Seminars are presented on Friday & Saturday, September 1-2, 2023
Included with a Festival Day Pass
1: Welsh Language I & II ~ Instructor Dan Rowbotham
Friday session is for absolute beginners with an emphasis on speaking. Next Steps in Welsh, which is suitable for those with some knowledge of the language and want to practice and improve, is on Saturday.
Friday session is for absolute beginners with an emphasis on speaking. Next Steps in Welsh, which is suitable for those with some knowledge of the language and want to practice and improve, is on Saturday.
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Dan Rowbotham is originally from Llangeitho in Ceredigion, Wales and has been a Welsh tutor since 2018. Dan started his tutor career during his tenure as Davis Intern at the Madog Center for Welsh Studies at University of Rio Grande / Rio Grande Community College in Ohio, where he also obtained his Master’s in Educations.
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Welsh I ~ Absolute Beginners emphasized the structure of the spoken language of Welsh. This level is for anyone who needs a comfortable environment to begin learning Welsh.
Welsh II ~ Next Steps in Welsh is suitable for those with some knowledge of the language who wants to practice and improve. Welsh II is on Saturday morning. This class will follow on from “Beginners” and you are encouraged to attend both, but it is not a requirement.
Welsh II ~ Next Steps in Welsh is suitable for those with some knowledge of the language who wants to practice and improve. Welsh II is on Saturday morning. This class will follow on from “Beginners” and you are encouraged to attend both, but it is not a requirement.
Dan teaches a weekly Welsh class with Côr Cymry Gogledd America, and until recently oversaw the administration and teaching of Extracurricular Welsh language classes at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and was Coordinator of their Community Welsh Learning Centre, Yr Atom. He currently lives in Carmarthen, where he works for UWTSD as their branch officer of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. Dan is an Ex-President of the Urdd and received the prestigious Merêd memorial award at the National Eisteddfod in 2016.
2: Ysgol Gan ~ Led by Karen Wojahn
This is an informal singing practice session where you will learn some of the hymns we will sing on Sunday afternoon and evening. This is your opportunity to hear some Welsh verses pronounced and to practice your part, whatever it may be, with joyful abandon. Fun and enlightening.
This is an informal singing practice session where you will learn some of the hymns we will sing on Sunday afternoon and evening. This is your opportunity to hear some Welsh verses pronounced and to practice your part, whatever it may be, with joyful abandon. Fun and enlightening.
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Karen Jones Wojahn is the Director of Music and Organist at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar, Minnesota. Karen is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Welsh North American Association, a member of the St. David's Society of Minnesota and a board member of the Minnesota Welsh Association. She has accompanied the annual Minnesota Welsh Hymn Festival for many years and plays the harp in her spare time. During the North American Festival of Wales, Karen will be the accompanist for the ysgol gan and leader of the late night singing. Her family includes husband Michael, three grown children and five grandchildren, which include two sets of twins.
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An Informal Discussion & Coffee: Tax Breaks for Investors ~ Investing in your Favorite Charities
~ with David Allen, WNAA Treasurer
Significant permanent changes in the tax law have major implications for US taxpayers over the age of 70 who have any kind of retirement account. Only a very few financial advisors and accountants are alerting their clients to these changes. Taking advantage of them could benefit both you and your heirs very significantly. These changes affect everyone who gives any kind of contributions to charity or who plans to leave some of their estate to a charity. It will be worth your while to take the time to attend this session presented by our Treasurer, David Allen.
~ with David Allen, WNAA Treasurer
Significant permanent changes in the tax law have major implications for US taxpayers over the age of 70 who have any kind of retirement account. Only a very few financial advisors and accountants are alerting their clients to these changes. Taking advantage of them could benefit both you and your heirs very significantly. These changes affect everyone who gives any kind of contributions to charity or who plans to leave some of their estate to a charity. It will be worth your while to take the time to attend this session presented by our Treasurer, David Allen.
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3: David Allen, Treasurer of WNAA, lives in Owego, New York, He earned his PhD from Columbia University and was a Fulbright Scholar to Belgium and a Danforth Graduate Fellow. David is a Professor Emeritus at City University of New York, where he taught a variety of courses in economics and American government.
