In the USA today there is thought to be seven times more Irish-Americans than the current population of the Island of Ireland.

Historical records show that from the early 1700s onward millions of Irish left their native shores in search of a better life in the USA. Many have played a significant role in building this great nation.

Three of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence were born in Ireland, and twenty two Presidents; from Andrew Jackson to Barack Obama have been at least partly of Irish ancestry.

Each year, Americans gather with families and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, a day commemorating the European settler’s survival in this extraordinary new land.

To acknowledge Ireland’s part in the America’s great past why not give a gift which is both meaningful and charitable from the Linen Hall Library’s vintage Postcard Collection.

One of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind, it features over 6000 images of the “Emerald Isle”, dating back to the late 19th century and covering all 32 counties.

These wonderful photographs capture Ireland in by-gone days and give a sense of what life was really like in the remote villages and towns over one hundred years ago. Now available as prints these beautiful images will make the perfect gift for your loved ones this festive season.

The Linen Hall Library is a bastion of Irish culture past and present. Established in 1788 it is the oldest library in the Belfast and the only subscription library to have survived in Ireland. It is renowned for its unparalleled Irish and Local Studies Collections, which include early printed Ulster books, unique genealogical sources and the celebrated Northern Ireland Political Collection, an unequalled archive of material relating to the recent “Troubles”.

The Linen Hall Library is a registered charity and the Postcard Collection offers a unique way for you to celebrate your Irish heritage and also support this historic Institution. All proceeds from the sale of these images will be used to conserve other unique and precious collections so they too may be accessible worldwide and preserved for future generations.

All the Postcard images, as well as a selection of Irish maps are now available to browse and purchase via www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/postcards.

For more information or high resolution images please contact Monica Cash, Deputy Librarian on (+44) 28 9032 1707 or on email at m.cash@linenhall.com