April is just one of the many opportunities available to acknowledge, learn, and celebrate the multifaceted and fascinating culture of Scottish Americans, as well as Americans with Scots-Irish descent, who trace their ancestry to Scotland, but through Northern Ireland, and their accomplishments. Scottish ancestry is recognized as one of the oldest immigrant groups in America, going back to the late 1600s, with contributions to the founding of the American government with many U.S. Presidents claiming Scottish descent, as well as inventions, including the telephone from Scottish-born Alexander Graham Bell, and many industries. 

Tartan Day

Also recognized in Canada, the United States adopted the observance of National Tartan Day on March 20, 1998, to be celebrated every April 6th in commemoration of the Scottish Declaration of Independence, which is also called the “Declaration of Arbroath”—  as an independent country on April 6, 1320.  In explanation of ‘Tartan’ on Tartan Day, Tartan is the pattern woven into a kilt, although it holds much more meaning than its definition of face value, as the kilt and tartan pattern woven into it narrates the story of the wearers’ origins and family history, as well as clan status. There are several variations of kilt and tartan for specific occasions and circumstances, such as for mourning and one that women are permitted to wear. To be officially recognized, the tartan must meet standards set by the Scottish Register of Tartans, with these being checking the rights and origins of the tartan, as well as if its design has already been used. There is a Florida tartan that represents kinship between Scotland and Florida, and the colors are from the Scottish saltire, as well as the Florida state flag colors; it was recognized by Governor Charlie Crist in the name of the citizens of Florida. 

• The term "Scotch-Irish" is used primarily in the United States, whereas people in Great Britain or Ireland of a similar ancestry identify as "Ulster Scots People".

• There are currently close to 1,000 Scottish organizations and clubs in the US, and more than 5 million people are identified as having Scottish ancestry.

• Every member of the first U.S. Cabinet had Scottish ancestry.

Naturalist and Author

John Muir was a Scottish-born American naturalist, writer, and advocate for U.S forest conservation. Muir’s family emigrated from Scotland to Wisconsin in 1849. After college, Muir originally worked on mechanical inventions, but after nearly losing his eye in a workplace accident in 1867, he decided to devote himself to nature instead. Muir constantly urged the federal government to adopt a forest conservation policy. He became a central figure in the debate over land use, as he advocated for land preservation through articles published in popular periodicals.  Muir established the Sierra Club on May 28, 1892, and dedicated it to preserving the environment. President Theodore Roosevelt, who accompanied Muir on a camping trip to the Yosemite region in 1903, was influenced by Muir in developing the extensive conservation program. In Marin County, California, Muir Woods National Monument was established by the government in 1908, and his home in Martinez, California, was designated as a national historic site in 1964. The creation of Grand Canyon National Park (1919) in Arizona and Mount Rainier National Park (1899) in Washington state can both be attributed to Muir's work. Naturalists and conservationists both in the United States and abroad continue to find inspiration in Muir's writings.

Social Reformer and Author

Scottish born American author Frances Wright, was known for her social reforms and revolutionary viewpoints beginning in the 19th century.  She was raised by her relatives in England until she was 21 and moved back to Scotland to live with her great-uncle, bringing with her a sizeable inheritance. Wright and her sister sailed for America later in August of 1818. In New York City, her play Altorf, about Swiss independence, was produced. During her second trip to America, in 1924 she began her mission to support the abolition of slavery through education and emancipation. In 1829, Wright and Robert Dale Owen published a newspaper called the Free Enquirer, which led the free-thought movement, advocating for the political organization of the working people, health and family law, and free public secular education. In 1835, she settled in Ohio and traveled between the state and France for her remaining years.

Baseball Player

The “Staten Island Scot'' Robert (Bobby) Brown Thomson, also known as the New York Giants’ “Flying Scot”, arrived in the U.S. at 2 years old and grew up in Staten Island, New York. He signed with the New York Giants in 1942 after graduating from high school. Thomson achieved baseball immortality when he hit a three-run home run for the Giants to win the 1951 National League pennant race against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Thomson was a .270 career hitter with 264 home runs and 1,026 RBIs in 1,779 games, and he was an All-Star selection in 1948, 1949, and 1952. The right-handed outfielder and third baseman played his last game on July 17, 1960. 

Events and activities throughout the district will be added to this page, as submitted. Please contact each school directly or visit their website to learn more about their recognition of each observance.

Schools & Sites - Share how you are recognizing this observance by clicking here.

National Geographic Kids https://www.natgeokids.com/za/discover/geography/countries/facts-about-scotland/

Scottish American History  https://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/history-of-scots-in-america/

Scottish American Heritage Month. https://nationaltoday.com/scottish-american-heritage-month/