Most people would not expect a small County Down village to have played a part in shaping one of the most influential nations in the world. Yet this summer, Saintfield Community Association is inviting local people and visitors alike to discover a fascinating story that links our area to the founding of the United States.
Through a programme of events entitled “Saintfield, Hutcheson and America”, Saintfield will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States while exploring the life and influence of Francis Hutcheson, the philosopher born near Saintfield in 1694 whose ideas helped shape the thinking behind the American Declaration of Independence.
Widely regarded as one of the leading thinkers of the Scottish Enlightenment, Hutcheson’s writings on liberty, equality, human rights and good government influenced generations of political thinkers. Historians have identified him as a major intellectual influence on Thomas Jefferson, the future President who drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The programme, supported through the Department for Communities’ USA-NI250 initiative, aims to bring this remarkable story to life through a mixture of family activities, music, history, discussion and community participation.
Family Fun Day – Saturday 4 July
The celebrations begin on Saturday 4 July with activities in Saintfield village and a major Family Fun Day at Saintfield Community Centre.
Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions including:
- Live music and entertainment
- Historical re-enactments
- American-themed food
- Children’s activities and competitions
- Demonstrations of life in the 1700s
- An American-themed fancy dress competition for primary school children
The day promises something for all ages and will provide a fun and engaging introduction to the story of Saintfield’s connection with America.
Free Public Talks
A series of free talks will then take place at Saintfield Community Centre, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the history, ideas and personalities behind the story.
Saturday 18 July, 3.00pm
Mark Devenport; Former BBC Northern Ireland Political Editor
The Importance of Liberal Democracy Today
Mark will explore the continuing relevance of democratic values and freedoms in today’s world and the importance of protecting the institutions that underpin modern democracy.
Saturday 25 July, 3.00pm
John Gray: Former Librarian of the Linen Hall Library
Life in the American Colonies in the 1700s
A fascinating insight into daily life in colonial America during the period leading up to independence and the birth of a new nation.
Saturday 1 August, 3.00pm
Ken Dawson: Former Deputy Head of Down High School and Local Historian
Life in County Down in the 1700s
Discover what life was like in County Down during the same period and gain a better understanding of the society that helped shape figures such as Francis Hutcheson.
Saturday 8 August, 3.00pm
Philip Orr: Author and Francis Hutcheson Expert
The Life and Legacy of Francis Hutcheson
An opportunity to learn more about Saintfield’s most influential son and the enduring impact of his ideas on the modern world.
To book to attend the Talks please visit
Celebrating Our Shared Heritage
The programme will also encourage local people to reflect on the long-standing links between County Down and America. Over many generations, people from this area crossed the Atlantic to build new lives, taking with them the values, traditions and culture of Ulster.
Saintfield Community Association hopes that residents will share family stories, memories and connections that help tell the wider story of emigration and the enduring relationship between our communities and the United States.
Join Us
This unique programme offers an opportunity to discover how ideas that emerged in rural County Down helped influence events that changed the world.
Admission to all talks is free, although tickets will be required. Free tickets will be available through Eventbrite, with booking details announced shortly.
For updates on the programme, follow Saintfield Community Association on social media and keep an eye on the saintfield.community website.
