The Irish government has announced details of its America250 commemorative program marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In particular, the program acknowledges the key Irish connections to this historic moment.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D. said: “I am pleased to share details of the America250 commemorative program of national events that have been developed to mark the Semi quincentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
"America250 is a partnership between national bodies, creative communities, historians, educators and local authorities.
"I encourage everyone to use this programme as an opportunity to acknowledge and remember the transformative events of 250 years ago and explore the remarkable influence of our ancestors, north and south, on the formation of the United States.”
The program, according to an Irish government release, was developed using the key pillars of commemorations: historical exploration, artistic and creative expression and community-led commemoration – and includes a diverse range of initiatives and events including music events, exhibitions, documentaries, publications, lectures, an academic conference and initiatives for young people.
A postage stamp marking the contribution of John Dunlap from County Tyrone, who oversaw the printing of the Declaration of Independence, was also jointly launched by Minister O’Donovan and the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland.
America250 is coordinated by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and delivered using a partnership approach including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland, the Irish Traditional Music Archives, the National Library of Ireland, local authority network and the Clinton Institute, UCD. Support will also be provided by the Department of the Taoiseach through the Shared Island Initiative.
Two publications profiling each of the 23 United States Presidents with ancestral roots on the island of Ireland will be delivered in partnership with the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.
The publications, one aimed at a general audience and the other at younger readers, will seek to increase awareness of the many links with the U.S. Presidency over the centuries and across all regions of the island.
These publications will be made freely available in keeping with the commemoration’s principle of accessibility. All events planned for the America250 Commemorative Program can be found at www.gov.ie.
