USA250: 'Presbyterians, Puritans and the American Declaration of Independence', by Ronnie Hanna

Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, Lisburn, BT28 1AG
Thursday 18th June 2026
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, this talk outlines the historical context of the document and explores two key influences on its ideas: the migration of Ulster Presbyterians to the colonies and the earlier impact of English Puritanism. Together, these traditions shaped the Declaration's emphasis on democracy and individual rights.

Ronnie Hanna is the author of 'Land of the Free: Ulster and the American Revolution' (1992). Since 1994, he has been a lecturer in the Open Learning programme at Queen’s University Belfast, specialising in British, American, and international history.