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Two visitors from South Carolina have been hearing of the
potential of cultural tourism involving the Orange tradition
in Northern Ireland.
Senior officials from York County's tourism and heritage
departments met with Orange Director of Services Dr. David
Hume at Schomberg House recently.
Sam Thomas, representing the Historical Commission of York
County, is also a historian of statewide renown and author
of a number of books on the American Civil War period. He
was also a historical adviser for the film The Patriot, which
starred Mel Gibson.
Bennish Brown, who is the tourism manager of York County,
has already visited Northern Ireland on a number of occasions.
This, however, was his first encounter with Orangeism.
Both men were greatly impressed with the facilities and the
museum at Schomberg House. Discussions with them centred on
the prospect for American tourists visiting the Twelfth festivals
as part of a trip to Northern Ireland, as well as the unique
research facilities which are available at Schomberg House.
The visitors were also taken to visit Clifton Street Orange
Hall, where they were met by the Belfast County Grand Master,
Dawson Bailie, and curator Roy Martin, and shown artefacts
from Orange history as well as several Lodge rooms. They were
also presented with Lodge ties by Clifton Street officials
and were highly impressed with the hall.
Dr. David Hume said that the tourist potential of the Twelfth
as part of a package for US visitors was stressed.
"We would like to see the Twelfth become a major tourist
attraction and this visit saw considerable interest in such
a proposal from our American guests," he said.
"There is also the clear possibility of a cultural tourism
package for visitors from the US whose ancestors were from
Ulster," he added.
The American group were in Northern Ireland as part of a
delegation visiting Larne, which is twinned with York County.
The Orange Order's Director of Services was involved with
the twinning and is an honorary citizen of the town of Clover
in South Carolina. He said that he hoped Orangemen in Larne
would be keen to invite residents of York County to visit
them next July, when they host the East Antrim Combine demonstration
through the town.
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