To Preserve "Whate'er is left to us of ancient heritage." T.E. Brown

NAMA Homecoming 2009

If you have been considering a trip "home" to the Isle of Man, one of the best times to go is for the events around Tynwald Day on July 6th. That is the Manx National Day, which celebrates over 1000 years of continuous democracy. We have put together a trip for members to remember for a lifetime.

July 2nd	Depart North America
July 3rd	Arrive on IOM, Check-in to Sefton Hotel
July 4th	Welcome reception in the Villa Marina 4:00-6:00pm Manx folk dancers provide entertainment and US/Manx decor. Optional Gathering Dinner with World Manx Association in Douglas.
July 5th	President of Tynwald's Garden Party, International Business School, 3:00-5:00pm. International Business School is the old Nunnery. Grand affair in the magnificent grounds of this former stately mansion. Honour to be included.
July 6th	Tynwald Day. St Johns. All day. After ceremony coach will depart for Niarbyl to visit this natural scenic area and stop for late lunch. Optional stop back in St Johns en route back to Douglas for those wishing to enjoy the Manx National day celebrations with Manx music and fireworks. Public buses available back to Douglas.
July 7th	Free day. Manx Museum with presentation on the Manx Million project and IOM Ancestry centre. Lunch and time to visit the Museum. 10:30am to 1:00pm. Dinner in Peel followed by Peel Ghost Walk. 6:00 to 9:00pm. Ghost walks are fun and all ages will enjoy. The guided walk tells chilling tales of Peel’s dark past. Folks that are unable/do not wish to walk will be hosted by the World Manx Association.
July 8th	Day hiking tour around the coast from Port St Mary to Port Erin. Stunning coastal scenery taking in the Chasms, Sugar Loaf Rock and other dramatic vistas. With a stop at the Sound café and option to take the bus back to Port Erin or continue walking. Those not wishing to walk can take the train to Port Erin and visit railway museum before we meet at the Cosy Nook Cafe on the beach for a Manx BBQ dinner in Port Erin. Full walk approx 3 1/2 hours or half with finish at the Sound.
July 9th	Depart back to North America.

Total package price GBP 570.00pp based on twin/double share. Current rate of exchange will mean the cost is USD 848.00. Extra nights at hotel GBP 65.00pp

• 6 Nights Accommodation twin/double ensuite at Sefton Hotel, Douglas
• Manx Welcome Pack
• Welcome reception at the Villa Marina with local entertainment
• Manx Museum reception including food
• President of Tynwald's Garden party (Manx tea party)
• Grandstand seat for Tynwald Day and lunch at Nirabyl cafe
• Manx Roast dinner in Peel with a Ghost Walk or visit to Leece Museum
• Manx BBQ steak dinner on Port Erin beach.
• All transportation to above events including to/from Isle of Man airport

RESERVATIONS : DESTINATION ISLE OF MAN - Laurence & Jackie Skelly Corlett's Yard, Union Mills, Isle of Man skelly@manx.net or 001-44-1624-852901

Manx Identity Study seeking volunteers

Dr. Cheryl Cheek of Penn State University is conducting a study of Manx Identity. There is a 4 page survey, which isn't too hard or too personal. She needs to get 300 responses to make her survey valid. The only qualifications to be part of this study are to be over 18 years of age and NOT currently living on the Isle of Man. You may take part in this study whether or not you were born Manx.
click here for survey

About the North American Manx Association

The North American Manx Association (NAMA) is a non- profit, ethnic and cultural heritage institution founded in 1928, as a successor organization to Mona's Relief Society of Cleveland, Ohio. NAMA is a group of Americans and Canadians dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of the Manx culture. Most of NAMA's 850 active members are second and third-generation North American. In the U.S., there are chapters in Chicago, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; Rocky Mountain; Galva, Illinois; the Greater Washington, D.C. area; Minnesota; Nebraska; Northern California; Utah, San Diego, California; and Wisconsin.

In Canada, you will find Manx groups in Ontario; and in Vancouver, British Columbia. NAMA is interested in helping Manx in all areas get in touch with local chapters or assisting those who want to start new chapters.

NAMA publishes the quarterly NAMA Bulletin, sent to each of its enrolled members.

For those interested in their Manx forebears, NAMA has Lucy Q. Peterson as a resident genealogist. She serves as an archivist and information- dispenser. Please contact her to find out how to submit your research findings so we can build a greater Manx family tree. Please do not contact her to do genealogical research for there are just too many of us. But she will point you in the right direction.

For more Manx genealogy, there is the Isle of Man Family History Society (IOMFHS). Since they are not a part of NAMA, you should join both organizations.

© 2008 North American Manx Association