DONAGHADEE TO CELEBRATE ITS CONNECTION TO THE BIRTH OF AMERICA
A major community heritage project exploring County Down’s links to the American Revolution and the birth of the United States is being launched in Donaghadee as part of international commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Led by Donaghadee Community Development Association (DCDA), the programme has been drawn up by a group consisting of local historian and broadcaster Mark Thompson and representatives of Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company, Donaghadee Historical Society and Valhalla Street Theatre. It includes a trail of interpretative panels throughout the town, a special exhibition on John Paul Jones and the Battle of the Copelands, historical drama performances, floral displays and a series of public lectures exploring the important role played by Ulster people in the story of American independence.
The project has been supported through funding from the Department for Communities, administered by the Ulster Scots Agency.
Among the highlights is a new exhibition telling the story of John Paul Jones and the naval battle fought off the Copeland Islands in 1778, one of the earliest victories associated with the emerging United States Navy. Visitors will also be able to explore the wider connections between Ulster and America through displays examining emigration, education, ideas of liberty and the influence of Ulster men and women on the developing American nation.
Denis Waterworth, Chair of Donaghadee Community Development Association, said:
“We are delighted to launch this programme which shines a light on a fascinating chapter of our local history and its connections to events that helped shape the modern world. Donaghadee occupies a unique place in the story of American independence through the Battle of the Copelands and the wider links between Ulster and the American colonies.
We are grateful to the Department for Communities and the Ulster Scots Agency for their support and funding, which has enabled us to bring together exhibitions, interpretative displays, talks and community events that will help residents and visitors discover this shared heritage. We would also like to thank all of our partners and contributors whose knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment have helped make this project possible.”
Mark Thompson said
“The story of American independence is often viewed solely through events that took place in America, but Ulster and particularly County Down have important connections to that wider story. This project aims to highlight those connections and encourage people to think about the movement of people, ideas and events across the Atlantic during the eighteenth century.
Through the interpretative panels, exhibition and talks, visitors will discover how individuals from Ulster helped influence the development of the United States and how an international conflict unexpectedly reached the waters off Donaghadee. It is a story of local, national and international significance.”
The programme will run throughout the summer and culminate in a series of lectures examining the role of Ulster Scots in the American Revolution, emigration from Ulster to America and the story of John Paul Jones and the first American naval battle fought off the Ulster coast.
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