Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project
Rating: 5 stars 11 reviews
Issues: Arts & Culture
Location: 307 S. 7th St. Wymore NE 68466 USA
Results: We have a theatre where Welsh movies (with subtitles) can be shown, a garden area enhanced by an 80 foot long mural depicting the emigration from Wales to the Midwest, a library that, when fully cataloged, will contain over a thousand volumes pertaining to Wales and Welsh America, and an archive of Welsh American organizations' records. We have the only known copy of Y Drych, the Welsh American newspaper, 1851-1999, and we do extensive family history research for people studying their Welsh ancestry.
Target demographics: Descendants of Welsh American immigrants, and the public with an interest in the history of immigration and settlement of the prairies.
Direct beneficiaries per year: Approximately 950 visitors per year; annual visits of 4th grade students to our restored schoolhouse.
Geographic areas served: North American prairies states and provinces; all of North America; Wales
Programs: Welsh American Family history research, regular columns in Welsh American publications, Ninnau and WAGS ; observation of Welsh American Heroes.
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For years I have been searching for my Welsh Ancestors with very little success. the Heritage project has connected me to the detailed Obit for my Great Great grandfather (David T. Evans) and enabled me to add priceless historic facts about he and his family.Many Many thanks Oliver Evans, Roswell, Ga.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I have particularly enjoyed some of the wonderful activities hosted by GPWHP over the year. The Welsh Heritage Festival in October attracted visitors from all over the country, with professional quality music and historical presentations. Other events have highlighted talent and resources from the Nebraska area, including a student Harpist performing Welsh love tunes. The Welsh Heritage Centre in Wymore, NE continues to offer a tremendous opportunity to mark the contributions of the local Welsh community.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
A wealth of cultural and family history is often lost without the dedicated work of organizations like the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project. Dedicated volunteers commit countless hours to the painstaking preservation of historic records and memorabilia. But this rich history comes alive in many Welsh celebrations and community activities held by the Welsh Heritage Centre in Wymore, NE. These wonderful events draw people from far and wide, and join neighbors around a shared history... even those not of Welsh descent. This is a well-managed and creative program in our community.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
...several activities for our community.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
...add more display and record storage space.
1 person found this review helpful
I have been greatly impressed by the energy, enthusiasm, innovation, and attention to detail that has characterized the development of this multifaceted resource. These qualities are a reflection of its outstanding leadership team that includes two people who had a similar impact on the Welsh Society of Western New England, where I am active as board member and webmaster. Berwyn E. Jones (president; grants writer, and researcher) and Martha Davies (secretary; Welsh translator, researcher, and columnist) have kept me informed of their vision for new initiatives and have frequently sought ideas and support of their grant funded projects. Thus, even though I have not had the opportunity to travel there from my home in Massachusetts, I have come to greatly admire what the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project has achieved in its mission to discover, preserve, interpret and celebrate the history of Welsh immigrants on the prairies of North America.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Have been kept informed of their vision for new initiatives and have frequently provided ideas and support of their grant funded projects.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Increase their fundraising efforts in these difficult economic times.
This is a group I have been privileged to work with for a few years, now. The are all top notch, work hard and focus on the common goal to produce a level of work product that should be envied by other non-profits. Doing long range planning and checking on accomplishments of established goals keep a unified and steady path to achieve them.
The Welsh-American community recognized their accomplishments when the National Welsh American Foundation awarded 2 of the Board members with the NWAF Heritage Medallion in 2010.
The memorial path in the garden attests to the honor bestowed on the Welsh ancestors of Welsh-Americans.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The fantastic Welsh hwyl and camaraderie among the participants of the Welsh Heritage Festival held Columbus Day weekend in October of odd numbered years. I've heard so many Welsh-Americas say they feel they have come home when they attend.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Not changes, but wishes. 1-I wish for more volunteers to accomplish more of our goals. 2-More donations to the endowment fund to be able to have at least 1 hired staff member as everyone here is a volunteer. 3- We are quickly becoming the archival depot for records of other Welsh-American organizations and we need a new building to accommodate all the documents and artifacts entrusted to our care.