Sponsored by the Welsh North American Association. |
The Roots Beneath Your Feet - Immigration and the Homestead Act of 1862
~ Presented by Jonathan Fairchild
This program teaches how to research using land records tied to the Homestead Act. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed individuals to claim 160 acres of American public domain land for free. From 1863 through 1986, millions of individuals from across the world staked their claim to “the American Dream” under this law.
~ Presented by Jonathan Fairchild
This program teaches how to research using land records tied to the Homestead Act. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed individuals to claim 160 acres of American public domain land for free. From 1863 through 1986, millions of individuals from across the world staked their claim to “the American Dream” under this law.
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4: Jonathan Fairchild is the Historian at Homestead National Historical Park. His responsibilities as Historian for the National Park Service include providing research and reference assistance, preserving and protecting park cultural resources, and interpreting the significance of the Homestead Act on United States history.
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Exploring Hiraeth ~ presented by Pam Petro
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5. Pam Petro is an author, artist, and educator living in Northampton, Massachusetts. She was recently made an honorary Fellow of the University of Wales, and has received both literary and visual arts residencies and fellowships from Grand Canyon National Park, the MacDowell Colony, the Spring Creek Project for Ideas, Nature and the Written Word, and the Black Rock Arts Foundation.
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She went to Brown University as an undergrad, and to The University of Wales, Trinity St David, for her Master’s Degree in Word and Image Studies. She also studied at the Sorbonne, Paris I, and the Ecole du Louvre in Paris, France. She has spent years studying both French and Welsh but can’t speak either one very well.
In high school Pamela’s teachers told her she’d have to choose between visual art and writing, and she balked. She wanted to do both. And she’s been trying to combine words and images ever since. Her words bleed into images, and images into words. Long may the two be more powerful together!
In high school Pamela’s teachers told her she’d have to choose between visual art and writing, and she balked. She wanted to do both. And she’s been trying to combine words and images ever since. Her words bleed into images, and images into words. Long may the two be more powerful together!
Some VERY Interesting "Lords of Llaneugrad" Anglesey ~ presented by Gillian Kellett Hodkinson
LORDS OF THE LAND: Ever wonder what a turncoat, “golden peacock” of Penrhyn, Beaumaris Bulkeley empire founder, ghost on horseback, Barbados sugar plantation owner, “Mad” Tom Hervey, Copper Kings of Parys Mountain, and Williams of Bodelwyddan have in common? All owners of thousands of acres in North Wales, their stories never fail to amuse and to educate.
LORDS OF THE LAND: Ever wonder what a turncoat, “golden peacock” of Penrhyn, Beaumaris Bulkeley empire founder, ghost on horseback, Barbados sugar plantation owner, “Mad” Tom Hervey, Copper Kings of Parys Mountain, and Williams of Bodelwyddan have in common? All owners of thousands of acres in North Wales, their stories never fail to amuse and to educate.
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6: Gillian Kellett Hodkinson was born in Burnley Lancashire and grew up in Anglesey. She spent 38 years working in clinical research for Abbott/Abbvie in Kent, England and Chicago, Illinois. Retired, she now researches the history of the area she grew up in and its people and their families and writes books to document and preserve the memories for future generations.
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7: Peredur Owen-Griffiths or “Pred” to his friends, is Member of Senedd for Plaid Cymru (The Party of Wales). Peredur’s work across numerous Senedd committees, including Chair of the Senedd Finance Committee, and his earlier career in the charity sector and corporate finance, gives him a unique perspective on Welsh democracy.
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Welsh Democracy in 2023 - an Insider's View ~ presented by Peredur Owen-Griffiths
An insider’s guide to one of Europe’s youngest parliaments, this session will explore what’s next for Welsh democracy from a current Member of Senedd (Welsh Parliament). During the session, you’ll find out about the relationship between UK and Welsh parliaments, and learn how Wales has the power to do things differently. It’s an exciting time for Welsh democracy – and this session will show you why!
