TV: Irish pioneer who helped found USA remembered

As the 250th anniversary of the U.S Declaration of Independence nears, there is a host of TV programmes to mark the birthday of Uncle Sam.

Among them is Freedom Founder – Thomas McKean And The American Revolution, which airs on RTÉ1 on Monday at 9.35pm.

Presented by former US diplomat David McKean, it explores the life and origins of his direct ancestor Thomas McKean, the last man to sign the American Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. David retraces Thomas’s footsteps in Ireland, Delaware, and Philadelphia.

Thomas McKean’s Ulster-Scots family emigrated from Antrim to the American colonies. His ancestors were Scottish Presbyterians who came to Ireland to escape the penal laws in Scotland. Thomas went on to be a central figure in the American Revolution.

In the programme, David McKean undertakes a journey of discovery to better understand his ancestors and family history.

Meanwhile, in Alexander Armstrong Across America on Channel 5 on Saturday at 8pm, the Pointless host heads to the USA ahead of its 250th birthday celebrations.

He is keen to find out more about how the country has been shaped by its past even while it constantly evolves.

Alexander begins his journey, appropriately enough, in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. He learns more about how the ideals set out in 1776 are reflected in modern America, before tucking into a local delicacy, the Philly cheesesteak.

The contrast between old and new continues as he meets historian Morgan Taylor to learn more about Philadelphia’s role in the fight against slavery, and also comes face to face with America’s opioid crisis.

The penultimate episode of the series The American Revolution (BBC Four on Tuesday at 10.30pm) charts America’s founding struggle.

It begins as Washington’s Continental Army emerges from the harsh winter at Valley Forge ready to fight the British in the Battle of Monmouth – but it proves less than decisive.

However, the rebels form an alliance with the French and, as fans of history and/or the musical Hamilton will already know, that is set to change the course of the war.