VE Day 80 Talks – ‘Northern Ireland, the United States and the Second World War’, by Dr Simon Topping

The third of our VE Day 80 Talks at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum …

Following the United States’ entry into the Second World War, Northern Ireland became the first part of the UK to welcome American soldiers in January 1942. By the end of the conflict, more than 300,000 had passed through the province. Among the Americans were thousands of black soldiers who were broadly welcomed by the people of Northern Ireland, contrasting with the segregation and racism they faced at home. This talk examines the political and social impact of the ‘friendly invasion’ of US servicemen in Northern Ireland.

Dr Simon Topping is Associate Professor of United States History at the University of Plymouth. He has published extensively, and his book on American soldiers in Northern Ireland was launched in 2022.

Our talks are free and in person, and take place in the museum’s historic Assembly Room. Booking is required. Doors open at 6.30pm for tea and coffee on arrival, and talks start promptly at 7pm. Please note there is no allocated seating for this event.

For more information or to book, contact museum reception by:

• Calling into museum reception
• T: 028 9266 3377
• E: ilc.reception@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Or to book online please visit: Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum event tickets from TicketSource