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Discover the Scottish Societies of New York State
Scottish societies contribute immensely to the perpetuation of Scottish American heritage and we’re so excited to connect with those in New York as we prepare to open up in the state! We have long-standing relationships with some and can’t wait to meet others. Reconnect with old friends or make brand new ones with a roundup of Scottish societies in New York State below.
Let’s begin by meeting the various St. Andrew’s Societies associated with New York State.
St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York
The St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York was established in 1756, making it the oldest charitable society in New York. It has always had the aim to help Scots in need and their tagline is “Charity, Fellowship, Scholarship”. They offer prestigious scholarships for graduate students to study in either America or Scotland. In addition, they offer grants and funding toward numerous cultural and healthcare related projects. And of course as part of their fund-raising there are social events where you can meet fellow Scots, or fans of Scotland, and coming up later this year is their 265th Annual Banquet with our favourite Scottish chef, Gary MacLean. An event not to be missed! Emily interviewed Gary earlier this year if you would like to learn more about his Masterchef experience and MacLean clan heritage.
St. Andrew’s Society of the Adirondacks
This society originated in 2001 during the Whiteface Mountain Highland Games in Wilmington, New York. As a more recently established St. Andrew’s Society, this group differs from others in that it is open for membership by anyone with an interest in Scotland. The society supports pipe bands and proudly participates in New York City Tartan Day festivities. As a woman owned business we have to applaud Adirondacks for making history when they elected a woman as president to open the society!
St. Andrew’s Society of the City of Albany
The St. Andrew’s Society of the City of Albany was founded in 1803. St Andrew's societies across the USA were set up to help needy Scots and the City of Albany Society was no different. Their motto is “Relieve the Distressed” and their creed is “Faire Sans Dire” (Do Without Speaking). They have a fascinating history with Revolutionary Era New York and the founding members actually met and founded the society in what was Tontine Coffee House located in the present day Lower Manhattan area. Today, the society is working to continue its renovations on it’s space to provide a modern day central location for its members.
St. Andrew’s Society of Schenectady
Also founded in 1803, this St. Andrew’s Society was organized at the historic Reubin Simon’s Tavern. It is the oldest benevolent society in the city of Schenectady. While they began by helping Scottish Americans in the Schenectady area, they support charities big and small today - The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Schenectady Museum, and Capital District Highland Games, to name a few. Like many of the St. Andrew’s Societies throughout the country, they also offer scholarships to those in academic or cultural pursuit of their Scottish heritage. Now that we have learnt to pronounce the name of this great town we can't wait to meet the members of the society especially since we read Robbie Halley's feedback on the Society website: "Thanks for all the cookies at the meetings! I think we can all agree that they are "The greatest cookies I've ever Tasted in my entire life!". We love cookies here at ScotlandShop!
American Scottish Foundation
The American-Scottish Foundation was founded in 1956 by Lord Malcolm Douglas Hamilton and today seeks to bridge the gap and enhance the friendship between America and Scotland. One of their prominent projects to date is the Scots Who Built New York project, which features several walking tours of locations in New York that have their roots in a distinct Scottish connection. The Foundation supports Scottish cultural events and reinforces the philanthropic, educational, and business links between the United States and Scotland. They also have their very own tartans and we are proud to share that we will be weaving these for the Society and making you some fabulous products very soon. We were lucky enough to interview President, Camilla Hellman back in 2020 and you can learn more about this amazing lady on the blog.
Dutchess County Scottish Society
The society was formed in 1910 and works to cultivate and preserve Scottish heritage within the state of New York, as well as extending this sentiment to the rest of the country. Additionally, they find significance in helping the sick and needy where they are able. Like many of the other societies in the state, the Dutchess County Scottish Society hosts several traditional Scottish events throughout the year including a Burns Supper and looks forward to the NYC Tartan Day Parade. We can't wait to return with them in 2022 when we can all march together again!
New York Caledonian Club
The New York Caledonian Club is “open to the world” and as a board member of the organization myself, I can attest that they certainly are. The NYCC promotes Scottish culture and heritage, as well as a fierce love of community and friendship among all those who appreciate Scotland. In addition to traditional events like the Burns Supper and NYC Tartan Week ceilidh, they also offer language, music, and dance workshops. 84th Chief, Lorraine Bell, shared her passion for her Scottish heritage and stories of #teamnosleep during Tartan Week in an interview with Anna during lockdown.
Did you know that the St. Andrew’s Society of New York, the American Scottish Foundation, and the New York Caledonian Club are three of the founding organizations of the National Tartan Day New York Committee, which hosts the beloved NYC Tartan Day Parade? Watch our interview with NYC Tartan Day President and New York Caledonian Club Treasurer Kyle Dawson below:
Capital District Celtic Cultural Association
The CDCCA manages Celtic Hall, which is described as the “home for Irish and Scottish Culture". The Association is actually affiliated with many of the other societies we’ve listed here, as well as several pipe bands and dance schools. They promote organizations geared toward education, performances, athletics, and cultural activities that perpetuate Scottish culture. We can't wait to make a visit once we establish our base in the US!
Scottish Heritage Society of the Rochester Area
Per it’s name, this society promotes Scottish heritage in all its facets! Founded in 1994, the Scottish Heritage Society of the Rochester Area is open to all who enjoy Scottish culture. Although they are a society in their own right, they also work to promote other clan societies and Scottish organizations. In 2014, they assumed trusteeship of the New Scottish Burial Plot in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Do you have a unique story to share about any of these societies? Don’t hesitate to send your stories and photos our way, or tell us all about your Society or club if we have missed you out!
