News Article
National Archives Foundation July 4 Contest Winner Sharon Boyle Explores History During Trip to D.C.
July 21, 2015
In June, the National Archives Foundation, the nonprofit partner to the National Archives, launched a nationwide giveaway to allow someone to experience July 4th like never before – including travel to Washington, D.C. to celebrate the nation’s birth at the home of the original Declaration of Independence.
Contest winner and Queens-resident Sharon Boyle won the contest, and left no stone unturned! While in D.C., Boyle and her guests enjoyed the annual July 4 parade, and explored the National Archives’ many activities open to the public. As part of the contest, she also attended a Nationals baseball game, and visited most of the District’s major monuments.
“It was so exciting to get a chance to re-discover pieces of U.S. history, and to see up close the documents that formed America’s government, in particular the Declaration of Independence,” said Boyle. “I have traveled to Washington, D.C. before, but never like this!”
Boyle is a student at the CUNY School of Professional Studies studying Health Information Management (HIM), and holds a BA in Fine Art, Painting, from the Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland.
Boyle – no stranger to the treasures within the National Archives – is currently working on a collaborative project with her younger sister to construct their family tree. Research has included work within The National Archives of Ireland; Monaghan County Museum and Library, Co. Monaghan, Ireland; the Carrickmacross Workhouse, Co. Monaghan, Ireland in her hometown; and U.S. census and naturalization records.
The Irish native became passionate about genealogy as she struggled to keep up with her mother’s family stories.
“Genealogy is a very complex, frustrating and fascinating subject which is ever evolving,” said Boyle. “Through working on our family tree, it is clear how our family had struggled to rise above dire 18th century poverty and starvation, and succeed against the odds. Our study is a work in progress. Thus far, they have traced their roots back to 1788 with many gaps and puzzles in-between.”
For media inquiries, please contact: Melissa Schwartz at: melissa.schwartz@
About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at: archivesfoundation.org.
