Communities Minister has launched the first in a
series of events to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration
of Independence.
‘Ireland and America: 250th Anniversary Perspectives' was
organised by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)
and the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland. The event at PRONI,
which was fully booked, highlighted the scale of public interest
in the upcoming 2026 anniversary.
Opening the event, Minister Lyons highlighted the global
significance of the 250th anniversary and the role people from
Ulster played in the formation of modern America.
Minister Lyons said: “I am keen to promote the impact
Ulster-Scots and Irish American migrants had on the creation and
development of the United States of America, influencing
government, civic society, business and culture. This important
milestone offers Northern Ireland an opportunity to build on our
shared historical legacy and to celebrate the connections between
our ancestors and their role in shaping America after
independence.
“It is fitting that the first event in this series takes
place at PRONI, home to thousands of rare historical documents
that tell the migration stories of those who left Ireland for
America, a truly personal record of their experiences in the
search of a new life.
“I recognise our deep bonds with the United States and
know many people here will be keen to commemorate this
anniversary. I recently announced £250,000 for the people
of Northern Ireland to celebrate the anniversary and will
highlight further details in the coming months.”
The Department for Communities is currently developing a 250th
anniversary programme that will include lectures, talks,
conferences, exchanges of documents, exhibitions and outreach in
both Northern Ireland and the United States.
Notes to Editors
- The event features a keynote address from Professor Ian
McBride of Oxford University followed by a panel discussion from
several expert historians including Dr Sophie Cooper (Queen's
University Belfast), Professor David Dickson (Trinity College
Dublin) and Dr Patrick Fitzgerald (Mellon Centre for Migration
Studies) who will discuss the ways in which Irish and American
histories are entangled and interconnected.
- At least five of the signatories of the Declaration of
Independence had direct Ulster family connections, Thomas McKean,
James , George Taylor, Matthew Thornton
and Edward Rutledge. The Declaration itself was printed by an
Ulster-Scot, John Dunlap from Strabane, Co. Tyrone. The Great
Seal of the United States was designed by Charles Thomson from
Upperlands in Co. Londonderry. Twenty of the US Presidents can
claim Ulster-Scots roots.
