In 1976, a small group of Irish Americans was looking for a permanent place to celebrate and share its heritage and culture. After many fundraisers and Irish Family Days, they purchased an abandoned, graffiti-covered building on the northwest side of Chicago. Over the past 25 years, a crew of passionate volunteers has transformed the derelict structure into a premier institution. Through dance, music, festivals, language, history, and art, the Irish American Heritage Center delivers on its mission as a nonprofit organization enhancing the lives of every member and the community. But for the vision of those original dreamers, and the blood, sweat, and tears of the thousands of volunteers, it would not exist.