America Éire

About

Everything you need to know about participating in Irish America 250’s storytelling project.

Tell the Irish Story!

We are calling out across the country for a people's history of Irish America. Over the next six months, Irish America 250 invites Irish Americans, all those with Irish ancestry, and Irish-born immigrants to the United States to take part in this nationwide storytelling initiative.

We're creating a dynamic digital time capsule of the stories, journeys, and histories of the Irish in America. We're honoring the profound contribution of Irish and Irish Americans in shaping the nation since its earliest days. And we're celebrating the deep and abiding ties that continue to connect America and Ireland today during this momentous Semiquincentennial.

What are the stories we carry within us through the lineage? What are the stories we want to tell for someone who can no longer tell them? And what are the stories that are being written today?

By sharing their personal and family journeys on our website and social media channels, participants will help create a dynamic collective portrait, 250 years in the making, at a moment when the nation is reflecting on its founding ideals and ongoing pursuit of democracy.

Have a connection to Ireland? Your story belongs here, too!

Maybe you studied or worked in Ireland, or have a deep appreciation for Irish music, language, literature, and culture. Join us in this nationwide celebration by recording your Irish connection story and sharing it on social media platforms, tagging our campaign.

How to Participate

Write your story: In your own words write the story you want to tell about yourself or your family or your connection or experience of Ireland, Irish ways and Irish culture.

Submit your written story: Each story will have its own dedicated webpage preserving that person’s or family’s journey from Ireland to America on americaéire.org. Once submitted you will be given an auto-generated link to share your story.

Tell your community: Record a short video or write a post (see sample script below) to share on Social Media inviting your community to read your story and encouraging others to participate and do the same.

Sample post video/text script:

“Hi, my name is FIRST, LAST NAME, and this is My Irish Story.”

In your own words answer these three prompts:

“I am so excited to share my own Irish story in celebration of Irish America 250 on americaéire.org and encourage you to share yours, using the hashtag: #myirishstory.”

Tag us and add us as a collaborator on any of the platforms you use:

The Irish Story Is America’s Story

More than 30 million Americans — one in ten — trace their roots to Ireland. The earliest known use of the term “United States of America” in 1776 came from General Stephen Moylan of Cork, aide‑de‑camp to George Washington. Three signatories of the Declaration of Independence were born in Ireland. Ulstermen Charles Thomson and John Dunlap played pivotal roles in designing the Great Seal and printing the first public copies of the Declaration. Even the White House bears Irish fingerprints — designed by Kilkenny architect James Hoban.

Across centuries, Irish Americans have built cities, defended the Union, led political movements, organized labor, founded universities, shaped the arts, and served at the highest levels of government—including 23 U.S. presidents of Irish descent. Many have been honored with the Medal of Honor, and Irish immigrants today continue to enrich the nation with professional expertise, creativity, and community‑centered values that reflect the inextricable relationship between Ireland and the United States.

About Irish America 250

Irish America 250 is a non‑partisan national initiative created in response to the Semiquincentennial. Led by a national committee of leaders from academia, business, politics, the arts, and the wider diaspora, the initiative will host commemorative and celebratory events throughout 2026 and into 2027. These efforts will highlight the extraordinary contributions of the Irish in America and offer a sweeping view of the Irish diaspora’s experience over a quarter‑millennium.

America’s 250th anniversary marks a significant national milestone - and offers a moment of reflection on the nation’s journey - its challenges, achievements, and the people who shaped it. It is also an ideal opportunity to spotlight the contributions of the Irish, who have played a defining role in this country from its earliest days to the present, helping to build and sustain the Western Hemisphere’s longest‑standing democracy. In marking this milestone, there is no more fitting way to convey this shared history than through Irish storytelling, a tradition that preserves memory with dignity, clarity, and cultural depth.