Not long after John James Barralet arrived in Philadelphia, the Hibernian Society called on him to design their membership certificate. The organization, founded in 1790, contributed financial and cultural aid to immigrants from Ireland. On the certificate, Barralet arranged the allegorical figures of Hope (anchor) and America (eagle and Pennsylvania state seal) with that of Ireland (harp). Society members such as sugar merchant Charles Schaffer, whose certificate we see here, were established citizens who supported organizations that helped disadvantaged families. Professional and social networks like the Hibernian Society, The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians also gave structure to Gaelic culture’s enduring traditions in America.