Events Calendar

Scottish University Alumni Event

Duke of Perth 2827 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL, United States

Are you a Scottish university alumni?  Chicago Scots will co-sponsor an-in person meet up at the Duke of Perth on July 22 with the Scottish University Alumni Association of Chicago.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The Scots of Chicago's North Shore 

Presenter: David Forlow, Co-Author of Scots of Chicago's North Shore

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Scottish Fiddle Music - The Art and the Legacy

Presenter: Alistair McCulloch, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland

Free

New Member Welcome Toast with Gus Noble

Online

Join Gus Noble, Chicago Scots President, to learn about the mission of Chicago Scots, see ways to get involved, and meet other new members.

Free

20th Annual Kilted Classic Golf Tournament

Cantigny Golf Course 27W270 Mack Rd, Wheaton, IL, United States

A day of golf and Scottish fun at Cantigny Golf Club to benefit Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care.

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Signs, symbols and sedition: the material culture of Jacobitism

Presenter: David S Forsyth, Interim Keeper, Art & Design, Department of Art & Design, National Museums Scotland

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The Scottish-American Association, 1919-1923: A Case Study into Scottish and American Elite Connections After the First World War

Presenter: Stephen Bowman, Lecturer in History, Department of History, University of Stirling, Scotland 

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The University of the Highlands and Islands - The History and Future of Secondary Education in the Highlands

The story of the University of the Highlands and Islands, its evolution, and vision for the future, including the Centre for History’s evolution within the university, and how it has become internationally renowned for its teaching and research in Highland, Scottish and wider-world history.

Free

A Wee Winter Warmer

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

The Chicago Scots invite alumni of Scottish universities to a COVID-careful event, the Wee Winter Warmer. Meet the National Chef of Scotland, Gary Maclean, who will share insights on the COP26 UN Summit and his role as spokesperson for Zero Waste Scotland

$15

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Reverend James Fraser and the Highlands Before Culloden

Presenter: Professor David Worthington, Professor, Head of the Centre for History, University of Highlands and Islands, Inverness, Scotland

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: ‘’Scotland's Greatest Cultural Gift to the World: the Scottish Enlightenment and How It Came About"

Presenter:

Sir Tom Devine Kt OBE FRSE FBA

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Celtic and Norse PLACE Names in the North

Presenter: Professor Donna Heddle, MA (Hons), PhD, FHEA, FSA Scot, FRSA

Director of the UHI Institute for Northern Studies

Orkney College, University of Highlands and Islands, Orkney, Scotland

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The Council, the Union and the 'Patriot': The Scottish Privy Council, Anglo-Scottish, Union and Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun

Presenter: Alastair J. Mann, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Department of History, University of Stirling, Scotland

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Border Reivers - The Unknown Clans of the Lowlands

Presenter: Bruce S. Allardice, J.D., Instructor Social & Behavioral Science, History, Political Science, South Suburban, College, South Holland, Illinois

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The Reputations of Dr. David Livingstone

Presenter: Professor James J. Smyth, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Department of History, University of Stirling, Scotland

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Alma College's Dramatic Arts and Scottish Heritage

Presenter: Professor Scott Mackenzie, PhD, Professor and Director of Theatre in the Department of Theatre and Dance, Alma College, Alma, Michigan

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Politics and Alliances of the Carolina Scots During the Revolutionary War

Presenter: Donald C. McLeod, FSAScot, Southern Pines, North Carolina

The 106th Scottish Home Picnic

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

All are welcome to join residents, families and staff on Saturday, August 6th for our 106th Annual Summer Picnic.  Live music, food, Highland Dancing, bagpipes, kids games and much more!

