Sophie Stephenson Presentation

Event Details

From Malaig Bheag to Manhattan:
The Story of Transnational Gael, “Angus The Yank”

Thousands of Scottish Gaels emigrated to North America in the 1920s; some of those returned to Scotland and brought back with them newly adopted ways, customs and stories of their adventures across the Atlantic.

In this special event for NYC Tartan Week, Scottish ethnologist, Sophie Stephenson, will be present the biography of return-migrant, Angus MacLellan “The Yank” (1892–1978) - a Gael, storyteller and tradition bearer from Malaig Bheag on the North West Coast of Scotland, who lived in New York City from 1920-33 and was a member of the New York Caledonian Club.

In addition to written sources, this presentation brings together contemporary oral accounts passed on through family and community transmission, and gathered from both sides of the Atlantic; as well as archived, first-hand testimonies, from Angus himself. The talk will investigate the Gaelic-speaking community in New York City in the 1920-30s and demonstrates the prevalence and importance of Gaelic clubs and societies - including The Caledonian Club and The St. Andrew’s Society of New York - in sustaining Gaelic networks and culture in North American urban centres.

Using the lens of Angus’ life and lore, the presentation will explore the role of storytelling in the construction of community in Scotland and in the diaspora. The presentation situates Angus as a transnational Gael within multi-cultural and multi-linguistic contexts and concludes on the impact and legacy of return migration on cultural transfer and the formation of identity, both in Scotland and in North America.

There will be an opportunity for Q&As after the presentation, followed by an open discussion in which Sophie is interested to hear from anyone who had Gaelic speaking relatives living in New York, or elsewhere in North America, in the 1920s and 30s and who may have their own stories to share.

Presented in conjunction with the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society.

Head downstairs after the talk to enjoy a traditional Scottish music session and to learn about the NYG&B’s upcoming heritage tour of Scotland.

WHEN

Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 from 6:30PM - 7:30PM

WHERE

The Tailor Public House

2nd Floor, 505 8th Avenue (between 35th and 36th Streets)