.

Here, gathered in our beloved South Dakota, are a few members of our Williamson / Mattson Clan. Charles and Luella are to be blamed (be kind, they didn't know what they were doing). We're generally a happy bunch and somewhat intelligent (notwithstanding our tenuous grasp on reality). I'm also proud to say that most of us still have our teeth.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Cunningham Clan Will Gather in September.




From the Fortress of Solitude

Pleasant Grove.


Hello Clan,

A quick post tonight celebrating our tie to the Cunningham Scottish Clan through our 8th Great Grandmother Elizabeth Cunningham. The link to me, and therefore you, follows:


Elizabeth Cunningham 1680-1746 (8th Great Grandmother)
to
John Hunter
to
Martha Hunter
to
Ann Williams
to
Martha Cantwell
to
Frances George
to
Eldora Elizabeth Fiddler
to
Walter Edwin Pierce
to
Violet Mattson
to

Luella

to
Me


The Following is a Letter to All Members of the Cunningham Clan:



Clan Cunningham International Unites World Members 

Welcoming Cunningham descendants from around the world, the Board of Directors of Clan Cunningham USA has unanimously voted to change the name of its organization to Clan Cunningham International (CCI). The change is effective immediately. The Board considered the resolution after consultations with the Court of the Lord Lyon, members of The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, several Cunningham armigers and interested Cunninghams outside the United States. The two leading candidates for Chief (family head) of Clan Cunningham have also endorsed this new venture. 

“It is exciting to be part of a growing and vibrant Clan Cunningham organization that is forward thinking and always looking to promote our shared heritage,” said David Pickens, President of Clan Cunningham International. 

During the Clan’s recent trip to The Gathering in Scotland, it became clear that Cunninghams living outside the United States wanted to see the current organization expand to include a wider audience. As a result, Clan Cunningham International was born. 

“The quickest vehicle to accomplish this request was a Board Resolution to change our name to welcome international members. It will give members of Clan Cunningham anywhere in the world an organization to join in celebration of our great heritage. It will also allow our genealogical base to grow and cover Cunningham lines from around the globe,” said Steve Cunningham, Vice President of Clan Cunningham International. Steve Cunningham was in charge of studying the proposal and made the recommendation to the Board. 

Key Scottish leaders, both at home and abroad, have endorsed the former Clan Cunningham USA as the preeminent Cunningham organization needed to lead Clan Cunningham to an international level. CCI has; therefore, adopted a By-Laws Committee for the purpose of transitioning the organization from a national to international platform. Members of the committee will include members of the new Clan Cunningham International (CCI, formerly CCUSA), members of the Clan Cunningham Society of America (CCSA), and Cunningham armigers from England and Scotland. 

Clan Cunningham International welcomes all Cunningham descendants and friends to join this new and exiting organization. For more information, please contact clancunninghamintl@gmail.com

Clan Cunningham International
United Worldwide - Together Worldwide
Join our Worldwide Family!



Information on the Clan Gather...........


Come To The Highlands of New Hampshire!

Clan Cunningham International Triennial Meeting

September 17, 18, & 19, 2010



Come to the Triennial Gathering of Clan Cunningham and business meeting of Clan Cunningham International, September 17, 18, 19, 2010 at the NH Highland Games in Lincoln, New Hampshire. The NH Highland Games is the largest gathering of Scots within the New England region and takes place over a three day period in September. Last year more than 60 Scottish Clans and other organizations along with 30 pipe bands were in attendance, including the Colum Cille Pipes & Drums of Cape Cod who wear the Cunningham Modern tartan.


Every three years Clan Cunningham gathers to celibate their common heritage, renew old acquaintances, make new ones, and set the agenda for the next three years. At the business meeting on Saturday afternoon, we will be voting on Bylaw changes and electing Officers for the next three years.

The next gathering of the Clan will take place in 2013 out in California so if you live close to the Northeast, here is your opportunity to attend a Clan Gathering close to home.


The Northeast Regional Tri-Annual Meeting Committee is already hard at work planning for this event. If you would like to volunteer to assist the Committee, please contact Steve Cunningham at ccusane@comcast.net

Preliminary Schedule of Events

Friday, September 17th


l 8:30 AM Set-up the Clan Cunningham Tent and Reception Center in the Clan Village


l 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM NH Highland Games Open


l 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Cocktail Reception (free) – Steve & Bonnie Cunningham’s Condo

(RSVP acceptance only to: ccusane@comcast.net )


Saturday, September 18th


l 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Games Open


l 11:00 AM Clan Parade & Roll Call – Gather at the Clan Cunningham Tent @ 10:45 AM


l 12:00 PM Opening Ceremonies & Massed Pipe Bands


l 3:00 PM Clan Cunningham International Business Meeting – Clan Cunningham Tent


l 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Clan Cunningham Dinner – Green House Room Beacon Resort, Lincoln, NH

$35 per person. Entertainment - Colum Cille Pipes & Drums of Cape Cod, highland dancing and maybe a surprise or two! (RSVP by 9/1/10 to Steve Cunningham ccusane@comcast.net )

Sunday, September 19th


l 10:00 PM – 4:00PM NH Highland Games Open


l 10:00 AM Worship Services – Kirkin’ O’ Tartans


l 4:00 PM Closing Ceremonies – Time to say good-byes

For a complete list of activities and entertainers at the 2010 NH Highland Games visit their web-site.


Area Hotels:

The Beacon Resort - 1-800-258-8934


Comfort Inn & Suites - 1-888-589-8112


Franconia Notch Motel - 603-745-2229


Indian Head Resort - 603-745-8000

Visit NH Scot for a complete list of area accommodations. Rooms book fast so don't put it off!