Ulster American Folk Park launches summer-long programme for anniversary year

The Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh has announced a new landmark visitor programme, The STORIES OF US, to celebrate the museum’s 50^th anniversary this summer, and mark USA-NI250. The programme will feature exhibitions, an international symposium, daily family-friendly experiences, Independence Weekend on 4^th and 5^th July and Bluegrass BBQs, before closing with an open-air concert headlined by up-and-coming Country singer, Gareth, on 29^th August.

The anniversary programme brings to life the role of people from Ulster in founding America, with special focus on the Declaration of Independence in 1776. At the Ulster American Folk Park, the story continues into the 19^th century, revealing the diverse experiences of migrants from all sections of our community. The programme, with its vibrant blend of history and culture, past and present, makes a unique contribution to the wider USA-NI250 commemorations this year.

Supported by funding from the Department for Communities, The STORIES OF US spotlights influential stories of migrants from these shores, including one of the first signatories of the Declaration of Independence who had family roots in Ulster.  

A highlight event will be Live from the Folk Park on Saturday August 29, an open-air concert that will take place within the unique surroundings of the museum 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. 

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. Rooted in storytelling, craft, music and food, the  special anniversary programme will feature  even more storytelling and reenactments each day, combined with new exhibitions and curator-led talks. 

American Independence Weekend - July 4 and 5 - will be another standout event for the museum, continuing the wider America250 commemorations. Visitors can 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. From those living history stories to live music and food, 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 highlights 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 come to the Folk Park and be part of our anniversary that will bring to life the stories of those  who left Ulster centuries ago and how their arrival in America shaped the foundations of what would become the United States we know today. Marking our 50^th alongside America’s 250^th, it’s a meaningful chance to  experience the shared stories, traditions and customs that continue to connect us at the Ulster American Folk Park.”

William Blair, Director of Collections at National Museums NI, explains 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. The STORIES OF US will do exactly that.

“Millions of people made the journey to America during the 1700s and 1800s. 2026 is an important opportunity to explore this important part of our history and celebrate how the Ulster American Folk Park makes history immediate and memorable. We’re excited by the opportunity presented through USA-NI250 and look forward to providing a special birthday welcome to our visitors this summer.”