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The Lives of the Medieval Leges Marchiarum Treatise 

Presenter: Dr. Professor Cynthia J. Neville, FRHistS, FSAScot, Professor Emeritus at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Adjunct Professor, Department of History, University of Guelph, Canada

Free

The 21st Annual Kilted Classic

Cantigny Golf Course 27W270 Mack Rd, Wheaton, IL, United States

Join us for the most unique golf tournament this side of the pond. Experience an authentic Scottish day as we take you from hole to hole, celebrating all things Scotland to the tune of bagpipes. Enjoy performances from Highland Dancers and get a taste of Scotland’s finest with whisky, beer and food stations on the course. In addition to more standard golf competitions, we offer our own twist with our Scottish trivia, beat the Scot, and the chance to win a bottle of whisky on every hole.

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Mass Global Emigration from Scotland in the Nineteenth Century: A Puzzle from the Scottish Past

Presenter: Sir Tom Devine Kt OBE HonMRIA FRSE FBA MAE

Free

Author Donald S Murray at the Admiral at the Lake

The Admiral at the Lake 929 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL, United States

Join the Chicago Scots and multi-award-winning Scottish writer Donald S Murray speaking on Scottish emigration, culture, language, history and his best-selling, prize-winning historical novels As the Women Lay Dreaming and In a veil of Mist.

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Scottish Settlement of Prince Edward Island and Its Implications for Island Society and Culture

Presenter: Professor Edward MacDonald, PhD, Department of History, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada

Free

The Annual 177th Saint Andrew’s Day Gala “The Feast of the Haggis”

Chicago History Museum 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, United States

The Chicago Scots enthusiastically invite everyone who is Scottish by birth, by heritage or simply by inclination to come and enjoy an evening of history, community & culture as the oldest charity in Illinois hosts an evening of Scottish fun at Chicago’s oldest cultural museum, the Chicago History Museum.

Chicago Scots Annual Holiday Party & General Meeting

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

As we approach Saint Andrew’s Day and the Holiday Season, we wish you and your loved ones health and every happiness on behalf of the […]

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Anglo-Scottish Borders – Violence, Custom and Laws Broken

Presenter: Professor Cynthia J. Neville, PhD, FRHistS, FSAScot, Professor Emeritus at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Adjunct Professor, Department of History, University of Guelph, Canada

Free

Nicht Wi’ Burns

Grand Ballroom of the Oak Lawn Hilton 9333 S. Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL, United States

For Honest Men and Bonnie Lassies! Commemorating Scotland's greatest poet, Robert Burns. 

Burns Night Supper

Gorton Community Center 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, United States

The Chicago Scots are partnering with the Gorton Center and the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff to host the celebration of 18th-century Scottish poet […]

$75

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland Presenter: Bruce S. Allardice, J.D., Instructor Social & Behavioral Science, History, Political Science, South Suburban College, South Holland, Illinois […]

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Imaginary Friendship”: John Adams and Jonathan Sewall and their American Revolution

Presenter: Professor Dr. Colin Nicolson F.R.Hist.S., Editor of the Bernard Papers, Faculty of Arts and Humanities: History and Politics, University of Stirling, Scotland

Free

Judson University’s 2023 World Leaders Forum

Judson University 1151 N State St Herrick Chapel Elgin, IL 60123 1151 N State St, Elgin, IL, United States

Join us on March 21, 2023, for a dialogue facilitated by the Chicago Scots' President Gus Noble OBE in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Scotsman Eric Liddell’s historic win at the 1924 Olympics. The World Leaders Forum will reflect on Liddell’s life and legacy, which inspired the film “Chariots of Fire.”

$75

Scottish American History Forum

Topic: Victorian Travelers in Scotland

Presenter: Professor Kevin James, PhD
Scottish Studies Foundation Chair, and Professor of History, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Free

Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Hill House

The Chicago Club 81 E Van Buren St, Chicago, IL, United States

The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA and The Chicago Scots invite you to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Hill House
A conversation with Philip Long OBE FRSE, Chief Executive, National Trust for Scotland and Tony Jones CBE, Former Director, Glasgow School of Art President-emeritus, Art Institute of Chicago about Scotland, design, and conservation, from the restoration of natural landscapes to the preservation of the world-renowned designs of Mackintosh and the challenges being addressed by heritage bodies around the world. 

