Irish America 250, an initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the profound role Irish Americans have played in shaping the US over the past 250 years, will host a national kick-off event in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, January 14.
The kick-off event will pay tribute to Cork native Stephen Moylan, the former aide-de-camp to General George Washington who, according to historians, was the first person to use the phrase ”The United States of America." He wrote it in a letter to Washington's private secretary Joseph Reed dated January 2, 1776.
Moylan held numerous roles during the Revolution, including 2nd Quartermaster General, Commander of the Fourth Continental Light Dragoons, and Commander of the Cavalry of the Continental Army.
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The kick-off event, co-hosted by the Friendly Sons and Daughters of Saint Patrick, will be held in the Topper Theater at the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts at Villanova University.
The kick-off event is one of several being organized by Irish America 250 as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July.
Another tribute to Moylan is set to be hosted in his native Co Cork on January 30, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin among the dignitaries invited to attend.
What is Irish America 250?
Organizers say IrishAmerica250 is an inclusive, non-partisan, nationwide initiative dedicated to commemorating the enduring legacy of the Irish in America while celebrating the United States' Semiquincentennial in 2026.
The project is made possible through the donation of time, expertise, and resources by the group's directors, who are supporting the mission without compensation. Irish America 250 is an established LLC in Maryland, and all donations are tax-deductible.
Irish America 250 says it is particularly keen to tell the story of the Ulster Scots, religious dissidents, who fled Northern Ireland in the early 1700s and played a significant role in writing the Declaration of Independence and fighting for the Revolution.
The group is 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," organizers say. "We hope to use this opportunity to pass on our culture and values to the next generation to sustain our democracy."
In recent months, Irish America 250 has engaged with the Irish government, the Northern Ireland Executive, and the America250 Commission to build a collaborative and inclusive commemorative effort. The group said it is consulting historians on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure our narrative is accurate and meaningful.
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