Clan Donnachaidh Membership
Potential Donnachaidh of the Carolinas members often ask, "What is in this for me? What do I get for my dues?"
The answer is, "Quite a lot!"
Donnachaidh of the Carolinas membership will bring you a variety of benefits.
Donnachaidh of the Carolinas By-Laws
Local Membership Benefits:
Communications
- The Rannoch Station, the local branch newsletter, published monthly.
- Periodic letters and emails from Donnachaidh of the Carolinas.
- News of various Scottish and Celtic events and entertainment.
- Access to the Clan Donnachaidh Society website, the Donnachaidh of the Carolinas website, and links to Scottish and Celtic websites of interest.
Genealogy Assistance
- Access to Clan Donnachaidh genealogical information.
- Access to the Donnachaidh archives at the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogy Library in Moultrie, Georgia.
Personal Interest
- Dues include membership for your spouse and all dependent children under age 18. We are a family organization and encourage children to attend all Games and functions.
- Share your Scottish interests in genealogy, history, highland and Scottish country dancing, music, pipe bands, bagpipes, drums, harp, fiddle, etc. with other Donnachaidh members.
- Attend highland games and visit with Clan Donnachaidh members and friends from other Clans.
- Attend Branch, state and local picnics, ceilidhs (parties), dinners and other events with Clan Donnachaidh members and friends from other Clans.
- Voting privilege for officers at the Branch's Annual General Meeting (AGM).
- Participate on Branch committees and board of directors.
International Membership Benefits:
In essence, the job of the Society in Scotland is to be the trunk of the tree from which the branches spring. Its health depends on support from clansfolk who wish to preserve and enhance their heritage.
Communications
- A yearly Clan Annual, which includes information about the Clan and reports from the various Clan Branches around the world, articles relating to clan history, archaeological digs with a Clan connection are featured as well as articles about battles, and various aspects of Scottish life.
- The Clan Society Newsletter authored by Clan Council member, Stephanie Robertson, which updates us on events and activities held in our clan country in Scotland. Stephanie also provides important information on the Clan DNA Project.
- The Clan Secretary answers queries from members and non-members alike, helping to spread the word about Clan Donnachaidh, (the Children of Duncan).
Personal Interest
- Your dues help to maintain the Clan Centre and Museum which preserves and promotes the Clan's heritage and artifacts. Located at Bruar in Perthshire, the Clan Museum, built in 1967, was the first purpose-built clan museum in Scotland. In addition to the artifacts preserved, there is a Reading Room where members can discover more about the Clan, the Society and its history. A Gift Shop contains souvenirs featuring the surnames and crests of all the clans of Scotland plus many gift ideas in a wide price range. Exquisite handmade silver jewelry and other items made by Scottish craftsmen are also featured.
- International dues help the Society to maintain the bits of the clan lands which have come into its ownership.
- Your International dues help to maintain the Kirk at Struan; the churchyard is the burial site of many of our Chiefs.
- The International Society gives grants to various bodies which have a bearing on the Clan. Examples include sponsorship of the Poet Chief's archery medal at St. Andrews, and a Donnachaidh memorial stone at the recently opened Visitors Centre at Culloden.
- An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held each year, attended by Clan members from the four corners of the earth. A report of the year's accomplishments is given and plans for the new year voted on. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet the Chief and his family, Donnachaidh cousins from around the world, and to experience the joy of being in Scotland, to bask in the joy of being "home".
In summary, the job of the Clan Society in Scotland is to maintain the heart and spirit of our heritage. This affords us a unique view of our family roots as more than an excuse to don a kilt. Your annual dues are needed to preserve this evidence of our heritage for our children and grandchildren.
Interested in joining?
- Download the Membership Application Form
- Print the Form,
- Fill in your information. and
- Mail it with your payment to:
Judy Harkin, Membership Chair
Clan Donnachaidh of the Carolinas
519 Johnson Street
New Bern, NC 28560
E-mail questions to: secretary@donnachaidhcarolinas.com, Judy Harkin