Communities Minister announces £750,000 museum investment during Washington visit

Minister Lyons today announced over £750,000 for the Ulster American Folk Park in County Tyrone as part of a drive to boost cultural and heritage links with the United States.

Speaking at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, Minister Lyons said: “It is fitting that I announce this investment in the Ulster American Folk Park ‘The Journey Ahead' project today at the iconic Smithsonian in Washington. The Museum chronicles the history of emigration from Ulster to the United States and its profound impact on the formation of modern America. 

“This announcement is the first step in unlocking over £20million through the Mid South West Growth Deal, an investment which will transform what the museum can offer, enhancing the visitor experience and driving tourism to the wider area.

“Our story and the heritage we share with the US is a history worth telling. Our connections make Northern Ireland a deeply resonant tourist destination for many Americans wishing to learn more about their Ulster Scots roots. I want to ensure we can attract these visitors and share the story of their ancestors' journey from our local shores, providing visitors with new ways to engage with this captivating narrative.”

The project, ‘Ulster American Folk Park: The Journey Ahead', will modernise the museum's Welcome Centre with updated interpretation and exhibitions. The project will also enhance the immersive storytelling experience across the open-air museum, ensuring the park's heritage buildings and collections are brought to life in new and dynamic ways.

The Minister, who is in the US to promote the long-standing links between Northern Ireland and the United States, was joined by Kathryn Thompson, Chief Executive, National Museums NI and Professor Margaret Topping, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at Queen's University Belfast at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Notes to editors:

1. Photo caption: L - R  Professor Margaret Topping, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, Queen's University Belfast, Kathryn Thompson, Chief Executive National Museums NI, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, Dr Lonnie Bunch III, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution and Dr Anthea Hartig, Director of the National Museum of American History at the 'Divided Communities: Difficult Histories' symposium in Washington.
2. Photo caption:  Communities Minister Gordon Lyons with Dr Lonnie Bunch III, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution at the 'Divided Communities: Difficult Histories' symposium in Washington.
3. Minister Lyons was speaking at the "Divided Communities: Difficult Histories" symposium, a collaborative event organised by Queen's University Belfast in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, George Washington University.