July/August 2026


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AMERICA250 | 67


Day, fireworks lighting up city skylines and small-town parks alike will serve as a powerful reflection of 250 years of American history and resilience. America250 celebrations in Northern Ireland An open-air concert is planned in Omagh’s Ulster American Folk Park to celebrate its 50th anniversary as well as its America250 celebrations. The landmark visitor programme THE STORIES OF US will take place within the unique surroundings of the museum on Saturday 29th August and will feature headline singer and songwriter Gareth who is from Co. Tyrone and now lives in Nashville. The line-up will also feature rising musicians including Armagh harpist Niamh Noade, and Cork singer, Meadhbh Walsh, with additional performers to be announced. William Blair, Director of Collections


America250 : The Biggest Birthday Yet


BY CARA THOMPSON cara@nitravelnews.com


AMERICA is celebrating it’s historical


250th anniversary since the signing of the Declaration of Independence back in August 1776 in Philadelphia. On 2nd July 1776, the Second Continental Congress officially declared its freedom from Great Britain following a unanimous voting for independence. Thomas Jefferson drafted the proposed document which was then approved by congress and was then printed 200 times two days later on the 4th July. Only 26 copies remain today. Then on July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon of Philadelphia read a printed Declaration of Independence to the public for the first time in what is now known as Independence Square. Contrary to belief, the document was


only agreed on July 4th, not signed. Most of the congress signed the document a month later on 2nd August 1776. America250 is not only a celebration of


the Declaration of Independence, but a reflection on how far the nation has come. America250 holds great significance as it


unites the American people in celebration of its nation’s evolution in civil rights, social progress and the diverse people and stories that have shaped the country over the years.


The United States has developed from a


mere 2.5 million people across the Atlantic Coast to what many describe as a ‘global superpower’ following its key developmental milestones including its Westward movement which consisted of the countries expansion across North America from coast to coast. Today, the United States has grown to over 330 million people. In the 19th and 20th century, America went through an economic transition which saw the nation become a global industrial and technological powerhouse. As well as their industrial developments, the country went through the women’s suffragette movement and the civil rights movement in the 19th and 20th century. The movements expanded voting rights to marginalised groups who were otherwise excluded from any political processes. After the world wars in the 20th century, America took position as a leading geopolitical power and continues to develop its modern digital communication, global commerce and international presence all whilst still facing many challenges. Celebrations across the country The United States Mint will produce official Semiquincentennial coin and medals for the 250th anniversary of America including the circulating dime, quarter, and half dollar. The Mint will also release special numismatic coins and medals in 2026 featuring unique designs.


Sail250 will bring together tall


ships and military fleets that will tour of five American ports and will include parades of sail, free public ship tours and aerial displays. The event will feature the USCGC Eagle, an almost 100 year old tall ship. Along with the ship tours, ports will also host vibrant festivals and air shows. New York City’s iconic Times


Square celebrate the occasion with their well-known ball drop which happens every New Years Eve. But for the first time in history, the Times Square Ball does not only drop once, but eight times to mark midnight in every American time zone. The event sends a wave of celebration across the United States. Another major event


taking place will be the Freedom250 Grand Prix. A designated race route through Washington, D.C and the National Mall. The event aims to create a combined celebration of America’s independence and the legacy of America’s motorsports industry. Bringing together world-


class motorsport and patriotic celebration in a unique way. Alongside


major


sporting events, communities across the country will mark the occasion with spectacular fireworks displays, concerts, and family-friendly festivities. As night falls on Independence


at National Museums NI, explained why the Ulster American Folk Park is uniquely placed to tell The STORIES OF US. He said, “Ulster American Folk


Park is a remarkable institution, fifty years in the making. Nowhere else illuminates our deep connections with North America in such a comprehensive, compelling manner. The STORIES OF US is a celebration of authentic storytelling and the cultural wealth we share with our American cousins. Whatever our community background or tradition, this is a place where everyone is welcome and where our stories are told. Museums are always at their best when they bring past and present together into a dynamic conversation that provides memorable experiences – and the STORIES OF US will do exactly that.” Tourism NI has unveiled new


visitor


it’s fourteen America250 experiences


highlighting Northern Ireland’s strong historical connections with the US. The new experiences


will improve Northern Ireland’s tourism offerings and also connect the people


from Northern Ireland who have influenced America - from the Declaration of Independence through to the migration of the Ulster-Scots and Irish over generations. The 14 new experiences, which were launched this week at McConnell’s Distillery, are based in and around Belfast, the North-West, Mid Ulster and counties Antrim and


Down. They include immersive


experiences such as jewellery-making, whiskey tours, ancestry research and guided walks. Funded by the Department


for


Communities USA- NI250 Scheme, the America250 Experience Development Programme


has


been launched to tie in with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration


of Independence which takes place this year.


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