Discovery Center

Scottish Heritage USA Launches Interactive Discovery Center Feasibility Study

Pinehurst, NC — Scottish Heritage USA (SHUSA) – one of the country’s leading Scottish cultural associations with members in 43 states and Canada has initiated a Feasibility Study to kick off planning for a permanent brick-and-mortar Scottish Heritage Discovery Center in North Carolina. The study marks a significant step in expanding the nonprofit’s mission to inspire people to explore, celebrate, support, and sustain Scottish heritage through education, cultural engagement, community connection, and strategic partnerships.

The Study will explore potential locations, facilities and programmatic needs, community partnerships, and sources of funding to bring the vision for a US based Scottish Heritage Discovery Center to life. Based on the Study’s findings, Scottish Heritage USA and its Board of Directors will be positioned to confirm the site for the Discovery Center as well as the fund-raising goals needed to develop and sustain its offerings for years to come.

-North Carolina was selected for consideration due to its deep historical connections to Scotland and the significant impact of Scottish and Scots Irish settlers on the region’s cultural, economic, and political development.

-Plans for the Scottish Heritage Discovery Center envision a dynamic, public-facing institution offering interactive displays, rotating and permanent exhibitions, lectures, workshops, school programs, genealogical resources, and arts and performance events celebrating Scotland’s contributions to American history and culture. The Center is envisioned to provide opportunities for collaboration with educational institutions, cultural organizations, and community groups.

“This initiative represents an important milestone for Scottish Heritage USA,” said Peter McC Wilson IV, SHUSA president. “A permanent home would allow us to deepen our educational outreach, interactively expand Scottish American cultural traditions, and create a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can engage with the rich legacy of Scotland in America.”

Scottish Heritage USA has retained the strategic nonprofit consultants moss+ross to lead the feasibility study and help develop a blueprint for this preliminary planning stage. The firm was selected for their experience working with nonprofits throughout North Carolina and beyond, conducting campaigns for capital projects, annual fundraising, and endowments as well as strategic and leadership development.

Scottish Heritage USA emphasizes that the project remains in the exploratory phase. Findings from the feasibility study will be shared with stakeholders, members and the public as they become available, and no final decisions regarding location or construction timelines have yet been made.

Please visit www.ScottishHeritageDiscoveryCenter.org to learn more, sign up for special Discovery Center e-News, and explore how you can get involved in helping us make the Scottish Heritage Discovery Center come to life!