Previous Conference - 2023
About the Conference
The 2023 Scottish North American Community Conference took place on December 1-2 in Alexandria, Virginia.This year's theme is "A Scottish North American Conversation: How Our Culture and History Empower Our Future."
21st Annual Scottish North American Community Conference
Halò'! Alexandria
The 21st Annual Scottish NA Community Conference will be held this year in Alexandria, VA over the weekend of the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk, on December 1st and 2nd, 2023.
How Our Culture & History Empower Our Future
This year's theme is "A Scottish North American Conversation: How Our Culture and History Empower Our Future."
The conference looks to build upon the greater audience joining in 2023, encouraging and hoping that you will add your voice to the conversation either in person or via the internet thru our ZOOM broadcast. If you join us in Alexandria, we hope you will also join us or your clan or organization to march in the Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Parade.
Conference Locations
DAY ONE - December 1, 2023 - The Lyceum
This year’s conference will be held Friday, December 1, 2023 at the historic Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria. Built in 1838, The Lyceum served as the intellectual and cultural center of Alexandria until the U.S. Civil War. It was then used as a military hospital, quarters for troops, and a meeting space. Today, it is the home of the Alexandria History Museum.
The Lyceumt:
201 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314
DAY TWO - December 2, 2023 - Sheraton Suites
The second day of the conference will be held at the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria.
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria:
801 N St Asaph St, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Church Service After the Christmas Walk
Saturday December 2, 2023 at 9:00 am
We will begin the day with our traditional church service at 9 AM at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House (OPMH), followed immediately by the wreath-laying ceremony in the cemetery immediately behind the church—at the grave of Scots-born merchant William Hunter, friend of President George Washington, former Mayor of Alexandria, and founder of our local Saint Andrew’s Society.
The church is located at 323 S Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314. After the service and wreath-laying, we will make our way over to the parade line-up location on St. Asaph Street, between Wolfe and Wilkes Streets—starting point for the parade. The Parade will step off promptly at 11am.
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk
Saturday December 2, 2023 at 11:00 am
This year’s conference is being held around the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. SNACC attendees are encourage to join their respective clans for the parade. If you prefer, you can walk with the American-Scottish Foundation, just drop them a note HERE to let them know you would like to join them.
This year's parade line-up is located at on St. Asaph Street, between Wolfe and Wilkes Streets—starting point for the parade. The Parade will step off promptly at 11am.
SNACC Founding Organizations
The Conference, organized by founders the Chicago Scots and the American Scottish Foundation together with the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit, Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (COSCA), The Scottish Studies Foundation, Clans And Scottish Societies of Canada (CASSOC), and The University of Guelph, are delighted to display the highest pride in Scottish Heritage in Alexandria, VA.
Friday December 1, 2023
Lyceum, Alexandria VA
201 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314
2-6 pm Sessions & Speakers (In Person and On Line.)
The focus of the day is:
Paving the way forward - how we bring in more volunteers and groups leaders and during the afternoon through a series of discussions we hope to help us all address this important issue.
2:00 PM – WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS – SNACC Planning Committee Members
2:05 PM – SESSION ONE: Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs (SCSC) – Clan Chiefs’ Heirs Project
a project of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs (SCSC)
Primary Presenter: Charles, Lord Bruce
Discussants: Alasdair Morrison, newly installed Chief of Clan Morrison, & Angus Kincaid, Heir to the Name & Arms of Kincaid
2:45 PM – SESSION TWO : Young Panel around Volunteering and Involvement
The panel will focus on involving and bringing on the next generation.
Participants Include: Ethan MacDonald, Regional Commissioner, COSCA & Member of Council, Clan Donald Society, USA - founder, Scottish-American Scouting Association, Kalamazoo, MI (via Zoom), and Cameron Steer - ASF Youth Ambassador, Jennifer Licko, Highland Echoes
3:15 PM - SESSION THREE : Challenges Young Volunteers and Enthusiasts Face
How we recognize them, help over stipends.
