On the 4th of July, they celebrate Independence Day at the Ulster American Folk Park Omagh, County Tyrone. You can celebrate all things American from the 18th and 19th centuries at this museum.

Have you ever wondered how the Irish could sail the seas to the Americas? Now you can see it for yourself! The Ulster American Folk Park is a park built in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, to tell the story of the Irish Immigrants who left for America to start new lives. The stories you hear will give you an insight into how they were able to get used to the changes in the new country. The park also shows the public the different crafts they used to make.

Provenance

The Folk Park grew up around the restored boyhood home of Judge Thomas Mellon (founder of the Pittsburgh banking dynasty). The Park’s permanent exhibition, “Emigrants”, examines why two million people left Ulster for America during the 18th and 19th centuries. It also shows what became of them, following stories of both those who did well and those who did not make it, including the grim lives of indentured servants and the 15,000 Irish vagrants and convicts transported to North America in the mid-18th century. The museum is part of National Museums Northern Ireland.

Inside The Ulster American Folk Museum

What’s unique about The Folk Park is that it provides a living history experience with historic buildings transported from all over Ulster, expertly reconstructed and authentically furnished. At the same time, demonstrators in period costumes go about their everyday tasks, illustrating what life was like in Ulster centuries ago. There are around 30 exhibits in total, recreating the old world of Ulster and the new world of the US in the 18th and 19th Centuries, from rustic Cottages, homesteads and a typical Ulster Street to a Pennsylvania Log House brought from Greene County and an American Street based on 19th Century Boston with a replica First Mellon Bank.

Moreover, The Ship and Dockside Gallery features a full-size reconstruction of an early 19th-century sailing ship of the type which carried thousands of emigrants across the Atlantic Ocean. The Museum also includes a Centre for Migration Studies, accessible to all visitors if they wish to find further information on the history of emigration and their families’ places.

One of the most interesting buildings is the Campbell House. Originally standing at Aghalane to the west of Plumbridge in the Glenelly Valley, this substantial farmhouse was reconstructed in the Ulster-American Folk Park following its acquisition in 1985. It is of two storeys and six bays, with a thatched roof, and was the home of a relatively prosperous farming family. An inscribed stone built into the house’s front wall states that it was built by Hugh Campbell in 1786.

Celebrations

Festivals often include Saint Patrick’s Day, Appalachian, Bluegrass, Irish folk music, and dancing demonstrations. Exhibitions such as Hands Across the Border are often scheduled to promote cultural awareness.

During the 4th of July celebrations at Ulster American Folk Park, we walked through the ‘fake’ streets and many shops that represented what American life looked like in that century. Entering the shops, we found sellers dressed in custom-made clothes that gave us the feeling that we had travelled back in time. We also checked out the fantastic horse-drawn carts and saw some old-fashioned crafts being made.

You and the kids can immerse yourselves in the world-famous story of Irish emigration at this dedicated museum that brings the story back to life. Although this is only held once a year on the 4th of July, the American Folk Park is worth visiting all year round for different events and activities. The museum holds vast collections of vintage agricultural and domestic equipment, textiles, and transport.

There are also snippets of old photos of pioneers in the area, some of which were tragically taken as they embarked on their voyage to their new home on board The Titanic—plenty to see, do and learn about for all ages of curious kids. As much of the museum is on a large open-air site, it is recommended that sensible shoes and weather-suitable clothing be worn. There’s also a family-suitable restaurant and even accommodation on site.

Music and Dance

The rhythmic beats of traditional Irish music blend harmoniously with the soulful melodies of American folk songs, filling the air with an infectious energy. Live performances by talented musicians and dancers captivate audiences, showcasing the cultural fusion that has defined the relationship between Ireland and America for centuries. Visitors are invited to join the festivities, which offer opportunities to learn traditional Irish dances such as the jig and reel and popular American line dances.

Cultural Exchange and Collaboration

Independence Day at Ulster American Folk Park is a celebration of American history and a testament to the enduring bonds between Ulster and America. Throughout the day, visitors can engage in cultural exchanges and learn about the shared heritage that binds these two regions together.

Artisans demonstrate traditional crafts practised in Ulster and America, showcasing the skills and techniques passed down through generations. From weaving and blacksmithing to pottery and woodworking, these demonstrations offer insight into the everyday lives of Ulster emigrants and their descendants in America.

Culinary delights also play a central role in the celebrations, with vendors serving a delectable array of American and Ulster cuisine. Visitors can indulge in classic American dishes such as barbecue ribs, cornbread, and apple pie, as well as traditional Ulster fare like Irish stew and soda bread. The fusion of flavours reflects both regions’ cultural diversity and culinary heritage.

Embracing American Traditions

On Independence Day, the Ulster American Folk Park comes alive with American culture’s vibrant sights and sounds. Visitors are greeted with the strains of traditional American music performed by local musicians who capture the essence of the country’s rich musical heritage. The air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of classic American cuisine as vendors dish out mouthwatering delicacies like hot dogs, burgers, and apple pie.

Throughout the day, diverse activities and entertainment await visitors of all ages. From historical reenactments to interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Children can try their hand at traditional crafts, while adults can immerse themselves in the stories of the past through engaging exhibits and guided tours.

One of the day’s highlights is the reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a stirring tribute to the courage and conviction of America’s founding fathers. Against the backdrop of the park’s rustic surroundings, actors don period costumes and breathe life into this pivotal moment in history, transporting spectators back to a time when the fate of a nation hung in the balance.

Community Engagement and Education

Independence Day at Ulster American Folk Park is an educational platform that fosters a deeper understanding of history, heritage, and identity. Interactive workshops and guided tours give visitors insight into Ulster emigrants’ challenges as they embark on their journey to America.

Children participate in hands-on activities, such as quill pen writing and candle making, immersing themselves in the daily routines of the past. Educational exhibits explore the cultural, economic, and social factors that drove emigration from Ulster to America, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of those who sought a new life across the Atlantic.

Community groups and local schools actively participate in the Independence Day celebrations, showcasing their talents through music, dance, and theatrical performances. This spirit of community engagement fosters a sense of pride and belonging among participants, reinforcing the bonds that unite Ulster and America.

Looking to the Future

As the sun sets on another memorable Independence Day celebration at the Ulster American Folk Park, thoughts turn to the future and the ongoing legacy of cultural exchange and collaboration between Ireland and the United States. In an increasingly interconnected world, events like these remind us of the importance of preserving and celebrating our shared heritage. As visitors bid farewell to the park, they carry with them cherished memories, a renewed sense of pride in their cultural identity and a deeper understanding of the bonds that unite us all.

Conclusion

Independence Day at Ulster American Folk Park is more than just a commemoration of American history; it celebrates shared heritage, cultural exchange, and the enduring connections between Ulster and America. Through music, dance, food, and historical reenactments, visitors are transported back in time to experience the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of those who embarked on a journey of emigration to the New World. As the sun sets on another memorable Independence Day celebration, the spirit of freedom and independence continues to resonate, reminding us of the values that bind us together as a global community.

Have you ever visited this museum? We would love to hear your stories

Also, don’t forget to check out some of our other blogs: Ulster Museum Belfast, Carrickfergus Museum, Irish Linen Centre and Museum, Titanic Museum, Enniskillen Museum, Cultra Manor.