The Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh has announced a new landmark visitor programme, The STORIES OF US, to celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer, and mark USA-NI250. The programme will feature exhibitions, an international symposium, and daily family-friendly experiences, all before closing with an open-air concert – Live from the Folk Park.
The concert will take place within the unique surroundings of the museum on Saturday 29 August, and will be headlined by singer and songwriter, Gareth. Born in Castlederg, Co. Tyrone, a stone’s throw from the Ulster American Folk Park, Gareth now resides in Nashville. His ability to blend his Irish roots with his love for country music and storytelling has amassed tens of millions of views on social media. The line-up also features rising stars, Armagh harpist and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Niamh Noade, and Cork singer, Meadhbh Walsh, with more performers still to be announced.
The wider anniversary summer programme brings to life the role of people from Ulster in founding America, with special focus on the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The STORIES OF US, with its vibrant blend of history and culture, past and present, makes a unique contribution to the wider USA-NI250 commemorations taking place throughout this year. Supported by USA-NI250 funding from the Department for Communities, it spotlights the influential stories of migrants from these shores, including one of the first signatories of the Declaration of Independence who had family roots in Ulster.
Throughout the summer, visitors will experience the history and living connections at the heart of the Ulster American Folk Park, through the family-friendly experiences the museum is known for.
American Independence Weekend – July 4 and 5 – will see visitors experience live reenactments of the reading of the Declaration of Independence, and hear the story of Strabane-born John Dunlap, who printed the first ‘broadside’ of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. Paula McIntyre of ‘Hamely Kitchen’ will create modern interpretations of classic Appalachian dishes inspired by Ulster migrants on the American Frontier. Continuing the celebration of music and food, over three Sunday afternoons in June, July and August will be Bluegrass BBQs, including performances by Niall Toner Band, Gormacha, Pilgrim Street, and more.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see a new Presidential Portraits display From Here to the White House, featuring original portraits drawn by Belfast artist, Frank McKelvey, exploring the ancestral links between eleven U.S. presidents and Ulster. The recently opened Under the Hawthorn Tree exhibition, based on the book by best-selling Irish author Marita Conlon-McKenna on the Great Famine, adds another compelling layer to the museum’s visitor experience this summer. Meanwhile, ‘The Ulster American Heritage Symposium’ at the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies will highlight the important research and scholarship that underpins our stories.
Commenting on the development of The STORIES OF US programme, Nathan Domer, Acting General Manager of the Ulster American Folk Park said, “This is more than an events programme. It’s an invitation to be part of our anniversary and experience how we will bring to life the stories of those who left Ulster centuries ago and shaped the foundations of what would become the United States we know today. Marking our 50th alongside America’s 250th is a meaningful chance to experience the shared stories, traditions and customs that continue to connect us.”
William Blair, Director of Collections at National Museums NI, explained why the Ulster American Folk Park is uniquely placed to tell The STORIES OF US.
He said, “Ulster American Folk Park is a remarkable institution, fifty years in the making. Nowhere else illuminates our deep connections with North America in such a comprehensive, compelling manner. The STORIES OF US is a celebration of authentic storytelling and the cultural wealth we share with our American cousins. Whatever our community background or tradition, this is a place where everyone is welcome and where our stories are told. Museums are always at their best when they bring past and present together into a dynamic conversation that provides memorable experiences – and the STORIES OF US will do exactly that.”
For more information on The STORIES OF US programme and to book tickets, visit ulsteramericanfolkpark.org
