US Declaration-linked Newspaper Displayed in...

10 July 2025

A complete edition of Americas first daily newspaper, printed in Philadelphia on 10th June 1776, has gone on display at the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre in Belfast.

The Pennsylvania Packet was published by Strabane-born Ulster-Scot John Dunlap, who just three weeks later, printed the Declaration of Independence.

The rare artefact was unveiled by the United States Consul General in Belfast, James Applegate, at a 'Celebration of Liberty' event to celebrate the occasion and mark American Independence Day, in which so many Ulster-Scots played a key role.

Mr Applegate said, 'The words of the Declaration of Independence did more than unite our thirteen colonies and inspire the Revolutionary War, they asserted the principles of individual liberty, equality and the right to self-governance; radical ideas that would inform our fledgling democracy. They built on an intellectual tradition that grew out of the enlightenment and informed the Glorious Revolution. Through his newspaper, the Pennsylvania Packet, John Dunlap played a key role in shaping public opinion and revolutionary ideals and on 4th July 1776 his work ensured that the Declaration of Independence would reach important audiences across the Colonies. In doing so he helped to galvanise support for independence. The contribution to America made by your early forefathers and those who followed them is profound. It's an exciting year ahead for us all and I look forward to working with you as we put this region's special contribution to America's journey on a global stage'.

Northern Ireland Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA also spoke at the Celebration of Liberty, saying, 'This event and the wonderfully conserved Pennsylvania Packet that has gone on display are a reminder of the key role played by the Ulster-Scots in the foundation of the United States and the enduring ties of family and friendship which bind our two countries. I am delighted that it has been saved for posterity by the Ulster-Scots Agency and will now go on permanent display at this fantastic centre in the heart of Belfast which educates people about the richness of our shared heritage'. 

The Pennsylvania Packet is the latest item connected to the Founding Fathers of the United States to be housed at the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre in Cathedral Quarter. Other priceless artefacts on display include the 'Farm Book' used by Upperlands-born Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress, to record his agricultural transactions, as well as first editions of the Four Gospels and Bible that he translated.

Ulster-Scots Agency CEO Ian Crozier added, 'As we look forward to next year and the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, we are forging links and making plans to celebrate the vital contribution of our community to these momentous events and our collection of unique items linked to Ulster-Scots Founding Fathers will be at the heart of our offering. We are delighted to have received such high profile support on this latest milestone on the road to July 2026'.

Images

Top right:(L-R) United States Consul General in Belfast, James Applegate; Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA; and Ian Crozier, CEO, Ulster-Scots Agency. Picture: Brendan Gallagher.

Above left: The rare artefact was unveiled by the United States Consul General in Belfast, James Applegate, at a 'Celebration of Liberty' event. Picture: Brendan Gallagher. 

Above right: The Pennsylvania Packet was published by Strabane-born Ulster-Scot John Dunlap. Picture: Brendan Gallagher.