Origin of Our Society
Informal organization occurred during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 1969. A committee was formed and official organization took place in 1970, also in connection with the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Linville, North Carolina. The Society is incorporated in North Carolina and maintains non-profit organization status with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. All dues and contributions are tax exempt.

The Organization
The Clan Rose Society of America is perhaps the most democratic of clan societies. The Clan Rose Gathering occurs each year during the summer at a highland game designated in advance by the Board of Directors. At this meeting, current officers present their reports, the membership has the opportunity for comments on the operation of the organization and a seven member Board of Directors is nominated. Election takes place by mail-in ballot. This Board governs the society.

The Clan Rose Crest
The Clan Rose Coat-of-Arms is the personal property of the Chief and is subject to change from Chief to Chief. Clansmen are permitted only the use of the crest, which appears at the top of the Chief's Coat-of-Arms. In the case of Clan Rose it is a simple harp. There is a Scots tradition that the crest was cast and worn on the belt buckle of a clansman. In modern times the crest is surrounded by a buckler upon which is printed the Clan motto. It is especially appropriate to the Tradition of Kilravock that the Clan Rose Crest displays a harp and the words "Constant and True."

Society Objectives
Our primary purpose is to preserve our heritage and the Traditions of Kilravock in North America. Secondly, to gather together the many American descendants of the Scottish Roses in an organized manner. We have members in Canada and from coast to coast in the United States. We keep in close touch with Miss Elizabeth Rose, Chief of the Clan and 25th Baroness of Kilravock. In the Tradition of Kilravock, we support various educational and cultural projects in Scotland and North America.

Clan Rose Society of America Archives
We have resisted the frequent practice of becoming a mere genealogical society. Rather, we maintain CRSA archives at the Odom Library, Moultree, Georgia. A number of valuable documents containing the records of outstanding Roses in America and genealogies of several branch families are on file. These archives are open to all members for research. Regrettably, we do not have the funds or personnel to serve as genealogical consultants. Genealogical research on Rose is available from Christine Rose, Rose Family Association, 1474 Montelegre Dr., San Jose, CA 95120-4831.