Established in 1992, the Ward Irish Music Archives houses the largest public collection of Irish music in America. It is named after John J. Ward Jr., father of Irish Fest founder Ed Ward. The archive currently consists of more than 40,000 Irish recordings and pieces of music memorabilia ranging from rare 78 rpm's, LP's and sheet music to song books, instruments, and concert memorabilia. Many of the archives items are extremely difficult to find today.

New WIMA website under construction!
Our parent organization, Milwaukee Irish Fest, recently had their website redesigned, and the Ward Irish Music Archives now has a new website location! We are in the process of moving content to the new site and will be scaling down additions here in the future.

November 7 - 9, 2008: Maryland Irish Festival
WIMA presents the History of Irish Rock exhibit.

December 13, 2008: Tune Swap
Come learn a tune and play in a slow Irish session at the Archives!

March 7, 2009: Green Tie Benefit
A night for Irish music to support the Archives!

Donate 10 Or More Irish Music Related Items To The Irish Fest Archives And Receive Two Free Tickets To Irish Fest 2007!

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