United States | The Little Museum Collection

Republic of Ireland Bond, 1920

Republic of Ireland bond sold by Eamon de Valera

During the year and a half he spent crisscrossing the United States, Éamon de Valera used ‘republican bonds’ as a method of fundraising. Raising close to $6 million, the bonds were powerful tools, legitimising the Irish Republic in the eyes of people at home and abroad. However, after the Civil War the issue of whom the money belonged to would prove contentious. This $10 bond is dated January 21st 1920 and was issued to a Mrs. Goode.

With thanks to Johnnie Fox’s Pub

Watch an RTÉ Documentary about the Irish Civil War:

Éamon de Valera in America, 1920

Colour photograph of Eamon de Valera in America, after he escaped from Kilmainham Gaol in the aftermath of the Easter Rising

This colour photograph was taken during Éamon de Valera’s 18-month trip to the United States which began in June 1919. He wanted official recognition of the Republic. He also hoped to dissuade the US Government from supporting British objectives in Ireland, and to raise much needed funds.

Failing on the first two counts, the trip was a success in financial terms, raising close to $6 million for the cause. But de Valera was no schmoozer: during the trip he fell out with prominent Irish-Americans John Devoy and Judge Daniel Cohalan.

With thanks to Will de Burca.

Listen to de Valera speaking at Kilmainham Goal:

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