Clan Cunningham Society of America

About The Clan Cunningham Society founded in 1984

Clan Cunningham Society of America, Inc. (CCS) is the official, original and largest Clan Cunningham organization in the world. In its fourth decade now The Clan Cunningham Society has worked diligently to discover, restore, document and preserve our rich Cunningham heritage. With an ever growing world-wide membership of 918, CCS continues to embark on many new programs and projects, forging ahead through the 21st century with a clear and renewed vision for the future. Our united, vibrant and contemporary Clan Cunningham Society is leading the effort to preserve and celebrate our history today and into the future, while keeping a sharp eye back to our noble heritage and honorable name. We welcome you to join Clan Cunningham Society and be a part of the exciting Clan Cunningham Rising!

CCS has the distinction of being the only Clan Cunningham organization in the world formed upon the advance written advice and blessing of the Office of the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Scotland. This honor was extended to CCSA in 1984 and it was upon the recommendation of the Lord Lyon's Office that we adopted our original name "Clan Cunningham Society of America." CCS is non-political, non-sectarian and operates as a non-profit corporation.

Be A Part of Clan Cunningham Rising!

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I.) Establishing a Clan Repository

In addition to keeping its own historical library and genealogy records, CCSA chose the Ellen Payne Odom Library in Moultrie, Georgia to act as a repository for genealogy and historical materials the organization has meticulously collected over the past twenty years. The Odom Library is recognized as a leading repository for Scottish clan organizations across America and contains the genealogy and history of over one hundred clans. Clan Cunningham Society also donated a Cunningham tartan flag and a chair (with a tartan seat cover and the Cunningham arms) to the library.

II.) Placing the Chief's Glencairn Arms at Finlaystone

CCSA has commissioned and placed an historical Cunningham marker bearing the Glencairn Arms in Finlaystone Manor House in Langbank, Scotland (see picture below. Finlaystone is significant to Cunninghams as the home of the Earls of Glencairn, the Clan Cunningham chiefs, for over 400 years. It is currently owned by George MacMillan, Chief of Clan MacMillan, and is open to the public.

Many other projects are currently underway. Keep visiting Clan Cunningham Society's website for more information.

Finlaystone

III.) Clan Chief, John Cunningham, 15th Earl of Glencairn
Memorial Dedication Ceremony on November 25, 2003

St. Cuthbert's Churchyard, Edinburgh, Scotland

(Left) Frances Powers, High Commissioner-Larry Augsbury, Dawn Augsbury
(Center) Reverend Cuthell performs the Memorial blessing service
(Right) Lord Lyon Robin Blair and Edinburgh City Councillor Bill Cunningham.

Lord Lyon Robin Blair inspects the new Memorial.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2003, Clan Cunningham Society of America dedicated its granite memorial with the accompanying acknowledgement plaque at St. Cuthbert's Churchyard in Edinburgh with a ceremony befitting a Scottish Peer.

The Memorial was dedicated in honor of the last Earl of Glencairn, John Cunningham, who died on September 29th, 1796 without issue. John Cunningham was the last Chief of Clan Cunningham. When his resting place was discovered by Larry Augsbury in May 2000, it was revealed that his original tombstone was inexplicably missing from the wall behind his grave. Following Larry's return CCSA's Board of Directors ratified a resolution to design, commission and have the Memorial erected, which has created a focal point from which Clan Cunningham can look to on its journey to rise and reclaim its rightful place among the contemporary clans of Scotland.

Memorial artist Roger Seal of Denver, CO was commissioned to carve the Glencairn Arms, whose rendering from the verbal blazon in the Public Register of all Arms and Bearings in Scotland was commissioned from the Lord Lyon King of Arms, specifically for the monument. For those able to go to Edinburgh, we encourage you to visit monument. The church and adjacent churchyard is located just below Edinburgh Castle, adjacent to the Princess Gardens.

The Memorial Dedication Ceremony proceedings were as follows:

Pipers Lament 'Mist Covered Mountains of Home' by Piper Keith Easdale.

Opening Comments and Introductions by Moderator, Larry Augsbury, Clan Cunningham Society of America's High Commissioner and Chairman.

"Malcolm's Ride" A ballad about the origins of the Cunningham Motto and Shake-Fork Charge on the Glencairn Arms. Performed by the internationally acclaimed Celtic group Calasaig (Keith Johnston, Kirsten Easdale, Keith Easdale, Celine Donoghue and Andy Webster.)

