Scottish Events - Washington, DC - Virginia - Maryland

Scottish Events in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area and Surrounding Areas - Scottish Activities


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Scottish Events in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area and Surrounding Areas

This page contains a list of current Scottish activities and events in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and also other, more distant events that are often attended by residents of this area. Some of these are specifically related to Scottish heritage, and others are of a more general interest. Some items contain links to related pages.

Upcoming Events - Concerts - Tartan Day - National Scots, Scots-Irish Heritage Month
Weekly Events - Monthly Events - Annual Events - Local Organizations' Calendars - Significant Scottish Heritage Events in Scotland - Events outside the Washington, DC Area - Non-Scottish, Non-Celtic Heritage events that are not necessarily related to Scottish heritage or Scotland - Parking in Old Town Alexandria, VA.

Upcoming Events

Reminder May 14 - Transplanting Scottish Culture in America: The Experiences of Dr. Alexander Hamilton in Maryland This program is presented by the Maryland Historical Society. Time - 6:00 p.m. As a Scottish immigrant Dr. Alexander Hamilton (not the more famous man of the same name) was initially horrified at the cultural wasteland he viewed in Annapolis of 1738. After a few years he thought seriously of giving up and returning home, another failed Scottish immigrant. But paradoxically the more acclimated he became to Maryland ways, the greater his motive to change that society and make it more satisfying, both emotionally and intellectually. Dr. Elaine G. Breslaw's talk will focus on the means used by Dr. Hamilton to improve his American social environment and, in the process, how he was transformed from a bewildered Scots immigrant to an elite American gentleman proud of his new identity. The talk will be accompanied with slides of Dr. Hamilton's comic line drawings of his friends and activities and a small installation of documents from the MdHS's H. Furlong Baldwin Library collection of Hamilton writings and sketches - one display for one night only. Dr. Breslaw has long worked on the intellectual life of colonial Maryland and edited the Records of the Tuesday Club of Annapolis, 1747-56 (1988). Her most recent work, Dr. Alexander Hamilton and Provincial America: Expanding the Orbit of Scottish Culture, (LSU Press, 2008) is a culmination of those projects. Books will be available for purchase and the author will sign copies after the talk. Tickets may be reserved at 410-685-3750 ext. 321.

Reminder May 16-17 - The Gatlinburg (Tennessee) Scottish Festival and Games at Mills park, This is the 30th year for the oldest Celtic celebration in Maryland. Chosen in 2000 by Congressman Steny Hoyer to represent Southern Maryland in the national Local Legacy project of the Library of Congress' Bicentennial celebration, The Southern Maryland Celtic Festival and Highland Gathering highlights the heritage of the Scots, Irish, Welsh, Manx, Breton, Cornish and British. Tel: 443-404-7319.

Reminder June 14 - Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Potomac Celtic Festival has been more than just a cultural heritage festival; it has been a labor of love, run by a staff of volunteers, craftspeople, vendors, historians, performers, and many others. The 2008 festival will be held on the historical grounds (near the Mansion - not the Equestrian center) of Morven Park in Leesburg, VA, and will include, continuous music and dance, Celtic crafters and specialty import vendors, a parade and pipers, story telling, children's activities, workshops, food and drink (including our authentic pub tent and fine wines from Tarara Winery), and all of the family-fun that has become synonymous with the Potomac Celtic Festival! Visit the Web site for details and updates.

Concerts

Iona Concerts:
May 3 - 7th Annual Scottish Festival & Celtic Gathering, Bridgeport City Park, Bridgeport, WV.
June 14 - Potomac Celtic Festival, Morven Park, Leesburg, VA

Tartan Day

This Tartan Day section of the Events page will remain throughout the year as both a placeholder for future years' Tartan Day events and for the general information of readers.

In 1998 the US Senate designated 6 April each year as national Tartan Day in recognition of the monumental achievements and invaluable contributions made by Scottish Americans. This celebrates both US and Scottish Independence. You can read a modern English translation of the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of Independence, online. See National Tartan Day for many related topics such as: The history of National Tartan Day, the Scottish influence on America, a teacher's guide, Scottish books for kids, and national and Washington DC Events.

Petitions
Please sign the Petition for a National Tartan Day Presidential Proclamation [To be updated this month]
Sign The Declaration of Support to promote an annual celebration of the historical enactment of the Arbroath Declaration made on 6 April 1320, to renew the close historical, cultural, trading and other links between Scotland and the rest of the world with particular attention being paid to countries where the Scottish Diaspora is greatest, and to encourage individual and international friendship and goodwill through Tartan Day celebrations both in Scotland and worldwide.

See Tartan Day events around the World. You can browse through the events listed or click on the index to jump to a particular location. The information at this site may serve as a starting point for searching for times and specific locations.

Tartan Day - The Song
from Prestonpans Scotland, a song writer presently living in New Zealand, wrote a song called Tartan Day which can be used universally by changing the name of the country (i.e., Tartan-Day-in-America, Tartan Day in Canada). It is to be used throughout Canada and Scotland via Angus Ahead which is the governing body for Tartan Day Scotland. The song is presented here with the permission of Mr. Rowan and the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia which holds the copyright. You may view the sheet music or play the song (instrumental). Copyright (© 2008) by the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia and used by permission of the Federation and the author, Charles Colquhoun Rowan. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission of the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia.

