ABOUT US
Who We Are
The Clan MacNeil Association of America is a non-profit cultural and educational organization founded in New York City in 1921. For over a century we have connected MacNeils and MacNeills across North America through fellowship, heritage, genealogy, and a shared pride in our Scottish roots.
Our mission is to celebrate and preserve the history and traditions of Clan MacNeil, to keep alive the culture of the Isle of Barra and the broader MacNeil family, and to support the ongoing restoration of Kisimul Castle, the ancient seat of the clan. We carry out that mission through cultural and educational programs, genealogy research and assistance, scholarships, publications, Highland Games and gatherings, and the preservation and sharing of Clan MacNeil history.
Many Names, One Clan
Membership is open to anyone named or descended from a Macneil in any of its spellings: MacNeil, McNeill, Neill, O’Neill, Nelson, and the many other sept names that trace back to the clan. If you carry one of those names, you are already part of this family.
Others with no kinship connection but a genuine interest in the heritage of Clan MacNeil are warmly welcomed. Joining our family without kinship connections is, as our founders put it, an ancient and honorable clan tradition.
What Membership Includes
Members also receive free genealogical assistance from our nationally certified clan genealogist, access to our member directory, and invitations to gatherings and Highland Games events across North America. One membership covers the entire immediate family. Gift memberships are available.
Contact Us
Questions about membership, The Galley, genealogy, or anything else? Use the form below and we will get back to you.
Governance & Nonprofit Status
Legal Identity & Domain Notice
ClanMacNeilUSA.org is the primary website of The Clan MacNeil Association of America, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are transitioning our website and organizational communications from our legacy domain, ClanMacNeilUSA.us, to this site. Both domains are owned and operated by the Association.
The Clan Macneil Association of America Inc is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Association has held its federal tax-exempt status since December 1983. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
- Legal name: The Clan Macneil Association of America Inc
- Legal registration: Tucker, Georgia, United States (Transitioned from Vilas, NC 28692)
- Public contact: info@clanmacneilusa.org
- EIN: 56-1336233
- Federal tax status: 501(c)(3)
- IRS ruling date: December 1983
As a nationwide association with volunteer leadership distributed across the United States, CMAA does not maintain a physical commercial office. Official correspondence, verification details, and clan operations are conducted digitally
Our Mission & Purpose
The purpose of the Clan Macneil Association of America is to foster Highland and Gaelic culture, language, and traditions; to inform our members and the public of the history, genealogy, and heritage of Clan Macneil and the Island of Barra; and to support the restoration and maintenance of Kisimul Castle as the Clan Seat.Core Programs:
- Genealogical Research & Lineage Archives: Preserving family history records, lineages, and educational resources.
- Educational Publications & Cultural Outreach: Publishing The Galley and hosting educational clan tents and historical exhibits at Highland Games across North America.
- Preservation: Supporting historical awareness and conservation efforts for ancient Clan Macneil heritage.
Governance
The Clan Macneil Association of America is governed by its Bylaws and elected Council.