A Brief History
The Cambrian Benevolent Society (CBS) was established in Chicago in 1853 and is the oldest continuously running Welsh society in the city. At the time of its inception there were thousands of Welsh immigrants in residence and the society responded to a need to provide for those of Welsh descent who fell on hard times. It was "...organized to provide for needy Welsh people and to assure them a decent burial...said to be the oldest benevolent organization in Chicago. In 1939 it had 2,500 members or almost half the Welsh population in the city." Ref: "The Welsh People in Chicago" by Jay Monaghan, Illinois State Historical Society Journal 32 (1939) pp. 498 -516.
In more recent years the society has responded to the need for a heightened awareness of Welsh cultural traditions for second and third generation Welsh Americans and for the Chicago area population in general, and has added a second purpose to its mission. Namely, "...the promotion of Welsh culture via newsletters, programs of music, dance or other activities recognized as part of Welsh culture." (CBS Constitution and By-Laws).
Each year in early March the society holds a special St David's Day Dinner in honor of our patron saint, St David. In the summer we have our annual picnic in the park for members and their families. In September we participate in Chicago's Celtic Fest held at Grant Park and in November we decorate a Welsh Christmas tree for display at the Museum of Science and Industry. In May 2006 the Chicago Gymanfa Ganu Society officially merged with CBS and future Gymanfa Ganu events in Chicago will be held under the umbrella of our organization.
On October 14th, 2006 we celebrated Wales and all things Welsh at our second annual Welsh Heritage Fest.
Come and celebrate the spirit of Wales with us!
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