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 purpose 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.
Our purpose 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.
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 receive The Galley, our award-winning clan magazine accepted into the Library of Congress and recognized as a top publication in the Family Tree Newsletter Contest for a decade. Published twice yearly, each issue runs between 64 and 108 pages featuring profiles of interesting MacNeils, Scottish events, poetry, fiction, essays, Highland Games coverage, and reports from our commissioners around the country.
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.
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.