Participants Include: COSCA President John Bellassai & CASSOC President Bill Petrie, John Cochran, Chairman, Strategic Planning Committee, COSCA, Terry Myles, CASSOC Board member and VP and Highland Games Coordinator for Clan MacNeil
3:45 PM – SESSION FOUR : SCOTLAND AND AMERICA IN THE LATER 18TH CENTURY
Scottish experience on eve of the American Revolution and the loyalists immigration to Canada.
Presentation: James P. Ambuske, PhD, Professor of History, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (specializes in Scotland & America, 18th century)
4:15 PM- COFFEE BREAK
4:30 PM – GREETINGS AND REMARKS CHRIS THOMSON, Head, Scottish Gov’t Office, USA
4:40 PM SESSION FIVE : Youth Bridge - Scottish Ambassadors Through Education
Turning then to one of Scotland's greatest assets our Ambassadors through education:
- Rory Hedderly's Saltire Program and Entrepreneurial Scotland
- Gus Noble, Pres. Chicago Scots has engaged with the program several times and will also speak to it
With input from
- Stuart Adam, Scottish Connections Fund, External Affairs Directorate, Scottish Gov't
also
- The Scottish University alumni network and how that can strengthen the message of Scots in America
5:15PM - GENERAL WRAP-UP DISCUSSION ABOUT THE DAY
5:50 PM - Intro Sean Heely – plays selected fiddle tunes…
6:00 PM - Whisky tasting and reception:
Reception with whisky tasting at the Lyceum, Alexandria
Saturday December 2, 2023
Sheraton Hotel, Alexandria VA
(following the Alexandria Walk Christmas Parade)
801 N St Asaph St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Saturday, December 2nd - following the Alexandria Walk Christmas Parade
Location: Sheraton Suites Hotel, Alexandria
- 2pm onwards at the Sheraton Hotel
Buffet available 2 to 3PM – (soup & sandwiches)
Then program, 3 to 6PM
Short reception and mingle at the end
3:00PM BEGIN WITH GREETINGS: (short greetings)
- Chris Thomson - Scottish Gov't Counselor for the USA & Head Scottish Gov't Office, UK Embassy, Washington, DC
- Bill Campbell - Lord Provost of Dundee - invited
- Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston, 30th Chief of Clan Hunter
- Congressman Don Byer- representing Alexandria, VA (a Scottish-American and member of House Scottish Caucus) - invited
- Stacie Andersen - Chair, Sister Cities Alexandria - Invited
3.25PM SESSION ONE : Dr. Joseph Morrow, Lord Lyon King of Arms, speaking remotely (Zoom) about his role in the state ceremonials of the past year (late Queen’s funeral in St. Giles, Coronation of King Charles III in London, presentation to the King of the Honours of Scotland in Edinburgh) ...
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3.50PM SESSION TWO - COLLABORATION AT WORK
Washington Metro Area
· Gregory Haymon, President, St. Andrew's Society of Washington, DC
· Tracy Morton &/or Heather McKenzie Haddock, Co-Chairs, Scottish American Women's Society (SAWS) - Invited
· Alexandra Duncan, Vice President, Virginia Scottish Games & Festivals Ass'n (VSGA) - Invited
· James Morrison, Secretary & Past President, Nat'l Capital Tartan Day Committee, Inc. (NCTDC)
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4.20pm COFFEE BREAK
4.30PM SESSION THREE - POWER OF DANCE AND MUSIC TO BRING OUR YOUNG SCOTTISH COMMUNITY
- Chicago Dancing Scots, Marjorie Stewart, Jennifer Licko - Highland Echoes …
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5.15PM SESSION FOUR - UPCOMING IN SCOTLAND
Camilla Hellman, ASF President leads of reporting on upcoming events in Scotland and the US
- Dunfermline : Carnegie Trust project around Pittencrieff Park
- Perth Museum opening
- V&A Dundee
- Library of Scotland 100 years in 2025
- program being developed
5:45 PM - Peter Wilson, President of SHUSA, will report on
- Tartan Museum project in North Carolina - Peter Wilson
5:50PM - WRAP UP ON THE DAY AND OVERALL DISCUSSION OF CONFERENCE
6:00PM Cash Bar - Mingle