements across the globe past, present, and future.” - Dr. Mike Berry

Congratulations to Dr. Walsh on his historic accomplishment!