Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a major new archival publication documenting the centuries-old migration story between Ulster and the United States. The release comes as Northern Ireland prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The book, titled Ulster American Treasures: The Migration Story, was unveiled at Belfast City Hall alongside US Consul General James Applegate and Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tracy Kelly. The publication showcases historical records tracing the profound influence of Ulster settlers on the foundation of the United States.
Produced by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), the work forms a key part of the USA-NI250 programme commemorating the semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 2026. It draws upon letters, diaries, journals and government files held in PRONI’s archives to tell the stories of both prominent figures and ordinary emigrants who left Ulster for North America over the past 250 years, covering epoch-making events from the American Revolutionary War to the Great Famine.
Founding Fathers from Ulster
Speaking at the launch event, Minister Lyons highlighted the contributions of two significant figures from present-day Northern Ireland who played pivotal roles in the American Revolution.
Minister 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.
“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.”
Charles Thomson, born in Maghera in 1729, served as the first and only Secretary to the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1789, making him one of only two signatories to the original Declaration of Independence. He also co-designed the Great Seal of the United States, which remains in use today. John Dunlap, born in Strabane in 1746, printed the first broadside copies of the Declaration on the evening of 4 July 1776, producing between 100 and 200 copies for distribution to the 13 colonies.
From the Archives to the Public
The documents selected for the publication illustrate the wide range of subjects associated with the Ulster-American migration, covering the period from the early 1700s through to the Great Famine and beyond. The records include personal reminiscences covering perilous sea voyages, struggles to find employment, and international epoch-making events including the American Revolutionary War and the US Civil War.
The Minister emphasised that the project looks to the future as well as the past. Minister Lyons said:
“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.”
Transatlantic Celebrations
The Belfast launch follows an earlier American unveiling on 18 March 2026 at a special Northern Ireland 250 reception in Washington, DC. US Consul General James Applegate praised the Department’s work in strengthening bilateral ties.
US Consul General James 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 Minister 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.”
Unanswered Questions and Broader Context
While the publication marks a significant contribution to historical preservation, several details remain unclear. The Department has not disclosed the print run or distribution strategy for hard copies, nor has it specified budget allocations for this specific PRONI project separate from the wider USA-NI250 funding programme announced earlier this year.
Additionally, though the Minister references educational opportunities, the press release lacks detail on how schools—particularly those in disadvantaged areas—will access these archives to support curriculum teaching. Given that other USA-NI250 projects include educational mapping, the absence of explicit outreach plans for this publication represents a notable omission.
The focus on Ulster-Scots heritage, whilst historically significant, also raises questions about how the broader programme ensures inclusive representation of Northern Ireland’s diverse communities, including those with Irish nationalist backgrounds who may have different historical connections to the United States.
Key questions remain:
- How will the digital archives be preserved and maintained beyond the 2026 commemorations to ensure permanent public access?
- What specific measures are being taken to distribute these historical resources to schools and community groups in areas with high social deprivation?
- How does the Department plan to balance the celebration of Ulster-Scots contributions with the stories of other Northern Irish emigrant communities who helped shape America?
- Will the publication be made available in accessible formats for visually impaired readers?
Where to Access the Publication
An electronic version of Ulster American Treasures: The Migration Story is available via the USA-NI250 website at http://www.usa-ni250.co.uk. The publication joins a growing portfolio of initiatives funded under the USA-NI250 scheme, which has already supported projects at the Ulster American Folk Park, Belfast City Hall, and various community partnerships across Northern Ireland.
As the 4 July 2026 anniversary approaches, further events and exhibitions are expected to be announced, building upon the momentum established by this archival launch and Minister Lyons’ recent diplomatic engagements in Washington.