Minister Lyons launches PRONI series of USA 250 events
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Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the first in a series of events to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
'Ireland and America: 250th Anniversary Perspectives' was organised by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) and the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland. The event at PRONI, which was fully booked, highlighted the scale of public interest in the upcoming 2026 anniversary.
Opening the event, Minister Lyons highlighted the global significance of the 250th anniversary and the role people from Ulster played in the formation of modern America.
Minister Lyons said:
"I am keen to promote the impact Ulster-Scots and Irish American migrants had on the creation and development of the United States of America, influencing government, civic society, business and culture. This important milestone offers Northern Ireland an opportunity to build on our shared historical legacy and to celebrate the connections between our ancestors and their role in shaping America after independence.
"It is fitting that the first event in this series takes place at PRONI, home to thousands of rare historical documents that tell the migration stories of those who left Ireland for America, a truly personal record of their experiences in the search of a new life.
"I recognise our deep bonds with the United States and know many people here will be keen to commemorate this anniversary. I recently announced Pound 250,000 for the people of Northern Ireland to celebrate the anniversary and will highlight further details in the coming months."
The Department for Communities is currently developing a 250th anniversary programme that will include lectures, talks, conferences, exchanges of documents, exhibitions and outreach in both Northern Ireland and the United States.
