Cross-party meeting held to advance John Dunlap statue proposal in Strabane

TWO West Tyrone MLAs have met with the Communities Minister to discuss proposals for the erection of a statue in Strabane town centre honouring John Dunlap, the Strabane-born printer of the US Declaration of Independence.

Dunlap was born at Meetinghouse Street in Strabane before emigrating to Philadelphia, where in 1776 he printed the first copies of the Declaration of Independence, one of the most influential documents in world history.

Despite this extraordinary connection, Dunlap’s legacy remains largely unrecognised in his hometown, but with this year marking the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, a campaign to have a permanent tribute to him locally has intensified.

As part of that lobby, the SDLP's Daniel McCrossan and the DUP's Tom Buchanan met with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons last week.

Mr Lyons' recently announced funding for projects that will promote Northern Ireland’s history, heritage, arts sector and tourism offering as the US marks the milestone anniversary.

The proposed statue would recognise Dunlap’s historic global significance while strengthening Strabane’s cultural and tourism offering, linking in with established attractions such as the President Woodrow Wilson Homestead and the Ulster American Folk Park.

Mr McCrossan said a prominent town centre location, ideally close to Gray’s Printers, would underline Dunlap’s early connection to the town.

“John Dunlap is one of Strabane’s most important historical figures, yet his story is still not widely known," Mr McCrossan said.

"A statue in his home town would be a fitting tribute to his role in world history and would help tell a powerful story about Ulster’s contribution to the founding of modern democracy.

"This project has real potential to boost heritage tourism in West Tyrone, complementing existing sites like the Ulster American Folk Park and the Woodrow Wilson Homestead.

"The meeting with the Minister was very positive, and I look forward to working with him to help move this proposal forward.”

Also speaking after the meeting, Mr Buchanan commented: "John Dunlap’s legacy is something the entire community can take pride in.

"Recognising his role in printing the Declaration of Independence would be an important historical statement and an opportunity to attract visitors to Strabane and the wider area.

"It was encouraging to have a constructive discussion with the Minister, and I am keen to continue working on a cross-party basis to see this project developed and delivered.”

Both MLAs described the meeting as productive and constructive, and expressed hope that they can continue to work closely with the Minister for Communities to help secure support and funding for the project.

They agreed that celebrating John Dunlap’s legacy offers a unique opportunity to enhance Strabane’s cultural profile, support local tourism, and strengthen links between West Tyrone’s rich Ulster-American heritage and international visitors.