03/11/2025
US Commission To Formally Mark NI's Role In America250
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons today, Monday, 3 November 2025, welcomed Commissioner Joe Crowley and Executive Vice President Jen Condon of the America250 Commission to Northern Ireland.
The landmark two-day visit will culminate in the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will set out the terms for co-operation in support of the United States' 250th anniversary commemorations next year.
The Minister emphasised Northern Ireland's profound historical connection with the US:
"It is a privilege to welcome Commissioner Joe Crowley and Executive Vice President Jen Condon to Northern Ireland in recognition of the unique contribution our people have made to the foundation of the United States of America.
"The stories of our nations have been woven together over the last 250 years. More than 250,000 people left these shores during the 18th century to help shape modern America.
"We must seize this special opportunity to showcase our contribution and celebrate our continued strong relationship."
In preparation for the anniversary, Minister Lyons has already launched a new USA–NI250 funding programme, which is managed by the Ulster-Scots Agency, intended to support organisations commemorating Northern Ireland's historical contribution.
The visit spotlights Northern Ireland's pivotal role, with several US founding figures tracing their roots back to Ulster, including:
• James McHenry, born in Ballymena, who signed the US Constitution.
• Charles Thomson, from Maghera, who was the first Secretary of the Continental Congress.
• John Dunlap, a printer from Strabane, who produced the first printed version of the Declaration of Independence.
Commissioner Crowley highlighted the shared heritage:
"Being here in Northern Ireland is a powerful reminder of the deep roots that connect Ulster and the United States.
"This visit reminds us that the story of America's founding is also a story of shared heritage and friendship that continues to this day. We're grateful for the chance to deepen our partnership in the year ahead."
During their two-day visit, Commissioner Crowley and Executive Vice President Condon are scheduled to tour several key locations, including Hillsborough Castle, Parliament Buildings, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), the Ulster-Scots Agency, and the Ulster American Folk Park. At PRONI and the Ulster-Scots Agency, they will view documents and memorabilia connected with significant figures who emigrated from the region.
The landmark two-day visit will culminate in the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will set out the terms for co-operation in support of the United States' 250th anniversary commemorations next year.
The Minister emphasised Northern Ireland's profound historical connection with the US:
"It is a privilege to welcome Commissioner Joe Crowley and Executive Vice President Jen Condon to Northern Ireland in recognition of the unique contribution our people have made to the foundation of the United States of America.
"The stories of our nations have been woven together over the last 250 years. More than 250,000 people left these shores during the 18th century to help shape modern America.
"We must seize this special opportunity to showcase our contribution and celebrate our continued strong relationship."
The visit spotlights Northern Ireland's pivotal role, with several US founding figures tracing their roots back to Ulster, including:
• James McHenry, born in Ballymena, who signed the US Constitution.
• Charles Thomson, from Maghera, who was the first Secretary of the Continental Congress.
• John Dunlap, a printer from Strabane, who produced the first printed version of the Declaration of Independence.
Commissioner Crowley highlighted the shared heritage:
"Being here in Northern Ireland is a powerful reminder of the deep roots that connect Ulster and the United States.
"This visit reminds us that the story of America's founding is also a story of shared heritage and friendship that continues to this day. We're grateful for the chance to deepen our partnership in the year ahead."
During their two-day visit, Commissioner Crowley and Executive Vice President Condon are scheduled to tour several key locations, including Hillsborough Castle, Parliament Buildings, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), the Ulster-Scots Agency, and the Ulster American Folk Park. At PRONI and the Ulster-Scots Agency, they will view documents and memorabilia connected with significant figures who emigrated from the region.
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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.