America 250 Officials Visit Northern Ireland to Explore Ulster's Contributions to the American Revolution
Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone
Officials from the America 250 Commission traveled to Belfast last week to discuss Northern Ireland’s special status in the Semiquincentennial celebrations next year.
America 250 Executive Vice President Jen Condon and Commissioner Joe Crowley were welcomed by Northern Ireland Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Department for the Economy NI Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
“It is a privilege to welcome Commissioner Joe Crowley and Executive Vice President Jen Condon to Northern Ireland in recognition of the unique contribution our people have made to the foundation of the United States of America,” Lyons said.
“The stories of our nations have been woven together over the last 250 years. More than 250,000 people left these shores during the 18th century to help shape modern America. We must seize this special opportunity to showcase our contribution and celebrate our continued strong relationship.”
During the visit, the Americans signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that sets out the terms for co-operation in support of the anniversary commemorations. As part of the partnership, the Minister has launched a new USA–NI250 funding program, managed by the Ulster-Scots Agency, for organizations to commemorate Northern Ireland’s contribution to American history.
“The US market plays a vital role for our tourism sector and America 250 brings a variety of opportunities to mark the many links between the US and those of Irish and Ulster-Scots heritage”,” said Dr. Archibald.
“Being here in Northern Ireland is a powerful reminder of the deep roots that connect Ulster and the United States,” said Commissioner Crowley. “This visit reminds us that the story of America’s founding is also a story of shared heritage and friendship that continues to this day. We’re grateful for the chance to deepen our partnership in the year ahead.”
During their visit Crowley and Condon will visit Hillsborough Castle, Parliament Buildings, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Ulster American Folk Park.
At PRONI and the Ulster-Scots Agency, they viewed documents and memorabilia connected with some of the significant figures who went to America from these shores. The visit to the Ulster American Folk Park in Co. Tyrone showcased a vivid recreation of the environment and conditions faced at the time.
“It is a privilege to visit Northern Ireland and reaffirm the historic ties that continue to connect our people,” said Condon. “As we prepare to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, we are inspired by Northern Ireland’s commitment to celebrating its unique place in our shared heritage, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration in the year ahead.”
The visit will help spotlight Northern Ireland’s pivotal role in American history, with several founding figures tracing their roots back to Ulster:
· James McHenry, born in Ballymena, signed the US Constitution.
· Charles Thomson, from Maghera was the first Secretary of the Continental Congress; his name graces the first copy of the Declaration.
· John Dunlap, a printer from Strabane produced the first printed version of the Declaration of Independence.
· Hercules Mulligan, born in Coleraine was a tailor, spy, and hero who twice saved George Washington’s life and has been immortalized in the hit musical Hamilton.
In 2026, Boston Irish Tourism Association is creating a Revolutionary Irish 250 Trail that uses public landmarks in New England to chronicle the role of Irish and Scots-Irish in the American Revolution.
Jen Condon and Joe Crowley at Hillsborough Castle
“It is a privilege to welcome Commissioner Joe Crowley and Executive Vice President Jen Condon to Northern Ireland in recognition of the unique contribution our people have made to the foundation of the United States of America,” Lyons said.
“The stories of our nations have been woven together over the last 250 years. More than 250,000 people left these shores during the 18th century to help shape modern America. We must seize this special opportunity to showcase our contribution and celebrate our continued strong relationship.”
During the visit, the Americans signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that sets out the terms for co-operation in support of the anniversary commemorations. As part of the partnership, the Minister has launched a new USA–NI250 funding program, managed by the Ulster-Scots Agency, for organizations to commemorate Northern Ireland’s contribution to American history.
“The US market plays a vital role for our tourism sector and America 250 brings a variety of opportunities to mark the many links between the US and those of Irish and Ulster-Scots heritage”,” said Dr. Archibald.
“Being here in Northern Ireland is a powerful reminder of the deep roots that connect Ulster and the United States,” said Commissioner Crowley. “This visit reminds us that the story of America’s founding is also a story of shared heritage and friendship that continues to this day. We’re grateful for the chance to deepen our partnership in the year ahead.”
During their visit Crowley and Condon will visit Hillsborough Castle, Parliament Buildings, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Ulster American Folk Park.
At PRONI and the Ulster-Scots Agency, they viewed documents and memorabilia connected with some of the significant figures who went to America from these shores. The visit to the Ulster American Folk Park in Co. Tyrone showcased a vivid recreation of the environment and conditions faced at the time.
“It is a privilege to visit Northern Ireland and reaffirm the historic ties that continue to connect our people,” said Condon. “As we prepare to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, we are inspired by Northern Ireland’s commitment to celebrating its unique place in our shared heritage, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration in the year ahead.”
The visit will help spotlight Northern Ireland’s pivotal role in American history, with several founding figures tracing their roots back to Ulster:
· James McHenry, born in Ballymena, signed the US Constitution.
· Charles Thomson, from Maghera was the first Secretary of the Continental Congress; his name graces the first copy of the Declaration.
· John Dunlap, a printer from Strabane produced the first printed version of the Declaration of Independence.
· Hercules Mulligan, born in Coleraine was a tailor, spy, and hero who twice saved George Washington’s life and has been immortalized in the hit musical Hamilton.
General John Stark Statue at New Hampshire State House
In 2026, Boston Irish Tourism Association is creating a Revolutionary Irish 250 Trail that uses public landmarks in New England to chronicle the role of Irish and Scots-Irish in the American Revolution.
Comments