Preserving Your Heritage
About Clan Donald USA
Celebrating Clan Donald’s Legacy In The United States
Clan Donald USA is a vibrant family organization focused on preserving and celebrating our rich Scottish heritage. As a respected branch of the wider Clan Donald family, we are committed to upholding the traditions that define our legacy. At Clan Donald USA, we honor our shared history and values while embracing opportunities for the present and future.
A Welcome from the High Commissioner
A Welcome from the High Commissioner
As High Commissioner of Clan Donald USA, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our website and digital community. Under the charge of our High Chief, Godfrey James Macdonald of Macdonald, Lord Macdonald, we are a part of a worldwide fellowship of the Clan Donald family around the world. In this we join with Clan Donald Australia, Clan Donald Canada, Clan Donald Germany, Clan Donald New Zealand, and of course the members of Clan Donald in Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.
Clan Donald USA is a United States 501(c)(7) organization of over 2,000 families who trace their ancestry to any of the branches of Clann Domhnaill. We embrace all the MacDonalds (no matter how spelled) and other recognized surnames as branches or adherents of the greatest of the Highland clans.
Many of our members attend the numerous Scottish Highland Games throughout the country. We have a Clan Donald tent at as many of them as we can. Our members consider us home base throughout the day of the games, and a place to meet new people with a common heritage and interests. Many have been known to become lifelong friends.
There is so much more to Clan Donald USA than the highland games, though. We publish a bi-annual newsletter in addition to this website. Members also attend local events like picnics and dinners, allowing them to get to know each other outside of the games. Clan Donald engages in Genealogy and DNA research, and many are extremely interested in History. Through the Clan Donald Foundation, we raise money to support Scottish cultural and historical concerns both in Scotland and in the United States including awarding scholarships for study in Scotland, as well as scholarships for support of members wanting to learn piping, drumming, fiddling, and playing the clarsach.
Your interest in this site means that you may have discovered a connection to Clan Donald. Please consider joining our community to connect with fellow members both online and in person. As a member of Clan Donald USA, you will gain access to a wealth of resources and information and can connect with other Clan Donald members across the United States and the world. Apply for membership today and embrace your heritage!
Many thanks for stopping by! We’d love to have you as a member.
All the best,
David Macdonald of Castle Camus
Our Members
Capturing the special community of Clan Donald USA members.
The Evolution of Clan Donald USA
Clan Donald USA’s story is filled with organizational accomplishments, cultural milestones, and the strengthening of ties among descendants worldwide, showcasing how Clan Donald USA has flourished while honoring its deep-rooted traditions.
Our Beginnings
The Clan Donald Society was established by the late Lord Alexander Macdonald of Macdonald to extend the clan’s presence to America. Reginald H. Macdonald of Kingsburgh, OBE, a direct descendant of Flora McDonald, assumed the role of High Commissioner. He founded the Clan Donald extension in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marking the beginnings of Clan Donald USA.
A New Era
The Right Honourable Godfrey James MacDonald of MacDonald ascended as the 8th Lord MacDonald, embracing the distinguished roles of Chief of the Name and Arms of MacDonald, High Chief of Clan Donald, and the 34th Hereditary Chief of Clan Donald. This pivotal year heralded a new chapter, strengthening the clan’s cultural heritage and unity across the globe.
Legacy In The Making
Ellice McDonald, Jr, CBE of Delaware, was appointed High Commissioner by Lord Godfrey Macdonald of Macdonald. Under his leadership and with the collaboration of dedicated commissioners and clansmen, Clan Donald USA began its journey to prosperity.
Spreading The Word
The establishment of the national Clan Donald magazine, “By Sea By Land,” along with regional and state newsletters, facilitated vibrant communication within the community.
Incorporation
The organization was formally incorporated as Clan Donald USA, Inc., a 501(c)(7) in the State of Delaware. The nation was divided into 13 regions, later adjusted as needed, each with appointed regional and state commissioners.
Today And Beyond
Today, Clan Donald USA stands as the nation’s largest Clan organization, having expanded from a handful of members to nearly 4,000 families. Engaging in Highland games and local events, members forge connections, sharing enduring traditions across generations.
