A SPECIAL COMMEMORATION FOR AMERICA 250 CELEBRATING FOUNDING FATHER CHARLES THOMSON
As the United States of America approaches it's 250th Anniversary, 4th July 2026, author and illustrator Philip Johnston has created a special edition children's book on Charles Thomson. Charles Thomson was a Founding Father of the USA, who left Northern Ireland at the age of ten in 1739. Arriving in the Colonies as an orphan, Charles was looked after by a kind blacksmith before going into the care of the Rev. Alison and his wife. Charles became a teacher before entering politics, becoming a key figure in forming a new nation! The pages of this special book illustrate how Charles was secretary of the Continental Congress, one of two official names on the first Declaration of Independence and finalised the design of the Presidential Seal!
Charles Thomson
and the
Declaration of Independence
Charles Thomson
and the
Dunlap Broadsides
Charles Thomson
and the
Presidential Seal
Book Launch at PRONI, Belfast!
It was an absolute privilege and immense pleasure to have Minister Gordon Lyons, The US Consulate General James Applegate, Gillian Doherty (PRONI) and Stephen Pierce (Harriton House, Pennsylvania), take part in what proved to be an excellent event celebrating Charles Thomson. Please see link for short video relating to this event. New children’s book to tell story of US Declaration of Independence signatory Charles Thomson | Department for Communities The support received from everyone in attendance was truly amazing!
Charles Thomson by Joseph Wright
Who was Charles Thomson and what did he do?(In short)
Charles Thomson was born in Maghera, Northern Ireland in 1729. His father was a linen bleacher. Tragedy struck the family with the death of Charles' mother when he was only ten years old. His father took Charles and his siblings to the Colonies to start a new life. Further tragedy struck, however, when Charles' father died on the voyage to America. Charles, therefore, arrived an orphan. He was taken in by a kind blacksmith before being raised by the Rev. Alison and his wife, who came from Donegal.
After becoming a teacher, Charles entered the world of politics. He was so widely respected that even the Delaware Native Americans adopted him! Charles became the Secretary of Continental Congress and remained in this post throughout! As secretary, he was one of only two official names (The other being John Hancock) to appear on the first Declaration of Independence. There was one other name on the first Declaration and that was the printer's name: John Dunlap, who was from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland!
Charles travelled to Mount Vernon to inform George Washington he had been elected as President, escorting him to his inauguration in New York! Charles Thomson also designed the Presidential seal, which is still used to this day! Charles retired from politics and spend the rest of his life at Harriton House, Pennsylvania, where he lived with his wife. Another Great achievement, during retirement, was translating the Greek Old and New Testament into English!
A copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Printed 4th July 1776)
Author's Foreword from the Ulster Folk Museum, County Down, Northern Ireland
The Ulster Folk Museum, County Down, houses a magnificent Eagle Platen Press, also known as a Columbian Press. This form of printing press was developed by George Clymer in Philadelphia, replacing old wooden screw presses. It was an extremely special time creating my author's note on this press, going through the same process as the Dunlap Broadside did in Philadelphia on 4th July 1776. A huge thank you to the Ulster Folk Museum and their team for enabling this amazing activity to take place, allowing me to create such a special page for The Story of Charles Thomson and the Declaration of Independence.
It has been an absolute pleasure having the Executive Vice President of America250, Jen Condon, write the foreword for The Story of Charles Thomson and the Declaration of Independence. Jen was presented with a copy of the book, as was Commissioner Joe Crowley, whilst on a recent trip to Northern Ireland. As they visited PRONI, I was able to introduce myself and enjoy conversation, giving insight into the book and different aspects of it's content.
It was also a great honour and privilege to have received a kind invitation from Minister Gordon Lyons to attend an America250 event held at Hillsborough Castle later on that day, creating more opportunities to share the story of Charles Thomson!
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Please click on the link below to catch a snippet of the book presentation.
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Author and America250
FUN FACTS AND HIDDEN DETAILS
As Secretary of Continental Congress, Charles would become known as 'Keeper of Secrets.' To celebrate this aspect of his role, there are some hidden details within some of the pages. I hope you enjoy discovering what they are below!
