The Irish uilleann pipes are perhaps the most uniquely recognizable and challenging of instruments in the world of traditional Irish music. However, this type of bagpipe almost faded into obscurity in the early 1900s. The presentation will explore how Irish piping and pipe making in America made an impact on the global piping tradition and will include a discussion of key musicians and craftsmen. Performances on the uilleann pipes as well as the traditional combination of pipes and fiddle will be interspersed throughout the program.