Honored Guest's Address, Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, Right Honorable Robin Blair, LVO, WS. (Read the Lord Lyon's speech to Clan Cunningham Society on the News page.)

Honored Guest's Address, Clan Chief George MacMillan of MacMillan and Knap of Finlaystone (former seat of Clan Cunningham) (Read Chief MacMillan's speech to Clan Cunningham Society on the News page)

Speaker, Edinburgh City Councilor, Bill Cunningham, Holyrood Ward

Moderator's Address, High Commissioner and Chairman, Larry Augsbury, Clan Cunningham Society of America

Recitation of the Robert Burn's Poem, "Lament For James, Earl of Glencairn" Read by CCSA member James Hutchison

Procession To Gravesite and Memorialto John, Earl of Glencairn. Procession Piped to the tune "March of the Cunninghams"

Piper's Lament, 'Sleep Dearie Sleep'

Blessing of Memorial, Blessing Performed by Reverend T.C. Cuthell of St. Cuthbert's Parish Church

Civic Reception, Hosted by the City of Edinburgh, Usher Hall. Music Performed by Calasaig.

Keith Easdale leading the procession to the Earl's
resting place to the tune he composed for this occasion
"March of the Cunninghams"

(Left to Right), Jim Cunningham, Julie Hutchison
Lord Lyon and Larry Augsbury.

High Commissioner Larry Augsbury
greets the Lord Lyon Robin Blair at Usher Hall.

IV.) Clan Cunningham Gathering 2003 at Balgonie Castle in Fife

FIRST CLAN CUNNINGHAM GATHERING IN OVER 250 YEARS!

Thirty-one Cunninghams Gather from America and Europe
for the first time in over two centuries.

Ben Cunningham organized a Thanksgiving Day feast with the Clan Cunningham Society of America. According to William Cunningham of Dunfermline, it was the first Clan Cunningham Gathering in over 250 years.

Cunninghams met at Balgonie Castle in the heart of the Kingdom of Fife. The Gathering was well represented by eighteen members of Clan Cunningham Society of America, hailing from the USA, France, and Scotland, along with thirteen Cunninghams from Scotland. Ben coordinated the event. The Laird of Balgonie and his son, Balgonie the Younger, gave their guests a tour before the feast in the castle's Great Hall.

For those who attended, it was a magical affair, and all were aware of the great significance of the event. The legacy of the Cunningham Clan can be found throughout Scotland, even at Balgonie Castle, where the Cunningham shield and shakefork charge was prominently painted in the Great Hall. Following toasts to the great past and future of the Clan, we moved to the castle's chapel, where a presentation of awards was given by both CCSA and Ben Cunningham.

A basket-hilt sword was awarded to CCSA member Francis Powers for first place in the contest on Scottish history. A sword was also given to the other CCSA runners up in the contest, Daniel and Christine Cunningham, and Alva Shoemaker.

Ben Cunningham presented the Laird of Balgonie with a basket-hilt sword in honor of his hospitality. Ben also presented our High Commissioner, Larry Augsbury, with a commemorative dirk for his years of dedicated service to, and leadership of Clan Cunningham.

Ben Cunningham and
Laird Balgonie in Great Hall.

Frances Powers with
the first prize sword.

Ben addresses the
gathering before the feast.

Clan Cunningham shakefork shield painted on the ceiling in
Balgonie Castle.

The evening's Balgonie festivities concluded back in the Great Hall with entertainment provided by the Piper Leslie MacKinay, Magician Steve Lindsay and Highland Dancers Claire and Melonie Reekie. On Friday, the group spent the day touring Edinburgh, visiting Edinburgh Castle and a woolen mill, ending with a dinner that included Haggis at MacGregors on the Royal Mile.

The following day the Cunninghams visited St. Andrews, touring the sites within the town. CCSA offers a special thanks to Ben Cunningham for his efforts in organizing this gathering event.

V.) Saint Andrews Night, Ch�teau de Cherveux

Cherveux, France

Ch�teau de Cherveux, still with moat,
built by Robert de Conyngham c. 1470

On November 21st 2003, Clan Cunningham Society of America took part in the St. Andrews Night Banquet and Ball, held at the Ch�teau de Cherveux in France. It was a particularly auspicious occasion for CCSA since the ch�teau was originally a castle built by Robert de Conyngham, Captain of the Scots Guard and King's bodyguard for the French Kings Charles VII and Louis XI. The current owners and CCSA members Fran�ois and Marie-Th�r�se Redien hosted the event. Other CCSA members in attendance were Jim and Julie Hutchinson, Fran Powers, Dawn Augsbury, Cheryl Marshall, and Clan Cunningham Society of America's High Commissioner, Larry Augsbury.