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Irish Futures: Ireland and Northern Ireland
Speaker: Brendan O'Leary, PhD (LSE), FRSA, MRIA (hon), Lauder Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania and Fulbright Scholar to Ireland 2021-22, NUI-Galway, Honorary Professor of Political Science Queen’s University Belfast

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online & The History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff 509 E Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL, United States

Topic: The History of the Highland Colonial Settlement of the Upper Cape Fear and Upper Pee Dee Regions of the Carolinas 

Speaker: Bill Caudill, Director, The Scottish Heritage Center, and Instructor St. Andrews University Pipe Band, St. Andrews University, Laurinburg, North Carolina   

Free

The Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Maine Ulster Scots Project and Ulster History on the Eastern Frontier
Speaker: John Mann, PLS, Founder and Chairman Emeritus Maine Ulster Scots Project

Scottish Genealogy Group

Online

Topic: Using One Note to Enhance Your Research Presenter: Liz Ross Professional genealogist, Liz draws upon more than 30 years of learning and research when […]

The 107th Annual Scottish Home Picnic

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

All are welcome to join residents, families and staff on Saturday, August 5th for our 107th Annual Summer Picnic.  Live music, food, Highland Dancing, bagpipes, kids games and much more!

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The Story Of Scottish Democracy: And Where We Are Now 

Speaker: Christopher Thomson, Counsellor, Head of Scottish Government USA, British Embassy, Washington, DC 

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The Highlands and Islands After 1746: Law, Power, and Resistance 

Speaker: Dr. Matthew P. Dziennik, Associate Professor, British and British Imperial History, History Department, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland

Free

Wayne Rethford & Peter Georgeson’s Celebration of Life and Memorial

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

The Board of Governors of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society invite you to a celebration of the lives and friendship of two of Chicago's greatest Scots, as we pay our grateful respect to Peter Georgeson and Wayne Rethford.

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The Memory of John Paul Jones in Scottish-American Relations, 1890s-1970s

Speaker: ​Dr Stephen Bowman and Dr György Tóth, Lecturers in History, University of Stirling, Scotland

Free

Scottish Genealogy Group

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

Speaker: Lynne Jeffers 

Topic: Ways to Research Your Family History, and Not Just Search

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Religion in Scotland: Medieval Times to the Present 

Speaker: Dr. Marjory Harper, Professor and Chair in History, School of Divinity, History and Philosophy, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Scots of 18th Century: Scotland, Colonial America and the War For Independence
Speaker: Constance Nestor, FSAScot, MA, BA, Independent Historian, PhD Candidate Liberty University, Governor Chicago Scots/ Illinois Saint Andrew Society

Free

Chicago Scots Annual Holiday Party & General Meeting

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

As we approach Saint Andrew’s Day and the Holiday Season, we wish you and your loved ones health and every happiness on behalf of the Board of Governors of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, the Chicago Scots and everyone at Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care. All Chicago Scots Members are welcome to join the festivities and vote on the new slate of Society Governors.

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Mary, Queen of Scots- Myths versus Realities 

Presenter: Bruce S. Allardice, J.D., Instructor Social & Behavioral Science, History, Political Science, South Suburban College, South Holland, Illinois 

Martyrs' 3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, United States

Join the Chicago Scots at Martyrs' Live for a very special Burns Supper!

Free

Scottish Genealogy Group

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

Nicht Wi’ Burns

Grand Ballroom of the Oak Lawn Hilton 9333 S. Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL, United States

Email nichtwiburns@gmail.com to be added to our invitation list.

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The Burning Land: One Family's Passage Through the Civil War and into the West
Speaker: David O. Stewart, Historian and Author of George Washington, The Summer of 1787, Impeached, Madison's Gift, American Emperor and others.

