New Grassroots Storytelling Project Honoring the Irish Role in the United States’ 250-Year Journey Launching July 1
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, June 24, 2026 — As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Irish America 250 today announced the launch of America Éire, a landmark storytelling initiative that will create a living digital archive of the stories, journeys, and histories of the Irish in America.
Ireland’s powerful storytelling tradition crossed the Atlantic with generations of Irish immigrants, who relied on stories to preserve their connection to home. Today, that history is at the heart of America Éire, which is designed to gather and amplify personal accounts of the Irish experience in the United States, shared under the campaign hashtag #MyIrishStory. The project honors the profound role and enduring legacy of Irish American communities in shaping the nation from its earliest days, while celebrating the deep and abiding bonds that connect America and Ireland today.
From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the present day, Irish heritage has been deeply woven into the fabric of American democracy and culture. More than 30 million Americans – one in ten – trace their roots to Ireland. In this moment of reflecting on the nation’s journey – its challenges, achievements, and the people who shaped it – Irish America 250 is shining a light on the Irish who have helped steer American democracy from the beginning.
Honoring the Irish Contribution
Kevin Sullivan, founder of Irish America 250, shared, “There are so many great stories to tell of the Irish in America over these last 250 years. With great deference to Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams, there were more than a few Irish Founding Fathers in Philadelphia in 1776. An Irishman from Cork was the first person to name the nation. Eight signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish descent. The father of the American Navy, Commodore John Barry, was born in Wexford. Over twenty Irish American generals served under George Washington.
The story of Irish American women has yet to be told, and we will tell their story this September. There are scores of unsung Irish heroes, including the ‘mother of the orphans,’ Margaret Haughey from New Orleans, Fr. Thomas O’Reilly who saved Atlanta from being burned to the ground during the Civil War, and the father of American soccer, Thomas Cahill of Saint Louis, and we will tell these also. All of their stories are relatively unknown, and there are thousands more out there. This project offers a rich lens on the extraordinary and epic Irish American experience from 1776 to today, and we’re calling on Irish America to add to that story.
“There is a perception out there that Irish America is aging out and we should be preparing for our demise. We wish to announce we aren’t quite dead yet.”
This project is supported by the Irish Embassy and the Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, who shared: “I’m proud to be Ireland’s 19th Ambassador to the United States, and this year delighted to be celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, a milestone that resonates deeply with Irish people. Ours is a story that continues to evolve. It’s shaped by new generations, confident in their identity, proud of their heritage, of course, and connected to our land in a new and exciting way. I’m delighted to share my story, and I strongly encourage you to share yours.”
A Semiquincentennial Digital Time Capsule
Over the next six months, Irish America 250 invites Irish Americans, all those with Irish ancestry, and Irish-born immigrants to the United States to take part in this national initiative. By sharing their personal and family journeys on our website and social media channels, participants will help form a dynamic collective portrait of the Irish in America at a moment when the nation is reflecting on the pursuit of its founding ideals and its ongoing pursuit of democracy.
Beginning July 1, 2026, participants will be able to share their stories on America Éire, where each story will receive its own dedicated webpage, preserving that journey from Ireland to America. Participants are invited to tell their story on the website, post about it on social media, and encourage others to do the same.
All who share a connection to Ireland and have a story to tell are welcome to participate, including many Americans who feel a strong affinity for Ireland through study, work, music, culture, film, and community.
Anyone who signs up now at americaéire.org will automatically gain early access to submit their story, which will go live on the website on July 1 as part of the launch.
The Irish Story Is America’s Story
The first known use of the term “United States of America” in 1776 came from General Stephen Moylan of Cork, aide‑de‑camp to George Washington. Three signatories of the Declaration of Independence were born in Ireland; Irish-born Charles Thomson was instrumental in designing the Great Seal of the United States, and John Dunlap printed the first public copies of the Declaration. The White House itself was designed by Kilkenny architect James Hoban.
Across generations, Irish Americans have built cities, defended the Union, led political movements, organized labor, founded universities, shaped the arts, and served at the highest levels of government, including 23 U.S. presidents of Irish descent.
A Nationwide Effort
Irish America 250 invites cultural organizations, historical societies, Irish networks, and community leaders to help spread the word and encourage participation. To amplify the campaign, Irish America 250 will partner with organizations and communities in cities across the country, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Chicago, Nashville, St. Paul, Atlanta, New Orleans, Charleston, Milwaukee, Butte, and San Francisco.
About Irish America 250
Irish America 250 is a non‑partisan national initiative created in response to America’s Semiquincentennial. Led by a national committee of leaders from academia, business, politics, the arts, and the wider Irish diaspora, the initiative is hosting commemorative and celebratory events throughout 2026 and early 2027. Its mission is to honor and highlight the extraordinary contributions of the Irish and Irish Americans to the United States over a quarter‑millennium.