About 50 guests came to the event, including the current Mayor of the town of Cherveux, Georges Lair. Fran�ois Redien served as mayor of the town for 12 years. Other attendees included the former French Ambassador to the U.S., Jean Debenest; author and historian of the Middle Ages Philippe Contamine; president of "des Mainsons Paysannes" of Deux-Sevres, Madeline Auderbrand; President of the "soci�t� d'assurance Groupama" of Deux-S�vres, Joseph Godet; Marc Thebault, Municipal Councilor of Niort and Parliamentary Attach� of Senator Andr� Dulait; and the Vice-President of the Conseil G�n�ral des Deux-S�vres and Mayor of Saint -Maixent, L�opold Moreau.

Larry Augsbury presents Fran�ois Redien with the CCSA
published hard-bound French translation of the
Clan Cuhnningham "Origins, Heritage & Traditions" book.

Two local French newspapers published an article on the event, making mention of Clan Cunningham's connection with the builder of the castle 533 years earlier, Robert de Conyngham. Three toasts were given. Tony Murdock toasted Saint Andrews, Fran�ois Redien toasted the "Auld Alliance" between Scotland and France, and Larry Augsbury gave the toast to Scotland. Dinner and dancing followed into the wee hours.

The Ch�teau de Cherveux is as a bed and breakfast. To find out more about making a reservation, go to the Ch�teau de Cherveux site. For more information about Clan Cunningham's connection to the Ch�teau de Cherveux, please visit our Cunningham Castles page.

From left Julie Hutchison, Larry Augsbury,
Fran�ois Redien and Jeanne Debenest,
former Ambassador to the U.S.

VI.) Clan Cunningham Society Publications

One of CCSA's early achievements was the writing and publishing of the Clan Cunningham newsletter by Deborah Cunningham Green and our books by James V. Miller. These books are constantly being updated as more Cunningham history is uncovered. They are invaluable resources for all Cunninghams and those interested in Cunningham history. These and other items are available for ordering in the Clan Store.

Cunningham Communiqu�

CCSA distributes our informative and entertaining quarterly newsletter called The Cunningham Communiqu� to our current members.
A Guide to Clan Cunningham Sites in Scotland and Ireland Using detailed descriptions along with illustrations and road maps that are compatible with Scotland's Department of Tourism maps, this book directs readers to more than 50 Clan Cunningham historical sites.

Spiral Bound. 56 pages. Members $15.00 - Non $25.00

Clan Cunningham Origins, Heritage, and Traditions This is the first publication to trace the beginnings of our Clan through the turbulent history of Scotland and how our Clan Chiefs helped shape the nation. Now in its third printing, this well researched book is packed with information about the history of the Cunninghams down through the ages, with a description of the major and minor families and branches. Complete with illustrations and maps.

Spiral Bound. 66 pages. Members $15.00 - Non $25.00

Clan Cunningham Origins, Heritage, and Traditions (French Edition) (Right) Pascale Hime works on the French translation of the third edition of our "Clan Cunningham Origins, Heritage and Traditions" book. A hard-back, leather-bound edition with the Glencairn Arms gold foil-stamped on the cover was presented by our High Commissioner to Fran�ois Redien at the Ch�teau de Cherveux in France at the St Andrews Banquet and Ball.

OUR PURPOSE

Clan Cunningham Society of America aspires to bring everyone interested in the history of the District of Cunninghame from across the United States and around the world together to share the wealth of history and heritage which the legacy of the Earls of Glencairn and their ancestors has to offer.

Our Society's Goals Are:

To preserve and promote the customs, traditions and heritage of the Earls of Glencairn in unity among those who strive to emulate its distinguished reputation.

To uphold the esteemed legacy of the Earls of Glencairn and their ancestors from whom this noble line descended.

To collect, preserve, and identify our Clan's historical documents, sites, tartans, music, literature and genealogical records.

To cultivate an awareness of and appreciation for our Scottish culture, heraldry, music, customs, folklore, language, and assist in the education of Society members, and their descendants or any other like-minded group in Scottish matters past, present or future.

To promote our Scottish heritage and inspire among our membership and future generations the spirit, pride, and honourable conduct of the direct Glencairn line and their ancestors by representing the Society at Scottish Games, Festivals or any other related Gatherings.

Visit our Clan Cunningham Global web site