Waterford Historical Society (CT)
The Waterford Historical Society presents “Portraits of the Irish in Waterford,” an exhibit of family portraits and photos placed on the Waterford Public Library art wall. The exhibit will be hung for the month of June and viewable during normal library opening hours.
The exhibit exemplifies the impact that Irish immigrants and their ancestors have had on the Town of Waterford and was inspired by one family in particular – the Perkins family – whose forebear James Sherry emigrated from Ireland during the potato famine around 1855 and settled in Waterford.
Portraits of the Irish in Waterford - an Exhibit
June 2025, Waterford Public Library art wall
The genesis for the exhibit began in 2023 when the Society was approached by Waterford resident Tom Perkins, who was seeking an appropriate home for three antique portraits of his Irish ancestors: James Sherry, Rose Theresa Sherry, and A. J. Perkins. The Society agreed to acquire them and find an appropriate place for their safekeeping, recognizing their historical value in the Town’s history.
Tom Perkins also graciously handed over folders filled with family photos, ancestral records and related news clippings. The more Tom shared, the more it became evident that the story of this family with Irish roots was meant to be shared more widely with the Town and beyond.
The project was undertaken by Holly Anderson Camerota, publicity chair and 1st VP of the Waterford Historical Society, along with Megan Haines, intern, who is pursuing a master’s degree in museum studies.
Scan the QR code below to view an online timeline of the Perkins family history.