Status Report
April 6, 2025
National Tartan Day

National Tartan Day – April 6, 2025

St. Andrews University (formerly St. Andrews Presbyterian College) in Laurinburg, North Carolina established a “Scottish Heritage Center” in 1989, and since its inception was able to collect a large repository of materials and artifacts relative to the history of Scots in the Carolinas as well as throughout America.  Its collections were notable and the Center saw visitors from 41 states, 5 Canadian provinces, and throughout the UK (especially Scotland) during its 36-year existence.  The unfortunate closure of St. Andrews University last May led to the end of this Center and its notable collections.  Nonetheless, a LOT has been accomplished over the past 10 months since the closing.  We are working for a new home and new life for these collections as well as other materials which will be forthcoming as this project materializes.  This is for all of us – and for the future!

Scottish Heritage USA (SHUSA) (www.scottishheritageusa.org) – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1965 – has taken ownership of the collections and has adopted the establishment of a Scottish Heritage Discovery Center as one of its top strategic priorities. This Center will house the collections previously held at St. Andrews University, as well as others, including items displayed at the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration in New York City over National Tartan Day for more than 20 years – and more!  In addition to collections, we envision a venue for music, dance, storytelling, workshops, lectures, and hands-on learning experiences. We have a fantastic start toward a new and expanded interpretive and research center for the future which would be the first of its type devoted to the history of Scottish-Americans.

We have recruited a Steering Committee to drive the planning for this Scottish Heritage Discovery Center. This Committee includes SHUSA Board members and several other prominent individuals from within the Scottish-American community – some with “celebrity” status and the group is continuing to be added to.  This group is meeting regularly to plan for the Center’s location, define programming and community amenities, and build awareness and funding for this initiative at the regional, national, and international civic and governmental levels.

The Steering Committee has explored multiple options for locating the new Center, with the most promising opportunity identified to date in Moore County, NC (Aberdeen-Southern Pines-Pinehurst region) – an area of historic and significant Scottish settlement, as well as a major tourism and retirement hub with thriving cultural programming. SHUSA has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the owner of a large facility in this region to explore the possibility of renovating the site over the coming months. Early conversations have been very positive and all parties agree that it could be a very mutually beneficial relationship.

SHUSA has engaged experienced campaign counsel with deep connections to the Sandhills, NC region and Scottish heritage to conduct a campaign feasibility study. This study will help refine the messaging for this initiative, identify how much funding can be raised, and determine additional leadership and donor prospects needed to establish and sustain this Center. Study findings and recommendations are expected this fall.

Since St. Andrews University’s closure, all collections, fixtures, and furniture from that Scottish Heritage Center were moved into a free, temporary storage space saving nearly a year of storage costs. That space has now gone under contract, and we are now having to secure climate-controlled storage beginning in mid-May to preserve the collections until the future Center is established.

As you can see, much has been accomplished over the last 10 months in preserving these valued collections, planning for the future with professional guidance, and generating interest in the envisioned Scottish Heritage Discovery Center. To continue moving forward, SHUSA has several immediate visionary funding needs:

• Moving and storage costs to preserve the collections until the new Center is ready: $7,000 per year starting mid-May 2026
• Feasibility study expenses and design/printing costs for campaign materials: budgeting $8,000 for first materials
• Creation of a traveling exhibit to showcase artifacts at events and donor meetings: $5,000 for a portable display case and promotional banners
• Development of a website to promote the vision and expand awareness and support for the new Center: $5,000 committed already with a projected “go live” date around mid-May.

SHUSA’s Board has already committed $40,000 from its reserves to cover a significant portion of these early costs, and a number of friends generously contributed last year to support this vision. We project needing to raise approximately $25,000 more to fund upcoming early planning and awareness-building efforts prior to launching a Capital Campaign for the Scottish Heritage Discovery Center.

Gifts of all levels will be crucial in bringing the new Center to life. Would you consider making a gift at one of the levels outlined here to support these early planning efforts?

If so, here are several simple ways you can contribute:

• Make your gift securely online: https://scottishheritageusa.org/make-a-contribution/
• Send a check, stock, or donor-advised fund gift made payable to “Scottish Heritage USA.” (EIN: 13-6218203).

Mailing Address: PO Box 457
Pinehurst, NC 28370-0457

–  Please indicate “SHDC” on the memo.

Thank you again for your help bringing us to this point with your enthusiasm and generosity. If you have suggestions for individuals or organizations that we should make aware of this initiative, I would be grateful for your guidance. With your continued support, we look forward to creating not only a focal point for Scottish Heritage USA, but also a truly groundbreaking effort to tell the story of the Scots, their history, culture, and contributions around the world.

Onward and upward,
Bill Caudill

Board Member, Scottish Heritage USA
Chairman, Scottish Heritage Discovery Center Steering Committee
Founding Director, The Scottish Heritage Center, St. Andrews University (1989-2005)