Experience the life of an Irish immigrant in the early 19th century at the Historic Village at Allaire on March 14 at 1 and 2 p.m. Admission is free.

The Irish, one of the young nation’s largest immigrant groups, arrived on America’s shores by the tens of thousands as they escaped oppressive conditions in Ireland, according to a press release.

A history of British tyranny combined with an economy that could not keep pace with a rapidly growing population forced many Irishmen to begin new lives elsewhere. From as early as 1737, the Irish honored St. Patrick and brought the holiday with them to America.

Life for the newly arrived Irish in America, however, was not without its problems. As the number of Irish immigrants increased dramatically by the 1830s, so, too, did a new hatred of “foreigners” by native-born Americans who feared an ever-growing flood of immigrants would steal jobs from “true” Americans.

With its large number of Irish employees, James P. Allaire’s Howell Iron Works Company was not immune to this tension. However, according to the press release, through Allaire’s personal intervention and oversight, tensions were slight in this small community and the Irish residents of the village could proudly celebrate their heritage.

The re-created 1830s St. Patrick’s Day will begin at 1 p.m. in the Allaire chapel, where the story of St. Patrick is told in a brief commemorative service in honor of Ireland’s patron saint.

After the service, follow the villagers into the heart of the Howell Works, where villagers will encounter tensions from anti-Irish Americans. Other activities include storytelling, hearth cooking, and stove-top cooking demonstrations.

This living-history re-enactment of St. Patrick’s Day is presented free of charge by Allaire Village Inc.

Allaire Village Inc. is licensed by the state of New Jersey to operate the 40-acre Historic Village at Allaire, the site of James P. Allaire’s Howell Iron Works Co. in the 1830s.

Allaire Village Inc. receives no state funding toward the educational programming presented throughout the year, but is strongly supported through private donations, membership fees, fundraising events and patronage of its retail stores.

Allaire Village Inc. received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. In addition, funding for the historical events is made possible in part with a grant from the Ocean First Foundation.

The Historic Village at Allaire is located in Allaire State Park on Route 524/4265 AtlanticAve., in Farmingdale, off Exit 98 of the Garden State Parkway and off Exit 31B of Interstate 195. For more information, contact the Allaire Village office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 732-919-3500 or visit our website at www.allairevillage.org.