Launch of new book that illustrates history of people from Ulster who settled in America before declaration of independence 250 years ago

US Consul General James Applegate joined Stormont’s ​Communities minister, Gordon Lyons, at Belfast City Hall in another of the milestone in the USA-NI250 celebrations, which celebrate local links to the declaration, the 250th anniversary of the signing of which is on July 4.

The book – ‘Ulster American Treasures: The Migration Story’ – is the latest publication by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), whose head David Huddleston was also at the launch. The book was in fact first unveiled at a reception on Capitol Hill in Washington DC days after St Patrick’s Day, attended by leading US politicians from both the Democratic Party and Republican Party.

Speaking after the launch event at City Hall, Mr Lyons said: “This book tells an incredible story, one that is still largely untold on both sides of the Atlantic. I want to shine a light on those who left Ulster and left an enduring imprint on the foundation of the United States.

“Stories like that of Charles Thomson from Maghera, County Londonderry – Secretary to the Continental Congress, whose name appeared on the first printing of the Declaration of Independence alongside John Hancock, and who co-designed the Great Seal of the United States, still in use today.

“And John Dunlap of County Tyrone, who printed the first copies of the Declaration and later wrote to his family in Strabane: ‘There is no place in the world where a man meets so rich a reward for good conduct and industry as in America.’ These pioneers were not footnotes – they were the foundation."

The documents selected for the publication, which illustrate many people and facts associated with migration from Ulster, were assembled from the archives of PRONI, and were compiled and edited by Stephen Scarth, who spoke at the launch. The first of the chosen items dates back to the late 1600s. The papers include reminiscences cover a broad spectrum including the harrowing challenges of perilous sea journeys, the struggles and opportunities to find employment, and huge events including the American revolutionary war, the US civil war and the Irish famine.

Mr Applegate said: “Over the coming weeks, Americans will be reflecting on the pioneers who shaped our fledging republic as part of our Freedom 250 celebrations. Fifty years before our war of Independence, no less than a quarter of a million emigrants left this corner of Ireland in pursuit of freedom and a better, more prosperous future. PRONI’s Ulster American Treasures: The Migration Story tells the story of those people.

“The work that Mr Lyons and his department have done in bringing our shared history to life has been nothing short of phenomenal. The minister’s efforts both here and in the United States have made a significant impact that far transcends a celebration of culture and kinship. For as deeply rooted as it is in our shared history, the relationship between the United States and Northern Ireland is also thoroughly modern.”

Among those present at Friday’s event was the lady mayor of Belfast, Tracy Kelly, the editor of the News Letter, which was founded in 1737 and has reports on colonial America, Ben Lowry, and Chris Spurr, of the Ulster History Circle.

Mr Lyons said: “While history often highlights famous names, the fuller story belongs to the thousands of ordinary people, farmers, tradesmen, teachers, clergy and families, whose courage built settlements and communities across America. Their letters and diaries still speak powerfully of their values, hopes, and hardships.”

The minister added: “The book is not simply about looking back. It is about the next chapter. It’s about seeking to embrace and embed opportunities to promote the deep-rooted connections between Northern Ireland and the USA for the benefit of us all today.”

More information on USA-NI250 visit http://www.usa-ni250.co.uk where there is an electronic version of ‘Ulster American Treasures: The Migration Story’.