DERRY CITY & STRABANE DISTRICT COUNCIL MUSEUM SERVICE
Ulster - Scots and The Declaration of Independence
An exhibition as part of our programme on the wider local and historical connections to North America
Join us for an exhibition held at the Alley Theatre from 4th July - 30th August and a series of talks throughout July
Exhibition Launch: Ulster - Scots and The Declaration of Independence
Thursday 4th July at 12.30pm - The Alley Theatre
Programme of Talks:
DR PADDY FITZGERALD
MELLON CENTRE FOR MIGRATION
John Dunlap: Strabane Emigrant and Revolutionary American Printer
Thursday 4th July at 12.30pm - The Alley Theatre
John Dunlap left his native Strabane for America in 1756 and went on to be both a Printer, Soldier and Newspaper Publisher. Today he is most frequently recalled as the man who printed the Declaration of Independence (1776). This talk will aim to review his migration story.
DR WILLIAM ROULSTON
ULSTER HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Northwest Ireland and North America, 1675-1775
Thursday 18th July at 12.30pm - The Alley Theatre
WILLIAM BLAIR
NATIONAL MUSEUMS NI
Developing the narrative at the Ulster American Folk Park: new inclusive approaches to presenting a complex shared history
Thursday 25th July at 12.30pm - The Alley Theatre
This presentation will introduce you to National Museums NI’s ongoing work to develop the narrative at the Ulster American Folk Park. Through new interpretive approaches, research and partnerships we are bringing previously marginalised stories to the fore and presenting a more ethical and inclusive account of Ulster American connections and our shared past. The presentation will also refer to the Wilson Homestead, where new research is questioning the traditional narrative and encouraging new ways of valuing its heritage importance.
Other Opportunities to Explore:
Grays Printing Press
National Trust - Gray’s Printing Press Strabane will be open on 4th July from 1pm-4pm and on the the following dates:
• Saturday 27 July, 1-4pm
• Saturday 24 August, 1-4pm
• Saturday 14 September, 1-4pm for European Heritage Open Days
Blue Plaque unveiling to commemorate Alexander Ector Orr
Alexander Ector Orr 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. From August 2024 the Ulster History Circle will unveil a Blue Plaque to commemorate the prominent New York businessman and financier near his birthplace at the Bowling Green, Strabane.