Minister Gordon Lyons with Jay Bosanko, Deputy Archivist of the United States, outside the National Archives in Washington DC.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has commended the links between Northern Ireland and the USA, as preparations for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence continue.
The Minister said:
“The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence presents a unique opportunity to promote the cultural and historical links between Northern Ireland and the United States. It also highlights the significant role that people from Northern Ireland played in shaping America.”
During visits to the US National Archives, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institute and following meetings with Commission 250 – who are leading in preparations for the 250th anniversary events – the Minister outlined how Northern Ireland will be a key part of the commemorations.
The Minister added:
“I’m pleased to reveal details of a new programme of cultural and educational activities to mark the 250th anniversary both in the United States and in Northern Ireland.
“The programme will include lectures, talks, conferences, exchanges of documents, exhibitions, and outreach.
“As Keeper of the Records I am particularly excited to announce today that The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland and The United States National Archives will come together to celebrate America's semi quincentennial. Northern Ireland and the United States have deep rooted connections and we're looking forward to exploring those connections together.
“This collaboration will be featured in The National Archives’ Declaration 250 programme, Road to Revolution, which will dive deeper into the relationship and histories between the United States and Northern Ireland.
“As we get closer to the celebration of the semiquincentennial we will be sharing more information on this collaboration. I am also delighted that the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland will launch a special publication showcasing its Ulster American Treasures in 2026 to mark the anniversary.”
Minister Gordon Lyons during a tour of the vaults in the US National Archives in Washington DC.
Speaking on behalf of the National Archives, William J. Bosanko, Deputy Director added:
“The National Archives is excited to work alongside the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland as our countries come together to celebrate America's semi quincentennial. Northern Ireland and the United States have deep rooted connections and we're looking forward to exploring those connections.”
Over two million men and women left Ulster for America during the two centuries before the First World War, and PRONI holds one of the largest collections of emigrant records in the world including letters and accounts from the New World to their families back in Northern Ireland.
Today, thousands of people make the return journey from America to Northern Ireland every year in search of their roots.
The Ulster Scots left an indelible mark on America.
They have helped shape the nation; at least five of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence had direct Ulster family connections. The Declaration itself was printed by an Ulster Scot, John Dunlap from Strabane in County Tyrone. The Great Seal of the United States was designed by Charles Thomson from Upperlands in County Londonderry. Seventeen of the US Presidents can claim Ulster Scots roots.