The Order evolved from a society formed in 1565, in Ireland, to protect the priests, who risked immediate death, to keep the Catholic Faith alive, in occupied Ireland, during the reign of England's King Henry VIII. In 1697, when England implemented its dreaded Penal Laws in Ireland, secret societies were formed across Ireland to aid and comfort the clergy and the people by whatever means available. Similarly, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was founded May 4, 1836 at New York's St. James Church, to protect the clergy, and church property from the "Know Nothings" and their followers. Later the vast influx of Irish Immigrants fleeing The Great Hunger, An Gorta Mor, in Ireland, in the late 1840's prompted a growth of various social societies in the United States, to aid these refugees, the largest of which was, and continues to be, the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Active across the United States today, the Order seeks to aid newly arrived Irish and those Irish-Americans from generations removed, both socially and politically. The many Divisions and club facilities located throughout the United States traditionally have been among the first to welcome the Irish immigrants and preserve Irish culture. Here, the Irish Culture: language, arts, dance, music, and sports are fostered and preserved. Newcomers can meet some of "their own" and are introduced to the social atmosphere of the Irish-American community. The A.O.H has been at the forefront on Irish issues such as: economic incentives (both here and in Ireland); Peace with Justice in a United Ireland; the Human Rights issues addressed in the MacBride Principles Legislation; Genocide Curriculum Legislation; freedom of religion; and Respect for Life.

The Order has provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those Irish-Americans who are generations removed from their country of origin. Many A.O.H. divisions bring children from the North of Ireland under the Project Children or other programs. The Order sponsors many programs associated with promoting our Irish Heritage, such as, one year overseas study scholarships at Irish Universities and The Irish Way Program. Irish studies programs at American universities, like Notre Dame, are also sponsored by the Order.