Northern Ireland to run special partnership with America in celebrating the 250th anniverary of the US Declaration Of Independence

Over two million men and women left Ulster for America during the two centuries before WWI with the result that 17 US Presidents can claim Ulster Scots roots.

The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland 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 helped shape the nation with at least five of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence having direct Ulster family connections. The Declaration itself was printed by an Ulster Scot, John Dunlap from Strabane in County Tyrone and the Great Seal of the United States was designed by Charles Thomson from Upperlands in County Londonderry.

Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has commended the links as preparations continue for the 250th anniversary. The document was signed on 4 July 1776, announcing the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain.

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 NI’s role.

“As Keeper of the Records [at PRONI] 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 semiquincentennial. 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.”

Speaking on behalf of the US 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 semiquincentennial. Northern Ireland and the United States have deep rooted connections and we're looking forward to exploring those connections.”