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12/03/2025
£750,000 Investment For Ulster American Folk Park
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced over £750,000 for the Ulster American Folk Park in County Tyrone, as part of an initiative to enhance cultural and heritage connections with the United States.
The announcement was made at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, where Minister Lyons is currently promoting the historical links between Northern Ireland and the US.
"It is fitting that I announce this investment in the Ulster American Folk Park 'The Journey Ahead' project today at the iconic Smithsonian in Washington," said Minister Lyons. "The Museum chronicles the history of emigration from Ulster to the United States and its profound impact on the formation of modern America."
The funding marks the initial step in unlocking over £20 million through the Mid South West Growth Deal, which aims to transform the museum's offerings, improve visitor experiences, and boost tourism in the region.
"Our story and the heritage we share with the US is a history worth telling," Minister Lyons emphasised. "Our connections make Northern Ireland a deeply resonant tourist destination for many Americans wishing to learn more about their Ulster Scots roots. I want to ensure we can attract these visitors and share the story of their ancestors' journey from our local shores, providing visitors with new ways to engage with this captivating narrative."
The 'Ulster American Folk Park: The Journey Ahead' project will focus on modernising the museum's Welcome Centre with updated interpretation and exhibitions. It will also enhance the immersive storytelling experience throughout the open-air museum, bringing the park's heritage buildings and collections to life in new and engaging ways.
Minister Lyons was joined at the Smithsonian by Kathryn Thompson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, and Professor Margaret Topping, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at Queen's University Belfast.
The announcement was made at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, where Minister Lyons is currently promoting the historical links between Northern Ireland and the US.
"It is fitting that I announce this investment in the Ulster American Folk Park 'The Journey Ahead' project today at the iconic Smithsonian in Washington," said Minister Lyons. "The Museum chronicles the history of emigration from Ulster to the United States and its profound impact on the formation of modern America."
The funding marks the initial step in unlocking over £20 million through the Mid South West Growth Deal, which aims to transform the museum's offerings, improve visitor experiences, and boost tourism in the region.
The 'Ulster American Folk Park: The Journey Ahead' project will focus on modernising the museum's Welcome Centre with updated interpretation and exhibitions. It will also enhance the immersive storytelling experience throughout the open-air museum, bringing the park's heritage buildings and collections to life in new and engaging ways.
Minister Lyons was joined at the Smithsonian by Kathryn Thompson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, and Professor Margaret Topping, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at Queen's University Belfast.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
