Stories
Mountjoy Post Office
This small business was set up by the Maginnis family in a single room of their home near Mountjoy, Omagh, County Tyrone, in 1861.
The Journey
Say goodbye to the familiar sights and sounds of Rural Ulster as you start your journey across the Atlantic. Collect your ticket and board the Brig Union, a replica of an emigrant sailing ship. You'll learn what life was like on board an emigrant ship, including the challenges and difficulties encountered during the twelve week journey across the Atlantic. As you leave the ship behind, step onto American soil and explore your new life away from home...
The Journey
Stories
Hills Chemist
James Hill, the owner of this shop, was a ‘dispensing chemist’. The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland certified James to sell medicine and dispense prescriptions.
Stories
RJ Blair Printers
In the late 1870s, RJ Blair opened his printing and stationer shop in Strabane, County Tyrone.
Stories
J Reilly Publican/Grocer
John Reilly built his pub in 1820 in the village of Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh.
Stories
J McMaster Saddler
Joe McMaster was a saddler from Newtownstewart who made and sold saddles and other leather goods to customers from County Tyrone and beyond.
Stories
D Reynolds Ropemaker
David Reynolds took over a rope-making business between 1846 and 1856 and continued to manufacture rope throughout the 1870s.
Stories
Ship & Dockside Gallery
Explore the Brig Union - a replica of an emigrant sailing ship.
Stories
American General Store
The General Store was an essential part of American life as settlers built communities and livelihoods in their new country.
Stories
Pattison's Tinsmiths
In 1700s America, tinware became popular for making household goods. Edward Pattison was one of the first tinsmiths in America.
Stories
Wheelwright
Wheels are complex structures that required skills in carpentry and blacksmithing to build.
Stories
Mellon Bank
Thomas Mellon established his bank in January 1870 on Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.