The heritage of Cornish settlers will be celebrated at the 16th International Gathering of Cornish Cousins (and the 19th annual Cornish Festival) at Mineral Point, Wisconsin from August 10 to 14.
Cornwall is one of the seven Celtic countries. Every two years Cornish culture, music, history, foods and language is celebrated in the US or Canada in a place that was settled by the Cornish.
Most settlements were in mining areas, as the Cornish were known for their mining skills. Some of the people that came to this continent from north Cornwall were farmers and they settled in agricultural friendly areas.
On the day before the Gathering, there are bus trips to interesting places amongst the lead mines of Southwest Wisconsin.
The Southwest Wisconsin Cornish Society was organized in 1991. The purpose of the Society is to “preserve our Cornish heritage, to preserve our Cornish identity, and to strengthen our ties with our Cornish relatives and friends.” Another purpose is to educate visitors and local folks alike, of the history and uniqueness of the Cornish presence in Mineral Point and Southwest Wisconsin.
Records from the Cornwall Family History Society is available online in Southwest Wisconsin for researching Cornish ancestors.
Mineral Point is a charming little community reminiscent of a rural English village, nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of southwest Wisconsin. In 1971 the entire city was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the first Wisconsin city to receive that designation.
For more information on the International Gathering of Cornish Cousins visit www.cornishfest.org or www.cousinjack.org
For more information about top events in Wisconsin take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Wisconsin.