Status Report
April 6, 2025
National Tartan Day
Thank you to everyone who has been supportive since the closure of St. Andrews University last May and the subsequent closure and end of the Scottish Heritage Center. A LOT has been accomplished over the past 10 months since the closing, so I wanted to update you on our progress toward a new home for these collections and share some immediate needs. I hope that some of my friends and interested parties will help! This is for all of us - and for the future!
Why North Carolina?
A Migration That Transformed a Region
Scottish presence in the American colonies began early, but it was the eighteenth century Highland migrations that left the deepest imprint on the Cape Fear Valley. In 1739, the first large group—known as the Argyll Colony—arrived seeking opportunity and stability after decades of upheaval in Scotland. They were welcomed by Governor Gabriel Johnston, himself a Scot, who encouraged settlement along the upper Cape Fear River.
Scottish Infuence on American Identity
Did you know that: In the 1790 Census of the United States, at least 6 percent of the population at that time …
Celebrating Scottish Traditions Across the United States
One of our nation’s earliest charitable societies, The Scots Charitable Society of Boston was established in 1657. The Nation’s oldest St. Andrews Society was founded in 1729 in Charleston, South Carolina. Scottish emigrants founded these societies as social gathering opportunities for fellow Scots as well as to assist indigent and troubled emigrants. Today there are St. Andrews Societies in all 50 states.
The Lasting Influence of Scottish Heritage in America
Scottish Americans have played a significant role in shaping the United States, from the earliest days of immigration to the present. Their contributions span many fields, including science, technology, education, and culture.