Our Mission
At Clan Donald USA, our mission is to honor our rich Scottish heritage, connect generations, and cultivate a community that preserves traditions, fosters belonging, and propels our legacy into the future.
Preserving Heritage
Safeguarding the rich Scottish heritage and traditions that define our identity.
Connecting Generations
Uniting diverse generations through meaningful interactions and shared values.
Educational Initiatives
Providing scholarships and educational opportunities that deepen understanding of our history and culture.
Cultural Events
Organizing events that celebrate and showcase our heritage’s vibrant tapestry.
Genealogical Exploration
Delving into our ancestral roots to honor the spirit of our forebears.
Fostering Belonging
Creating a warm and welcoming community where members find pride and a sense of belonging.
Past & Present Integration
Bridging the past with the present to inspire a dynamic future.
Upholding Values
Committing to the timeless values that define Clan Donald for generations
to come.
Helping Future Generations
Clan Donald USA Scholarship Program
Ready to immerse yourself in all the culture that our Scottish heritage has to offer? Enroll with Clan Donald USA and become part of a vibrant family that celebrates our Clan’s rich heritage!
Explore how Clan Donald USA combines the celebration of Scottish heritage with assisting deserving individuals on their academic path.
Celebrating Clan Donald USA’s Achievements
Discover the remarkable achievements of Clan Donald USA, showcasing our dedication to preserving Scottish heritage and fostering a strong, dynamic community.
70
Years In Existence
11, 500
Members Enrolled
2,000
Genealogy Participants
15,000+
Highland Games Attended
Clan Donald USA Board of Directors
David MacDonald
of Castle Camus
Alex Gury
Amy Scolet
Devae Tharpe
Daniel T. McDaniel
Eric D. Shaw
Eugene McKeachie
James McDonald V
Jeff McConnell
Kelly Quinn
Mike McDaniel
Robin Summerall
Tricia Bourdeau
Victor R. Donham
Kim McDonald
Past High Commissioners-Advisors to the Board
Linda Harlow
USN (Retired)
Diane Carey-Schmitz
Ronald Coutts
Albert Manning
Where Are You Located?
Clan Donald USA Regions
Clan Donald USA consists of 13 Regions listed below. When you become a member, you are assigned to a region based on your location. Each Region consists of a Regional Commissioner, Deputy Regional Commissioner, Regional Treasurer, individual State Commissioners and Deputy State Commissioners. As well as, Conveners and Youth Conveners at both the Regional and State levels.
Clan Donald USA Regional Commissioners
Become part of a living legacy by connecting with your local regional commissioner today! Engaging with Clan Donald USA offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Scottish heritage, participate in cultural events, and build lasting friendships within our vibrant community. Don’t miss out—reach out and join the Clan Donald family in your region!
Eric D. Shaw
Regional Commissioner
Great Lakes
William Willcock
Deputy Regional Commissioner
Great Lakes
Amy Scolet
Regional Commissioner
Great Plains
Jeff McConnell
Regional Commissioner
Gulf Atlantic
Victor R. Donham
Regional Commissioner
Mid-Atlantic
James McDonald V
Regional Commissioner
Midwest
Daniel T. McDaniel
Regional Commissioner
Mississippi Delta
Eugene McKechnie
Regional Commissioner
North Atlantic
Tricia Bourdeau
Regional Commissioner
Pacific Northwest
Kelly Quinn
Regional Commissioner
Pacific Southwest
Michael McDaniel
Regional Commissioner
Red River
Alex Gury
Regional Commissioner
Rocky Mountain
Devae Tharpe
Regional Commissioner
Southeast
Wesley McDonald
Deputy Regional Commissioner
Southeast
Tammie Burroughs
Regional Commissioner
Southern Appalachian
Unlock Your Clan Donald Heritage
Ready to immerse yourself in all the culture that our Scottish heritage has to offer? Enroll with Clan Donald USA and become part of a vibrant family that celebrates our Clan’s rich heritage!
