Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announces projects receiving USA-NI250 funding
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed funding for initiatives aimed at showcasing Northern Ireland’s history, heritage, arts and tourism sector as the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The projects, spread across Northern Ireland, will also commemorate the crucial role that people of Ulster-Scots heritage played in the signing of the Declaration and the strong links that endure today between the US and Northern Ireland.
Minister Lyons made the announcement during a visit to the President Arthur Homestead in Cullybackey, the ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States.
The Minister said: “I am delighted to announce this funding, which will enable local organisations to tell their stories and commemorate the deep historic connections that exist, ensuring that Northern Ireland’s role is marked as well as delivering benefits for our people, as we approach the semiquincentennial of the US Declaration of Independence.
“The key roles played by those from Northern Ireland in the formation of the United States have become much more clearly understood on both sides of the Atlantic in the last few years.
“The USANI250 funding scheme, administered by the Ulster-Scots Agency, clearly shows the breadth and depth of those links, and how they continue today.”
The projects cover all parts of Northern Ireland and highlight many individuals and places which are important to this story. They include well-known institutions such as the Ulster American Folk Park, stories of Francis Hutcheson, of Benjamin Franklin, of the journey from the Glorious Revolution to US250, and the role of women in US250. The events include concerts, exhibitions, cultural displays, theatre productions and the development of immersive experiences for visitors.
The Minister added: “It is wonderful to make this announcement from the President Arthur Homestead and learn of the plans of the Cullybackey Community Partnership. The Partnership’s project will explore the cultural and historical links between Cullybackey and the Declaration of Independence and include the development of an exhibition, a booklet, a series of talks and a short video – all mapped to the educational curriculum.
“More announcements will follow as we approach the anniversary, and I encourage everyone to look out for more information and get involved.”
The funding is as follows: National Museums – Stories of Us - £50,000, Ulster University – US250 celebration project - £50,000, Tourism NI – experience development - £21,500, USA – City Hall conference - £30,000, Historic Royal Palaces – Franklin and Hillsborough - £33,300, Schomberg Society Kilkeel Limited - £20,000, Maiden City Festival - £20,000, Maiden City Festival - £20,000, Entertainment Events Organisation Ltd - £11,002, Bready & District Ulster-Scots Development Association - £20,000, Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland - £15,700, Francis Hutcheson Institute - £14,853.93, Armagh Robinson Library - £7,824, Evolve Northern Ireland - £12,700, Ulster-Scots Community Network - £12,000, Cullybackey Community Partnership - £8,350, Belfast Bands Forum - £12,150, Belfast Library & Society for Promoting Knowledge - £10,496, Small Steps - £14,730, Saintfield Community Association - £7,650, Donaghmore Historical Society - £14,200 and Donaghadee Community Development Association - £19,830.