Charles Thomson’s Journey from Ulster to America’s Founding

Event type: Talk

Book cover featuring a painting of a 18th century man with his hands crossed at his chest. The text reads 'Charles Thomson: Irish Emigrant, American Founder - Courtney McKinney-Whitaker'

'A Revolution of Mind and Pen: Charles Thomson’s Journey from Ulster to America’s Founding' with Courtney McKinney-Whitaker.

Born in Ulster, Charles Thomson crossed the Atlantic as a child, settled in Pennsylvania, and became the quiet architect of the Continental Congress, serving as secretary from its first meeting in 1774 through the establishment of a new United States government under the Constitution in 1789.

Award-winning historical author Courtney McKinney-Whitaker will discuss her new book, Charles Thomson: Irish Emigrant, American Founder, and share what’s next for the Charles Thomson Project, including plans for celebrating Thomson’s 300th birthday in 2029 with memorial statues on both sides of the Atlantic. She will also share details about her current work-in-progress, a transatlantic story which sets Thomson in the context of the wider history of the Ulster Scots and Scots-Irish in America.

Signed copies of Charles Thomson: Irish Emigrant, American Founder will be available for £10 cash following the talk.

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Graphic for 'Voices Across the Atlantic' showing a blue wave. Behind the wave are examples of archival records including a ship advertisement, a black and white photograph of a couple, a passenger list and the cover of a guide for emigrants.

This talk is part of a series of talks, 'Voices Across the Atlantic' exploring the historic relationship between Ulster and America. For a full list of 'Voices Across the Atlantic' events, click here.

Event Information

When02 July 2026

Time6:00 - 7:00pm

Where PRONI, Titanic Quarter