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Following on from our recent post on the history of the American Scottish Foundation (ASF), and a fabulous evening in New York to celebrate Rabbie Burns, I was lucky enough to interview the current President, Camilla G Hellman, MBE, to gain an insight into their work and mission.
What does the Presidency involve?
I have been involved with the ASF now for over 10 years. I always knew the ASF to be involved in "all things Scottish" but did not realise the full scope of that 'til becoming Director of Development in 2009. As I looked at all the Foundation did, I began to work with the board to help define more clearly programs, events and focus. In 2012 I became Executive Director leading in 2017 to becoming President.
Our mission remains very much as when we were formed in 1956 by Lord Malcolm Douglas Hamilton, to be a bridge between the US and Scotland - seeking to strengthen & support the future of the Scottish American diaspora, and its legacy - helping ensure the heritage and culturally message of the past enriches the future.
I oversee the day to day running of the ASF, from the overall marketing to working with our volunteers and small staff on programming and events. It is very varied, never boring - as with all small organizations it is a roll up the sleeves and get it done, multi-tasking role - and I love that.
How did you come to take on this role?
I had been heading up a project which had worked closely with the ASF, and in 2009 I was helping on the Scots Guards Dinner which the American Scottish Foundation was hosting and the opportunity came up to take up a role with the Foundation. I thought would be a great challenge - and so as I concluded the other project, I moved across to the ASF.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working with the American Scottish Foundation?
I love the varied programming and seeing the results of our support for people and projects several years on.
Your greatest achievement working with the ASF?
Oh goodness, it is difficult to call any one thing "greatest achievement" - but have to say when I saw the Kelpies (the macquettes) coming up Sixth Avenue on the flatbed - being hoisted by crane onto the Fountain Terrace at Bryant Park .. that was pretty fantastic. It was a huge team effort, led by Andy Scott and Falkirk Council, with the ASF, to get the macquettes to New York - and they looked so fantastic there - all of us who worked on that.
Why is your Burns Night Gala Celebration such a special event?
The ASF Burns Night is a celebration very much around Burns' music. There’s no one element that makes it a great event - its the whole celebration. When I first attended an ASF Burns Supper I thought it was the closest I could come to being in the Highlands for a great Burns celebration. From the sound of the pipers to the Address to the Haggis and Burns musical tributes - along with great food reeling and whisky
Outstanding moments - Everyone loves the piping in of the Haggis - and Robbie Munro gives a wonderful theatrical address to the Haggis. We also conclude the evening with as we term it "enthusiastic" reeling.
Favourite piece of work by Robert Burns?
My Love is like A Red Red Rose.
What is your favourite part of Tartan Week?
The New York Tartan Day Parade is wonderful - I love seeing everyone assembling and getting ready for the Parade. I am involved in speciality groups and one of those is the Dog Section of the Parade. it used to be only Scotties and Westies (over a 100 of them some years) and now two years ago we expanded it to all Scottish breeds - I love that section and the competition around the dogs!
The Parade reaching the size and success it is now is such a tribute to so many people who had the vision and determination to drive it forward over 20 years ago. ASF has been very involved with the Parade from the outset. Alan Bain, now Chairman Emeritus, led the first Parade up a side street 22 years ago, and was one of the driving forces in propelling from that side street to Sixth Avenue.
In 2003 the National Tartan Day NY Committee, a separate organisation was formed and now ASF together with the St Andrews Society of NY, NY Caledonian Club and Clan Campbell put the Parade on each year - it is a year round effort - so worth it when see all the tens of thousands cheering everyone along the route.
The Parade is fantastic, but I have to say that the ASF lunchtime concerts are very special to me personally as I love putting together the Bryant Park Pipes and Drums concert programming each year. It attracts such crowds and we make a point to try to involve and have perform the visiting young pipe bands - adding to their experience around being in the NY Tartan Day Parade.
Do you have a favourite clan or tartan?
One always loves - favours - the tartans one is associated with - be it your Organizations, City or Clan. I am a Traill so drawn to that but also love the ASF Dress tartan and often wear the Peace Tartan. People wear several tartans for varying reasons, and I think that's wonderful - a great way of celebrating ones love of Scotland.
ScotlandShop would like to thank American Scottish Foundation President - Camilla G. Hellman, MBE, for taking the time to share her story in this interview. Be sure to keep up to date with all the latest American Scottish Foundation events on theirwebsite.
