Ireland and the Making of America: USA 250
In 2026, the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Irish people were at the heart of America’s story from the beginning, signing founding documents, fighting key battles, and building new settlements and communities.
Curated by EPIC’s Historian in Residence Dr Catherine Healy, this exhibition explores Ireland’s deep connection to America where more than 30 million people now claim Irish heritage, a legacy shaped by mass emigration.
To commemorate this historic milestone, Ireland and the Making of America, developed by EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will tour across the United States.
While the exhibition won’t be on display at EPIC in Dublin, the stories below offer a glimpse of what visitors will experience.
The Irish Story in America
Since the United States declared its independence 250 years ago, Irish people and their descendants have continued to shape American life. Millions left Ireland seeking refuge and opportunity, bringing with them skills, resilience and ambition. From building railroads and cities to serving in public office and leading communities, Irish immigrants have helped shape the United States as we know it today.
The exhibition brings these histories to life through powerful stories of migration, identity and influence. Ireland and The Making of America will travel to the U.S. Embassy in Washington, D.C., and to consulates in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco.
Above: A South-East View of the City of Boston in North America, c. 1720-1740. Yale Centre for British Art.
Stories of Irish Influence
The Irish presence ran through the heart of America’s revolution. Irish-born men signed the Declaration of Independence, led Continental troops, printed the first edition of the Declaration, and guided the new nation’s seal, symbols and ideals. One in four soldiers in Washington’s army is believed to have been of Irish descent.
The Irish influence on this period is complex: Irish settlers were involved both in enslavement on plantations and in the violent displacement of Indigenous communities. But others made positive contributions, from pushing through political and social reform to supporting immigrants.
Richard Montgomery (1738-1775)
One of the most celebrated Irish leaders of the Continental Army was Richard Montgomery, born in Dublin. A veteran of the British Army who fought in the Seven Years’ War in North America, Montgomery later settled in New York, where he became a strong supporter of American independence.
Appointed brigadier-general in 1775, he demonstrated his military skill during the American invasion of Canada, capturing the forts of Chambly and St. John’s before taking Montreal. Montgomery was killed while leading an assault on Quebec in December 1775, unaware that he had just been promoted to major-general. He is remembered today as one of the earliest heroes of the American Revolution.
John Barry (1745-1803)
Another key figure featured in the exhibition is Commodore John Barry, born in County Wexford in 1745 and widely recognised as the “Father of the American Navy.” Arriving in Philadelphia as a young sailor, Barry built a successful maritime career before joining the revolutionary cause.
As captain of the brig Lexington, Barry secured the first naval victory of the American Revolution in April 1776 with the capture of HMS Edward. He later disrupted British supply routes along the Delaware River and played a crucial role in protecting American shipping. When the United States Navy was formally established in 1794, Barry became its first commissioned naval officer, cementing his place in the foundations of American sea power.
Above: Commodore John Barry (1745-1803). Portrait by Gilbert Stuart, c. 1801. Naval History and Heritage Command.
Summary
The stories in this exhibition highlight how Irish emigrants helped to shape the early United States, and how their descendants continued that legacy. Discover more about Ireland’s contribution to American history at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin.
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