Government planning 'America250' events to mark 250th anniversary of founding of the US
Minister for culture Patrick O’Donovan said: 'The programme will see events take place across the United States including musical partnerships, academic series, historical exhibitions and people-to-people celebrations.' File photo: Liam McBurney/PA
The Irish Government is planning a major series of events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America next year.
America250 is set to be a series of national and international events organised between the Department of Culture and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
An independent Commemorations Advisory Committee, of which Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys was announced as a member earlier this year, is providing advice to the State on the project.
In response to a parliamentary question, minister for culture Patrick O’Donovan released further information on the commemoration plans which he said were brought to the Government in a memorandum last month.
The events in the US will have three separate themes, including Ireland as an international partner of the US, an academic series on Ireland and the making of America and highlighting the distinct Ulster Scots contribution in collaboration with the Northern Irish Executive.
“The programme will see events take place across the United States including musical partnerships, academic series, historical exhibitions and people-to-people celebrations,” the minister said.
“The Irish programme of events will be developed and led by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Commemorations Unit. These initiatives are currently being developed.”
Mr O’Donovan said the programme of events here will follow the template established during the “decade of centenaries programme” which marked Ireland’s struggle for independence and the foundation of the State.
The advisory committee, which is chaired by journalist and former broadcaster Bryan Dobson, will guide on a programme that is based on “historical authenticity, accessibility, inclusivity as well as an ethos of respect and acceptance,” he said.
“I have had significant engagement with my ministerial counterpart in Northern Ireland, communities minister Gordon Lyons, where it was agreed to work closely together to commemorate the contribution of Irish people from all communities in the shaping of the United States,” the minister added.
The events for “America250” will take place from now until the country’s independence day on 4 July 2026.
He added that funding should be made available, pending approval, for local authorities to support the “presidents trail” proposal put forward by Fine Gael TD Edward Timmins.
This trail would pinpoint key counties and locations linked to the ancestral roots of US presidents.
“I strongly believe my proposal for an ‘American Presidents Trail’ could be a hugely positive North-South project,” Mr Timmins has said.
“This could be a massive attraction for US visitors, especially those with Irish links and could be comparable to the Wild Atlantic Way.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Culture said: "Plans for the America250 commemoration programme are currently at developmental stage within the Department. It is anticipated that an announcement will be made in the coming months.
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