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Happy Scottish-American Heritage Month, celebrated every April 1! This month-long celebration highlights the contributions and influence of Scottish immigrants and their descendants in American society. Did you know that roughly one in eight Americans can trace their ancestry back to Scotland? From famous politicians and inventors to actors and musicians, Scottish-Americans have made their mark in various fields throughout history. So let's raise a glass (or a bagpipe) to this vibrant culture and all the amazing things it has brought to America.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1600s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Scottish Settlers</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scottish immigrants first began settling in North America in the early 1600s, starting with Nova Scotia in Canada, and later moving south into what is now the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1688</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Major Migration Wave</div><div class='timeline-text'>Large scale migration started due to the Glorious Revolution in Britain and the colonizing initiatives of the Darien Scheme, leading to significant Scottish presence in America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1700s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Scottish Enlightenment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment, characterized by a focus on reason and human nature, greatly influenced American thought, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1820s-1930s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Industrial Age Influence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Major contributions by Scottish-Americans during the Industrial Age, including inventions by Alexander Graham Bell and Andrew Carnegie's steel industry dominance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of Tartan Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1994, the first Tartan Day was observed in the United States where millions of Scottish descendants honor their heritage.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Heritage Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>George W. Bush made April officially Scottish-American Heritage Month, helping to further solidify the culture and influence of Scottish-Americans in the United States.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore your Scottish roots</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research your family history and learn more about your Scottish heritage. This can be a meaningful way to connect with your ancestors and celebrate your heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Scottish festival or parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns hold festivals or parades to celebrate Scottish-American heritage during this month. Attend one and experience traditional Scottish food, music, and culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional Scottish dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to try some authentic Scottish cuisine, such as haggis, neeps and tatties, or shortbread. You can even host a Scottish-themed dinner party for friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn Scottish dances</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a Scottish dance class or attend a ceilidh (traditional Scottish social gathering with music and dancing). This is a fun and active way to celebrate your heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Scottish museum or historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Immerse yourself in Scottish-American history by visiting a museum or historical site dedicated to preserving the culture and contributions of Scottish immigrants to the United States.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the contributions of Scottish-Americans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Scottish-Americans have made countless contributions to American society - from business and politics, to arts and culture. By highlighting their achievements during this month, we can honor and appreciate their impact on our country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes cultural awareness and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By learning about Scottish-American heritage, we gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity within our country. This can also help foster unity and promote acceptance of different cultures.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes the importance of preserving traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating Scottish-American Heritage Month allows us to honor and preserve traditional customs, foods, music, and more. It's an opportunity to pass down these practices to future generations and keep them alive for years to come.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-num'><p class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-content-holder'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Declaration of Arbroath Influenced the American Declaration of Independence</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Scottish Declaration of Arbroath, signed in 1320, is believed to have greatly influenced the American Declaration of Independence. Both documents share themes of liberty and freedom.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-num'><p class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-content-holder'><h3 class='facts-title'>At Least Nine U.S. Presidents Have Scottish Ancestry</h3><p class='facts-content'>Presidents including Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, and Ronald Reagan can trace their lineage back to Scotland.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-num'><p class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-content-holder'><h3 class='facts-title'>American Country Music Has Scottish Roots</h3><p class='facts-content'>The traditional Scottish folk music brought to America by immigrants had a significant influence on the inception of American country music.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-num'><p class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-content-holder'><h3 class='facts-title'>20 of the Signers of the American Declaration of Independence Were of Scottish Descent</h3><p class='facts-content'>Scottish signatures accounted for about one-third of all those who ratified the iconic document.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-num'><p class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-content-holder'><h3 class='facts-title'>Scottish Gaelic Was Widely Spoken in the U.S. Until the 19th Century</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to a large Scottish immigrant population in the 17th and 18th centuries, Scottish Gaelic was spoken throughout many parts of the U.S, particularly in the upper Midwest and Southeast.</p></div></div>
Scottish-American Heritage Month is celebrated on April 1 every year. In 2024 Scottish-American Heritage Month will occur on a Monday.
2023
Apr 1
Saturday
2024
Apr 1
Monday
2025
Apr 1
Tuesday
2026
Apr 1
Wednesday
2027
Apr 1
Thursday
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