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Ulster Scots, Princeton University and Founding of the University of North Carolina in1795: Role of William R. Davie, War Hero

Speaker: Donald C. McLeod, FSAScot, FCCP, Historian and former Professor of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Duke University North Carolina, and State University, Buffalo, New York, Southern Pines, NC

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Scottish American Military Society - The Legacy and the Pride

Presenter: Kenneth A. Lloyd, National Commander, The Scottish American Military Society, USA

Scottish Genealogy Group

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Robert Burns: As He Sees Us and We See Him

Presenter: Gus Noble OBE, President, Chicago Scots and Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The Legacy of the Glencoe Massacre

Speaker: Dr. Ryan Burns, PhD, Assistant Professor of History, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL

Free

The 38th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

dupage county fair grounds 2015 Manchester Road, N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL, United States

The 2024 Scottish Festival & Highland Games will be moving to its new home at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, June 14 – 15.
Tickets will be going on sale next week and as always Children 12 and under are free! Register to get notified when ticket go on sale!

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Climatic Change - Scotland Compared to North America

Speaker: Dr. Graeme Morton, Professor in Modern History, School of Humanities, University of Dundee, Scotland

Free

Scottish Genealogy Group

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

108th Scottish Home Picnic

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

Join us for a summer celebration of family & community! Live Music Food Highland Dancing Petting Zoo (11am-1pm) Children’s Games Raffles Facepainting (1pm - 3pm) […]

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: The History, Nature, and Relevance of Scottish Foods

Speaker: Sarah McCaslin Dziennik, PhD, Adjunct Professor, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

Free

Skerryvore with Chicago Scots

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL

Buy in August and Save $10!* Unlock Offer using code SCOTS Three time winners of Scotland’s ‘Live Act of the Year’ award, Skerryvore have evolved […]

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Topic: Failing to Make Peace: Adam Ferguson, the Carlyle Commision and the Scottish Enlightenment in America Speaker: Professor Michael Brown, FRHistS, Professor and Chair in […]

Free

23rd Annual Kilted Classic Golf Tournament

Cantigny Golf Course 27W270 Mack Rd, Wheaton, IL, United States

Chicago Scots will return to Cantigny Golf Club for the game the Scots invented. Join us for a great day of golf with Scottish flair followed by the Awards dinner for our winners. All golfers welcomed.

Scottish American History Forum

Online

The World of the Clans in Late-Medieval Gaelic Scotland
Professor Martin MacGregor, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Scottish History, University of Glasgow, Scotland

Scottish Genealogy Group

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

Scottish American History Forum

Online

Scotland and the First World War
Matthew Dziennik, PhD, Associate Professor, British and British Imperial History, History Department, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

Scottish North American Community Conference HUB

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

The Chicago Scots will host a SNACC HUB at Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care in North Riverside. Come to Heritage Hall, connect virtually to the in-person Conference in Alexandria Virginia on Friday December 6th (1:30pm-4:30pm CST) and Saturday December 7th (1:30pm-4:45pm CST).

Free

Chicago Scots Annual Holiday Party & General Meeting

Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (Heritage Hall) 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL, United States

As we approach Saint Andrew’s Day and the Holiday Season, we wish you and your loved ones health and every happiness on behalf of the […]

Free

Scottish American History Forum

Online

The Black Watch - History and Impact
Dr. Derek Patrick, PhD, Lecturer, School of History, University of St. Andrews, Scotland

Burns Supper 2025 at Gorton Center

Gorton Community Center 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, United States

Back by popular demand Chicago Scots is pleased to partner with Gorton Center and the History Center of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff to host an authentic Burns Supper for everyone who is Scottish by birth, by heritage or simply by inclination.  Gather your friends etc. Gather your friends and join us for Burns Night where we’ll honor the life and works of this legendary Scottish poet with supper, haggis, whisky and more!