The Forgotten Printer of the Declaration of Independence: Hugh Gaine

This talk explores the life of a fascinating and controversial individual during the American Revolution. Hugh Gaine was born in Portglenone, County Antrim, c. 1726, was apprenticed to a printing firm in Belfast in 1740 and emigrated to New York City c. 1745.

He went on to become a successful publisher and bookseller, establishing a newspaper and being appointed the official printer for both the colony and the city of New York. In July 1776, he reproduced the text of the Declaration of Independence in his newspaper and also printed it as a broadside for widespread distribution. However, his subsequent actions provoked much criticism, both at the time and since.

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