An insider’s guide to one of Europe’s youngest parliaments, this session will explore what’s next for Welsh democracy from a current Member of Senedd (Welsh Parliament). During the session, you’ll find out about the relationship between UK and Welsh parliaments, and learn how Wales has the power to do things differently. It’s an exciting time for Welsh democracy – and this session will show you why!
Rachie and Composer Caradog Roberts ~ presented by Michael Heiber
Rachie and Composer Caradog Roberts Based on the article in the May/June 2022 Ninnau Notes on a Hymn Page about Rachie, we will learn about the interesting stories behind this famous hymn and its composer, Caradog Roberts.
Rachie and Composer Caradog Roberts Based on the article in the May/June 2022 Ninnau Notes on a Hymn Page about Rachie, we will learn about the interesting stories behind this famous hymn and its composer, Caradog Roberts.
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8: Michael Heiber is a retired emeriti faculty from Miami University (Ohio). A regular participant at various local Gymanfa Ganu, across the U.S since 2001. WNNA member and attendee of every NAFOW since Cincinnati 2006 except for 2010, attending the Welsh National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Valle instead. Started writing regular article column in Ninnau called Notes on a Hymn Page beginning with March/April 2022 issue.
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The Welsh Experience on The Great Plains and Beyond ~ presented by Robert Humphries
While relatively small in number, the Welsh created thriving ethnic communities and left their mark on the history of the Great Plains region. Digging into the primary sources, this seminar reveals the lives of these Welsh settlers, including their reasons for going west, the challenges they faced, and their encounters with other ethnic groups and Native Americans.
While relatively small in number, the Welsh created thriving ethnic communities and left their mark on the history of the Great Plains region. Digging into the primary sources, this seminar reveals the lives of these Welsh settlers, including their reasons for going west, the challenges they faced, and their encounters with other ethnic groups and Native Americans.
From Wales to the Heart of America: The Journey of John Evans ~ presented by Robert Humphries
In 1792, Welshman John Evans set off on a remarkable journey to the very center of North America, in search of legendary “Welsh Indians,” joining forces with a Scotsman named James Mackay to explore the upper reaches of the Missouri River. While the Mackay-Evans expedition is largely forgotten today, it ultimately helped shape the West in the following century.
In 1792, Welshman John Evans set off on a remarkable journey to the very center of North America, in search of legendary “Welsh Indians,” joining forces with a Scotsman named James Mackay to explore the upper reaches of the Missouri River. While the Mackay-Evans expedition is largely forgotten today, it ultimately helped shape the West in the following century.
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9: Robert Humphries is a native of Wales and a second-language Welsh speaker. He holds an MA in Celtic Studies from the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, and is a board member of the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project in Wymore, Nebraska. He is an independent scholar with an interest in the Welsh experience in North America.
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A History of The Welsh Language in Ten Words ~ presented by Ifor ap Glyn
Based on a popular radio series that ran for three years on Welsh national radio, poet and presenter Ifor ap Glyn will offer a fascinating analysis of how Welsh works, what languages have we borrowed from, and why do we mutate?! No prior knowledge of the language necessary.
Based on a popular radio series that ran for three years on Welsh national radio, poet and presenter Ifor ap Glyn will offer a fascinating analysis of how Welsh works, what languages have we borrowed from, and why do we mutate?! No prior knowledge of the language necessary.
Hedd Wyn (1887-1917) and the Black Chair ~ presented by Ivor ap Glyn
Despite having little formal education, this talented young poet achieved his lifelong ambition in 1917 of winning the chair at the National Eisteddfod - but tragically he never knew, as he'd been killed in battle in Belgium a few weeks before. In Wales, he became a symbol for all the lost talent of that generation, and his home at Yr Ysgwrn is a place of pilgrimage to this day. It's a great story (Hedd Wyn's biopic was the first Welsh language film to be nominated for an Oscar) and poet and broadcaster Ifor ap Glyn will bring it to life once more at NAFOW.
Despite having little formal education, this talented young poet achieved his lifelong ambition in 1917 of winning the chair at the National Eisteddfod - but tragically he never knew, as he'd been killed in battle in Belgium a few weeks before. In Wales, he became a symbol for all the lost talent of that generation, and his home at Yr Ysgwrn is a place of pilgrimage to this day. It's a great story (Hedd Wyn's biopic was the first Welsh language film to be nominated for an Oscar) and poet and broadcaster Ifor ap Glyn will bring it to life once more at NAFOW.