National Scots, Scots-Irish Heritage Month

Weekly Events

Each Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. The Scottish Country Dance Society of Washington, DC has Scottish Country Dancing lessons at St. Alban's School on the grounds of the National Cathedral at Wisconsin and Massachussetts Avenues,NW. For details contact John McLeod at 301-622-5945 or Macaulay Howard at 202-541-0329.

Monthly Events

Members of the Saint Andrew's Society of Washington, DC, and men interested in meeting fellow Scots are welcome to participate in the Jefferson Cup Luncheons held the first and third Monday of each month at the Pier Seven Restaurant of the Channel Inn, 650 Water St. SW, Washington, DC 20024, one block west of Maine Avenue. There is free parking in the garage beneath the hotel. Gather at 11:30, dine at 12:15, and conclude at around 1:00. The price of the luncheon runs between $20 to $25 for lunch and parking. That includes tips and care of the cup box. A cash bar is also available. Men interested in receiving e-mail notifications of these luncheons and their agendas may send e-mail to . For further information about these luncheons contact Jim Campbell at 703-553-3993.

The St. Andrew's Society of Washington, DC's Wee Dram happy hour is generally held on the last Thursday of each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Four Courts (Arlington Courthouse), 2051 Wilson Blvd. We're usually there for 2 hours or so, and hope to have you join us if you can. The Wee Dram is an informal gathering, giving members a chance to get together and enjoy some libations and camaraderie. The group rotates among various establishments around town; society members and friends are kept abreast of the location each month. It is open to members and, of course, to prospective members; significant others can certainly belly-up to the bar alongside. Kilts are always a delightful option for attire, and a wonderful way to promote the Society and Scottish culture. There is no cost to attend, and everyone pays for his or her own food and beverages. We hope to have you join us! Contact us via the Membership inquiry e-mail address - - for details.

The Clans of Scotland, USA meets on the second Tuesday of the following months: January, March, May, July, September, and November. Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. at different venues. There is no obligation to buy a meal. As always, visitors are welcome to attend and participate in the meetings. For information e-mail Bryan Ginn at .

On the 3d Sunday of each month, members of the Scottish Music Community (primarily members of the Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club) sponsors a Scottish Music Jam from 3:00-to 6:00 p.m. at the Royal Mile Scottish Pub, Maryland's only Scottish Pub, in Wheaton, MD. Anyone, including Irish music players, come to play. You can play almost any formal or man made instruments. The Potomac Valley Fiddle Club includes many musicians on different instruments - several national fiddle champions and recording artists. The Royal Mile is located on Price Ave which is one block south of where Georgia Ave. and University Ave. cross each other in Wheaton. If you are heading north on either main road from the beltway and it that junction, you have gone one city block too far out. Come back down towards the beltway by one street. There is Pub food with an emphasis on many traditional Scottish foods.

The Scottish Literary Forum, a project of the Living Legacy of Scotland, Inc, brings together those who are interested in exploring and discussing Scottish literature: fiction, poetry, essays, and nonfiction. A major emphasis will be on 20th century Scottish fiction. Each month participants will read and discuss a selected book and from time to time, guest speakers and authors will be invited to discuss their work. Visit their Web site for a schedule of activities and location or call Judith Walton, 202-362-7938 or e-mail to .

Annual Events

The Virginia Scottish Games were held each year in Alexandria, VA. This event is now held in Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA. This celebrates our Scottish Heritage with Scottish Athletics, Dancing, Music, Crafts, Food and other fascinating Scottish events. Tickets may now be purchased on-line. You can call our Info Line at 703-912-1943 for more information. Any correspondence with the VSGA can be sent to: VSGA, P.O. Box 1338, Alexandria, VA 22313.

The Alexandria Scottish Heritage Fair is held each year in September or October at Fort Ward Park in Alexandria, VA. Alexandria celebrates the heritage of many ethnic groups through its outstanding Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities. City sponsorship of a Scottish Fair is especially appropriate since Alexandria was founded by Scottish merchants.

Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk - Each year, the holiday season steps off to a brisk pace with the annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, hosted by the Campagna Center of Alexandria, Virginia, and the Saint Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C. The Walk has grown from a small and informal parade over thirty-four years ago to an entire weekend filled with events and festivities for all ages. More than 30,000 people attend the festivities that are organized by 200 volunteers. The Walk kicks off with the Society in the lead and features Scottish military regiments, highlanders, school bands, citizen groups and associations, Scottish clan societies, floats filled with Campagna Center volunteers and children, the Lord Provost of Dundee (Alexandria's Scottish sister city), and local and regional political leaders, who ride in vintage cars loaned by antique car club members.

Local Organizations' Calendars

Local organizations' calendars of events may be found at the following locations:

Events outside the Washington, DC Area

At The Scottish Banner you may find out about Scottish Heritage events around the world: in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA.

Non-Scottish, Non-Celtic Heritage

The following sites contain information about local events and places of interest in the Washington, DC area that are not necessarily related to Scottish heritage or Scotland: