From Finnish Shores: A Journey into Irish-American History with Damian Shiels
In his third appearance on Irish Stew, historian Dr. Damian Shiels joins Martin Nutty for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation. Now living in Finland, Damian shares the personal story behind his move abroad, driven by Ireland’s rising cost of living and the opportunities remote work provides.
The episode explores Damian’s latest projects, including "Transatlantic", a new podcast he co-hosts with Finn Dwyer, which dives deep into the historical connections between Ireland and America.
Damian also discusses his groundbreaking new book, Green and Blue: Irish Americans in the Union Military, 1861–1865. The culmination of 15 years of research, the book offers a powerful and detailed examination of the Irish experience during the American Civil War, revealing the socio-economic realities and identities of Irish soldiers in Union ranks.
Throughout the episode, themes of immigration, identity, and racism are explored, connecting past and present. Damian and Martin reflect on how understanding the history of the Irish diaspora can illuminate today’s pressing issues—from housing crises to evolving notions of Irish identity, both at home and abroad.
Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 24; Total Episode Count: 127
00:00 - Introduction
01:44 - The Move to Finland
06:32 - Comparing the Irish - Finnish Historical Experience
11:39 - The Irish in Finland
14:37 - Transatlantic: A Podcast Backstory
17:35 - Researching for Transatlantic
19:38 - Talking Disputed Irish Identiity
25:11 - Irish Diversity: Past and Present
31:37 - Housing Woes: Old and New
35:39 - Green and Blue: 15 Years of Work
38:57 - Irish Lives in US Pension Files
45:46 - The Pension Files: An Alternate Genealogical Source
47:43 - Irish Racism Origins
53:44 - Bigotry, Racism, Class and Irish America
57:34 - Martin Recaps
58:33 - Credits
Damian Shiels
Battlefield Archaeologist & Historian of the Irish in the American Civil War
Dr. Damian Shiels is the founder of Irish in the American Civil War in 2010, running the site as primary author and sole editor until 2021. He has published two books on the Irish experience of the conflict, The Irish in the American Civil War (History Press, 2014) and The Forgotten Irish: Irish Emigrant Experiences in America (History Press, 2017). Damian has lectured and led tours in Ireland, Britain and the United States relating to the American Civil War. He holds a PhD in history from Northumbria University, where his research focused on the correspondence of Irish Americans in Union service. In addition to historical work, he has extensive expertise both as a conflict archaeologist and exhibition curator