What a great place! It is so nice to have places in the community that can teach us about our history. There was a Welsh immigrant community in Wymore, Nebraska years ago and many of the residents of the area have roots in Wales. This museum reminds us of our history. Some even learn about their own family histories here! There are many exhibits of interest to children, this would be a perfect place for a family, school, or Scout field trip. There is a little movie theatre as well. Places that we can go to learn about our own or our community's history are few and far between, this place is a gem!
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Several visits over the past several years, planning to come again this summer.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Not sure, they are already doing school field trips there, maybe more of the same?
Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project brings together people and resources. It's for those who wish to investigate their Welsh roots and connect with present-day Wales. It is a model for community enrichment at all levels -- local, regional, national and international. Proud to be a supporter from Ohio. See you on Madog Day!!
Shirley
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I joined the GPWHP several years ago. I've visited their museum in Wymore, Nebraska. Took a seminar (offered by Martha Davies) on ancestry using Y Drych, a Welsh-American newspaper.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
keep it growing!
The Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project hosts a biennial festival where folks from around the country come together to celebrate our Welsh Heritage. We participate in traditional Welsh activities, singing and dancing. We have guest speakers who relate tales of Welsh settlers and Welsh culture. Our 4th Welsh Heritage Festival will be held Oct 7-10, 2011 and we hope to see you there!
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
meeting folks in person who previously were just names in my mother's childhood stories. As an avid genealogist, it's been a pleasure to meet extended family members and help others find their lost relatives "across the pond."
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
ask that all young Americans with Welsh ancestry join us in our quest to celebrate and document their ancestors' immigration to this country.
The Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project invites you to view (24/7/365) its 80 foot exterior mural--"From the Mountains of Wales to the Prairies of North America." Make arrangements to come inside to enjoy Welsh films and Welsh music, our library and archives, and have a chat and a cup of tea. We offer help in tracing your Welsh-American family and we do translations from Welsh to English. Everyone is welcome.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
...seeing rapid growth and knowing we're going in the right direction.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
...be open many more hours
I was fortunate enough to become involved with GPWHP from the onset. At that time I became a board member, volunteer and anything else I could do to further this group. Also at that time I was the mayor of Wymore. I not only realized what this group could do to further Welsh heritage but the great economic value it would be for Wymore, as well as, Gage County and SE Nebraska. Since its inception there has been nothing but volunteers who have very worked hard, truly care about perserving heritage, the community in which their museums and operations are based and retain a positive, forward thinking attitude to take this non-profit into the future. The volunteers put in many many hours to make sure they follow their mission statement and are above board in its operation. I have since moved from my hometown of Wymore to Washington state. I am currently on the Advisory Board which I am thankful for. I know from personal experience how this organization has brought very positive outcomes to a community that is struggling. They are the shining star in the City of Wymore. They have done a lot with a little and is an organization that other non-profits could gleem from. I could really go on and on but would be redundent in stating how wonderful the GPWHP. Keep on Keepin' On GPWHP
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I was one of three people that started this organization. There really is not enough room to say how this group has perservered for almost 12 years, brought only positive outcomes and is preparing in totality for the preservation of its future.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would like to see younger people in the community become more involved as well as more adults. The community often takes things for granted and I think this is the case locally. Outside of the community into the Great Plains as well as nationally, overseas this group is recognized for the great success it really is.
What a wonderful project to honor our Welsh Heritage! The museum in Wymore, Nebraska is outstanding with oral histories, artifacts, displays and information about our ancestors. I learn smething new each time I visit.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The pump organ I played when I attended worship at Bethel Presbyterian Church south of Wymore during the 1940's and 1950's is now in good working order and used at the Welsh Centre for programs and services.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I want everyone who has Welsh ancestors to visit the museum and become a member of GPWHP.