Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed a significant funding package for heritage and arts projects to coincide with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.

The investment aims to highlight Northern Ireland’s profound impact on American history and strengthen the cultural and tourism ties that connect the two nations.

The initiative, known as the USA-NI250 funding scheme, is being managed by the Ulster-Scots Agency. It will support a diverse range of activities across the region, including concerts, theatre productions, and immersive exhibitions. The projects are designed to commemorate the specific contributions of those with Ulster-Scots heritage who played pivotal roles in the founding of the United States.

Minister Lyons announced the allocation during a visit to the President Arthur Homestead in Cullybackey. This site is the ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, whose family emigrated from the Bann Valley to North America in the early 19th century. The funded projects will explore various themes and historical figures, including the influence of philosopher Francis Hutcheson and the visits of Benjamin Franklin. Key regional institutions, such as the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, will be central to the commemorations. There will also be a particular focus on the journey from the Glorious Revolution to American independence and the often-overlooked role of women in the revolutionary era.

One notable local project is being led by the Cullybackey Community Partnership.

This initiative, titled "Celebrating 1776," has been awarded £8,350 to produce an exhibition, a commemorative booklet, and a series of educational videos and talks specifically mapped to the school curriculum.

Ministerial Comments Speaking from Cullybackey, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "I am delighted to announce this funding, which will enable local organisations to tell their stories and commemorate the deep historic connections that exist, ensuring that Northern Ireland’s role is marked as well as delivering benefits for our people, as we approach the semiquincentennial of the US Declaration of Independence."

"The key roles played by those from Northern Ireland in the formation of the United States have become much more clearly understood on both sides of the Atlantic in the last few years. The USANI250 funding scheme, administered by the Ulster-Scots Agency, clearly shows the breadth and depth of those links, and how they continue today."

The Minister also encouraged the public to stay informed about future events, noting that further announcements regarding the anniversary will be made as 2026 approaches.