IrishAmerica250 is an initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the profound role Irish Americans have played in shaping the United States over the past 250 years. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the present day, Irish heritage is deeply woven into the fabric of American democracy and culture.
The earliest known use of the term “United States of America” in 1776 is credited to a letter written by General Stephen Moylan, born in Cork, Ireland, who served as an aide-de-camp to George Washington. Over the centuries, Irish Americans have built the nation, defended the Union, led political movements, and organized labor unions to historic victories. Irish Americans established great institutions of higher learning and have shaped American political leadership—from Speakers of the House like John McCormick and Tip O’Neill to numerous U.S. Presidents who proudly claim Irish heritage.
Irish Americans have also enriched the arts, literature, film, music, scholarship, and sports. Many have been honored with the Medal of Honor and have led U.S. armed forces. Yet, our history is complex and includes darker chapters. IrishAmerica250 is committed to telling this full story—celebrating unsung heroes while setting the record straight.
In recent months, we have engaged with the Irish government, the Northern Ireland Executive, and the America250 Commission to build a collaborative and inclusive commemorative effort. We are consulting historians on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure our narrative is accurate and meaningful. Our activities will be expansive, reflecting the richness of Irish American contributions.
We are particularly keen to tell the story of the Ulster Scots, religious dissidents, who fled Northern Ireland in the early 1700’s and played a significant role in writing the Declaration of Independence and fighting for the Revolution. We are an inclusive, bipartisan and nationwide effort to acknowledge the strength and resilience of our emigrant forebears, who over 250 years dedicated themselves to building the United States from strength to strength.
We are working with Irish community and culture centers all over America to prepare for the 250th Anniversary. The Irish were there at the beginning of the birth of the nation. We hope to use this opportunity to pass on our culture and values to the next generation to sustain our democracy. We are an established LLC in Maryland and all funds donated are tax deductible.
Together, we will celebrate the legacy, culture, and spirit of Irish America.
IrishAmerica250.org 