From Here to the White House: Presidential Portraits by Frank McKelvey

Ulster Presidents: From Local Townlands to the White House
Explore the ancestral connections between Ulster and the White House in a unique exhibition featuring original drawings by renowned Northern Irish artist Frank McKelvey.

Created around 1930, the portraits focus on 11 American presidents whose families had ancestral links to Ulster.

Discover Ulster’s Links to American Presidents
During the early 20th century, public interest in the historical relationship between Ulster and America grew significantly.

McKelvey’s presidential portraits were created during this period of increasing curiosity about migration, ancestry and the influence of Ulster families in the United States.

The exhibition also connects with the story of the Ulster American Folk Park, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.

From Ulster to the White House
Visitors can discover the stories behind the ancestral journeys of the 11 presidents and learn how families who left Ulster went on to influence American history at the highest level.

Through McKelvey’s portraits and the accompanying historical interpretation, the exhibition traces these family connections from local Ulster townlands to the White House.

The exhibition will appeal to visitors interested in genealogy, migration, local history, American history and the long-standing cultural links between Ulster and the United States.