Lori McAlister, our featured writer on Welsh music this issue, is the project director of the Wymore Welsh Heritage Project.

The mission of the WWHP is to preserve and promote the Welsh heritage of Wymore, Nebraska, to identify and celebrate other Welsh communities in the state, and to establish a state Welsh Heritage & Culture Centre in Wymore.

The WWHP had its seeds in an interview with Ellsworth and Hazel (Jenkins) Closs, and Elmo and Milly (Lane) Lloyd of Wymore for publication in Grassroots Nebrasa (April 2000). As a result of that interview and subsequent conversations with active Welsh-Americans in Nebraska and across the region, it was learned that:

• The Bethel Welsh community just south of Wymore was established years before the town was platted.
• A number of Welsh descendants today don't know their ethnic heritage.
• Most Welsh-American history is in oral form only and needs to be recorded...or lost forever.
• US centers dedicated to preserve and display the ancestry and influence of Americans of Welsh descent are few in number.
• Welsh descendants across the US are excited to hear of these efforts and have pledged their enthusiastic support.

Work begin in May 2000 to inform the community, share the WWHP mission and locate an appropriate site for the Welsh Heritage Centre. Wymore's mayor, Julie Everson, was an instant supporter and suggested a downtown location. WWHP is inn the process of raising funds to purchase two buildings on three adjoining lots for development. The main building was built in the late 1880's and is in remarkably good condition.

Current plans are to use the main floor for display, demonstration and meeting space. A second smaller building will provide future administration and further display space.

It isn't necessary to be of Welsh descent to be involved—anyone with an interest in ethnic heritage, historic presservation, downtown renovation, or tourist development will find an area of interest in the WWHP.

For information about the WWHP, the Welsh Heritage Center, their mailing lists, and/or the calendar of events, please contact Lori McAlister.