Proud as a Peacock

to be Welsh-American

 

A Proposed Concept for

A New Documentary on Welsh-America

John S. Ellis

Objectives: The film should:

Raise awareness of and interest in the Welsh-American community of the past, present and future.
Reflect recent scholarship in Welsh-American studies
Reflect professional standards of scholarship and film production
Have broad appeal and interest beyond the Welsh-American community
Primarily address a North American audience

Theme: The film will explore:

The meaning and function of Welsh-American identity in the past and present. What does it mean to us to be Welsh? How has Welsh-American identity changed over time?
The meaning and function of ethnic identity in America. What does the Welsh-American experience tell us about the value of ethnic identity more generally?

Content: The film will feature:

An examination of Welsh-American activities, organizations and communities in the present. How do people define their Welshness today? What does it mean in their personal lives and in the lives of their communities?
Exploration of Welsh-American history and culture. How has Welsh identity been defined through such things as immigration and settlement, community, work, religion, language, and patriotism? How has this changed over time? How has this experience differed from region to region? How has the past informed Welsh-American activities and identity today?
Questions about the future of Welsh-American culture. What are the challenges ahead? Why should Welsh-American identity be maintained? What value does it have and what function will it serve in the future?

Methods: The film will employ film footage of:

Current Welsh-American activities (National and local gymanfa, banquets, college programs, ect.)
Historic Welsh-American communities (SE Ohio, Pennsylvania coal mining areas, New York-Vermont Slate Valley, etc.)
Interviews with contemporary Welsh-Americans
Interviews with historians and scholars of Welsh-American studies
Historical photographs and artifacts

Were your ancestors Welsh? Write to us. Include contact information. Share the story of your Welsh Family in America.