"Youth Lunch & Learn Series" Returns:
Celtic Knotwork & Ogham Writing

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. (Celtic Knotwork)

    12:00 p.m. (Lunch)

1:00 p.m. (Ogham Writing)

Cost: FREE to children of all ethnicities aged 8-14 (lunch for students is included - advanced registration is required)

Location: "The Gallery" at the H.A.R.P. Museum located on the second floor of the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley at 623 Columbia St., Utica

Register: https://bit.ly/4q9XNSx 

Contact: Chris Hoke at (315) 733-4228 Ext. 6 or irishccmv@gmail.com

The H.A.R.P. Museum at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley is pleased to announce the resumption of Youth Lunch & Learn sessions with two classes planned for February 19, 2026.  

The series, a continuation of the Irish-themed classes that proved to be so popular with kids last year, will start up again on Thursday February 19, with a class on Celtic Knotwork starting at 10 AM, and an afternoon session on Ogham Writing from 1-3 PM. Attendees at both classes will also be treated to a free lunch in the Five Points Public House at noon. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend any of the classes and/or the lunch (they will have to pay for their own lunch).

Celtic Knotwork for Kids

At the morning session, children will learn about the history and meaning of Celtic knots, and will then create colorful paper Celtic knot designs on black backgrounds, incorporating the knots' intricate and beautiful weave patterns. Similar but simpler projects, such as shamrocks or claddaghs, will be available for younger children as needed. All supplies will be provided, and their projects will be saved for display in the H.A.R.P. Museum during March Irish Heritage month.

Ogham Writing

The afternoon class will have students learning about the ancient Ogham alphabet, which was used primarily in early Irish language writing. Children will learn about the history and usage of this "tree alphabet," and then will apply what they've learned to write their names and other simple words using this "secret code"!   

These classes (more are coming during April's school break) are being offered to children of all ethnicities aged 8-14. As always, there is no charge for these classes or the lunch; however, each class has limited seating, so advance registration is required, at https://bit.ly/4q9XNSx. 

Acknowledgments

This youth programming series, aimed at introducing young people of our area to the history and culture of Ireland, is funded through donations made by public supporters of all things Irish during the 2025 MV Gives campaign, and by the generous matching funds from the UpMobility Foundation and the Senator James H. Donovan Memorial Fund.

Where to Find Us

The H.A.R.P. Museum is located on the second floor of the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, 623 Columbia St, Utica. All are welcome to attend these classes, and the museum is wheelchair accessible.

Join us for our latest “Youth Lunch and Learn” classes - Where you can feed your mind and your belly! ☘️

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