Strabane’s unique link with North America celebrated with series of events
26 July 2024
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The unique link between Strabane and North America has been celebrated with a series of events at the Alley Theatre.
The programme got underway on Independence Day itself with the opening of a special exhibition at the Alley entitled ‘Ulster-Scots and the Declaration of Independence’. The travelling exhibition is on loan from the Ulster Scots Agency and includes a selection of objects from Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Museum Service collection. It will remain open at the Alley until 30th August.
A series of talks taking place at the Alley throughout July saw the Strabane connections explored further. They opened with a visit by Dr Paddy Fitzgerald from the Mellon Centre for Migration, who spoke about Strabane native, John Dunlap.
John Dunlap left Tyrone for America in 1756 and went on to become a printer, soldier, and newspaper publisher. Today he is most frequently recalled as the man who printed the Declaration of Independence (1776). Dr Fitzgerald spoke about John Dunlap’s migration story and in particular how a Strabane man came to print one of the most important documents in American history.
Next in the series saw Dr William Roulston of the Ulster Historical Foundation speak about Northwest Ireland and its connections to North America. He looked mainly at the years 1675-1775, prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Concluding the series of talks was William Blair, Director of Collections at the National Museums of NI. William spoke about the forefathers of President Woodrow Wilson, who have long been associated with the townland of Dergalt and the homestead building located just outside Strabane, which is currently maintained by the Ulster American Folk Park.
He also spoke about the National Museum’s ongoing work to develop the narrative at the Ulster American Folk Park, and explained how new interpretive approaches, research and partnerships are helping to bring previously marginalised stories to the fore and present a more ethical and inclusive account of Ulster American connections and our shared past.
Reflecting on the success of the series of events, Curator at the Tower Museum, Roisin Doherty said: “This programme was vitally important to celebrate Strabane’s unique connection with North America and in highlighting the important role those who left our local towns and villages had in their new home. There are so many people connecting the Northwest of Ireland with North America and we should remember these individuals and the contributions they made with pride.”
Those interested in the history of Strabane and North America have also had the chance to visit the famous Gray’s Printing Press where it is reputed that a young John Dunlap learned his trade.
There are two further opportunities to explore Gray’s Printing Press – it will be open to the public on Saturday 24th August, 1-4pm; and Saturday, 14th September, 1-4pm for European Heritage Open Days.
This series of events will conclude on 22nd August with the unveiling of a Blue Plaque by the Ulster History Circle at the Bowling Green in the town. The plaque will commemorate Alexander Ector Orr who was born in Strabane in 1831. He is known as ‘the Father of the New York Subway’ for arranging the financing and construction of this major rapid transport system which opened almost 120 years ago in October 1904.