A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY

A casual conversation between two proud Scots descendants in 1986 gave birth to the Society. From that chance meeting the Scottish Heritage Society of New Bern was born. It flourished under their leadership with the support and efforts of an enthusiastic Board of Directors. Interest was so widespread that two years later the name was officially changed to The Scottish Heritage Society of Eastern North Carolina. In 1988 the Society was incorporated as a nonprofit organization.

The Societies first formal event was a dinner on January 25, 1987, to honor the memory of Scotland's beloved poet, Robert Burns. Since that beginning, festive Burn's Night dinners have been held each January, highlighting distinguished speakers, Scottish music, and Scottish food and drink.

Some of our Annual Activities

January

Robert Burns Dinner to honor Scotland's national poet. Laddies in kilts and Lassies in tartan sashes and formal wear enjoy a delicious meal and an evening of entertainment.

February

The Moore's Creek Revolutionary Battlefield memorial service (near Wilmington). Scots fought on both sides of this pivotal Revolutionary War battle.

March

Participation in the annual New Bern St. Patrick's Day parade.

April

National Tartan Day, April 6. Kirkin' o'the Tartans ceremony held on the Sunday closest to the date

May

Participation in the Memorial Day Services at the National Cemetery in New Bern

May through November

Groups of members and guests attend Scottish Highland Games in places such as Winston Salem, Grandfather's Mountain in Linville, NC, Savannah, Williamsburg, Stone Mountain, Hendersonville, Charleston, Richmond and Charlotte.

June

Annual Meeting, often held in conjunction with a picnic. This meeting includes the election of officers and new members of the Board of Directors for the coming fiscal year which begins July 1.

October

Participation in downtown New Bern's Chrysanthemum Festival. Members man a booth with Scottish items for sale. Members also aid people interested in possible Scottish ties. Pipers and Drummers entertain the crowd, and Highland Dancers perform in the stage area, adding a Scottish flavor to the festival.

October/November

St. Andrew's Weekend to celebrate Scotland's patron saint. The weekend includes a parade in New Bern with Pipers, the raising of the Scottish flags over City Hall, the reading of a proclamation by the Mayor of New Bern, and a Kirkin' o'the Tartans.

An evening dinner and ceilidh are also enjoyed by members and invited guests.

Other Activities

Lunch and Learn meetings that feature guest speakers and programs are planned at various times of the year.

Kilt Nights are informal social occasions with an opportunity to wear kilts and plaids at a local restaurant.

The Society also participates in fund raisers, local craft fairs, military tattoos, and other community activities.

The Society supports activities of on educational nature which promote our common Scottish heritage through a fund to underwrite worthy project and financial aid to individuals and groups. See our Guidelines for Financial Aid page for details.