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10: Ifor ap Glyn was raised in a Welsh - speaking family in London and studied the language at the University of Wales, Cardiff. He has published ten books, including a history of the Welsh language in 50 short chapters. He has produced and presented a documentary for the BBC on the life and work of Hedd Wyn; he edited a collection of poems commemorating his life; and he was also responsible for producing the interpretative films for the permanent exhibition at Yr Ysgwrn when it was refurbished in 2017.
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11: Celebrating the 100 Year Anniversary of a Hidden History ~presented by Heddwch Nain Mam-gu
Heddwch Nain/Mamgu- our Grandmothers’ Peace #1
A hidden history from Wales: a century ago, a delegation of three Welsh women brought a peace appeal to the women of America, together with signatures from almost 390,000 Welsh women. Come and learn their story, who were these women and why did this happen?
Heddwch Nain/Mamgu- our Grandmothers’ Peace #2
A hidden history from Wales: plus, what have we discovered? We’ll share with you our exciting finds; where is the chest now; can we see the petition’s signatures and hear about planned events to celebrate this 100-year-old history.
Heddwch Nain/Mamgu- our Grandmothers’ Peace #1
A hidden history from Wales: a century ago, a delegation of three Welsh women brought a peace appeal to the women of America, together with signatures from almost 390,000 Welsh women. Come and learn their story, who were these women and why did this happen?
Heddwch Nain/Mamgu- our Grandmothers’ Peace #2
A hidden history from Wales: plus, what have we discovered? We’ll share with you our exciting finds; where is the chest now; can we see the petition’s signatures and hear about planned events to celebrate this 100-year-old history.
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12: Famous Nebraskan Dick Cavett via Zoom
Dick Cavett was born in Gibbon, Nebraska and moved to Lincoln where he graduated from Lincoln High School. One of Dick’s proudest moments was when he won the state pommel horse championship when he was a senior. After graduation, Dick attended Yale University and moved to New York City to work on the staff of The Tonight Show, where he worked for Jack Paar and Johnny Carson. |
Throughout his career, Mr. Cavett performed in movies, in Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals, and has been spotted in countless television specials and documentaries . He is best known for The Dick Cavett Show that ran on several networks from 1968 to 1996, usually in a format of interviewing famous guests. Dick was nominated for thirteen Emmys and won three.
Mr. Cavett’s maternal grandfather, Rev. R. R. Richards was from Carmarthen, Wales.
Mr. Cavett’s maternal grandfather, Rev. R. R. Richards was from Carmarthen, Wales.
13: Welsh Folk Dancing ~ presented by Laurel Bradshaw & Danny Proud
Welsh folk dancing, led by a caller and supported by musicians, returns to NAFOW. Laurel Bradshaw, a certified Welsh folk dance instructor, will lead dancers through the steps and Danny Proud will lead the band. This session will leave you with a smile on your face and endorphin-charged liveliness to your day.
Welsh folk dancing, led by a caller and supported by musicians, returns to NAFOW. Laurel Bradshaw, a certified Welsh folk dance instructor, will lead dancers through the steps and Danny Proud will lead the band. This session will leave you with a smile on your face and endorphin-charged liveliness to your day.
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Laurel Bradshaw, a certified Welsh folk dance instructor, has been teaching and leading dance groups since 1988. She founded and directed Traed y Ddraig, a performance group in Minnesota (1990 to 2015), and has led folk dance sessions at NAFOW, GPWHP (Welsh center in Wymore, Nebraska), Welsh Heritage Week, and at the Cornish Gathering in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Laurel has taught Welsh language classes in Minneapolis since 1994 and is active in the Saint David’s Society of Minnesota.
Danny Proud, Madison, Wisconsin, is a former long-time member of the Traed y Ddraig dance group in Minnesota, and has been dancing and accompanying dancing at Welsh Heritage Week for two decades. Danny leads Welsh folk dancing for the general public at various festivals, retreats, and courses as opportunities arise. |