The Celtic Collection Program (CCP) is a non-profit, five-divisional, multicultural living history and educational organization. Our mission statement is to facilitate a better understanding about the history, artwork and culture of ancient Celtic society from a multicultural perspective.
The Celtic Collection Program Achieves its Objective
This objective is primarily accomplished through our modeling program, exhibitions, media appearances and yearly Celtic heritage festivals. We depend exclusively on donations to fund our educational presentations at colleges, high schools, libraries, community centers and at other educational facilities throughout Georgia.
Our educational approach is special because the models represent how their own ancient cultures influenced the development of early Celtic civilization. Some of our visitors are surprised to find out how much of modern Western thought was influenced by ancient India, China and Greece, or the significant changes that resulted when early Scottish and Irish settlers came to America and intermarried with Native people.
Since 2008, the program has conducted Celtic heritage festivals for the Henry County Library System. Library Director Carolyn Fuller describes the influence of the models: “Both the patrons and I have learned much from the four year contact with the models of Celtic Collection. It is enjoyable to read about the modes of dress from different cultures and to look at pictures. It is a much better experience to have the costumes modeled by a person especially since the models are so knowledgeable about the culture and the dress. The models are able to discuss the costumes, the meaning of individual pieces of it, and to explain the history in a fun way for children and their parents”.
The CCP is dedicated to Maude McAdams, the Cherokee and Scottish grandmother of our CEO, Lewis Hales.
How the Non-Profit Corporation Started
The program began in 1999 with the purchase and display of a few Celtic artifacts that became its signature exhibition, The Celtic Collection. It eventually evolved into the largest privately owned group of Celtic artifacts in America. In August 2005, we became a 501 (C) (3) incorporation.
As time progressed, nine more ancient collections featuring meteorites, ancient sea-shells, a Celtic sword, fossils, Georgia marble, and an ancient coin collection were added. These exhibitions combined became the exhibition division, which is now one of our most requested educational programs.
Pamela Reece, executive program administrator, states: “The exhibitions are appreciated by visitors of all ages and consist of prehistoric specimens and artifacts from different fields of study. Children especially enjoy seeing fossils from the dinosaur age and learning about meteorites. Geology students are interested in the crystals and diverse collection of Georgia marble. Attending a CCP exhibition is truly a fun opportunity for the entire family to experience free of charge”.
The other four divisions of CCP are media, field research, Celtic festivals and the modeling program, our most popular and accomplished division.
The Success of the Modeling Division
The Celtic Collection Models are a multicultural group of professional women that portray key groups from ancient Celtic society and provide a comprehensive understanding of how Celtic theology and lifestyle were shaped by other cultures encountered through the millennia.
Models’ outfits are regalia and reproductions of the ancients groups they represent. They have been conferred over 70 academic, administrative, community service and political awards and honors for their educational representations and have appeared in more Georgia media than any other modeling group in the state’s history. The division features models and educators from India, China, England and Native cultures. According to Modeling Director Beth Smith, “Our living history program is unique in Georgia because each model has her own cultural story to tell about Celtic development”.
Models also serve as docents and instructors during events and are special assigned to represent particular exhibitions in the media. Penny Cliff, Thomaston-Upson Archives director states, “The models have enhanced the exhibitions at the facility with their living history representations. CBS conducted interviews with the models here and they have appeared on local radio stations to promote special educational shows. Their approach provides a unique perspective into the interactions that occurred between early cultures”.
They have made significant television and radio appearances, including Fox 5 Good Day Atlanta, GPB Georgia Gazette, PTV Atlanta Comcast, CBS, Fox31 Albany, NBC in Macon and an affiliate CNN station in Cordele; the most prominent was aired on NBC 11Alive News, hosted by Wes Sarginson, an eight-time Emmy award winning journalist and Anchor, who produced a complete segment about the models on Wes Side Story in 2007.
Published coverage has appeared in the Macon Telegraph, Khabar Magazine, NativeRadio.com, Suite101.com, World Journal, Gothic Beauty Magazine, Enjoy magazine and Arts and Expressions Magazine. Most of the models have had articles and photos of them featured on the front page of their hometown newspapers.
Although considered legitimate “special feature models” by the modeling industry, the Celtic Collection Models have, at least in Georgia, redefined what it means to be a model. They do not carry composite cards or represent their roles in a sexually explicit manner. Issues of weight, height or age are not important. No previous modeling skills or experience are necessary to be in the program. Models never walk in risky footwear to enhance their outfits and each model is valued more than the regalia or artifacts she wears. Almost ironically, after a model has been with the corporation for about a year, she will likely acquire a portfolio and accolades that most other models do not realize in their career.
Recognition of Individual Models
Following are just some of the examples of public recognition achieved by the individual models of the Celtic Collection Program.
- Deputy CEO and 10-time award winning model and administrator Paige McDaniel Vallee has appeared in more Georgia media than any other living history model from Georgia.
- Model and Executive Program Administrator Pamela Reece made cover girl for Enjoy magazine, July 2008.
- Actress and Goth model Dani Revelt represents Celtic mythology and was awarded the Celtic Collection Goth Model of the Year Award for 2011.
- Model and instructor Allison Bryant was given an award by Mrs. Margaret Clifford, granddaughter of Booker T. Washington, for having made special educational contributions in the program. Allison is the first African American to introduce the discovery of an ancient Celtic sword by representing it in a published review.
- Model Lin Han was featured in the Chinese language publication, World Journal, in 2007.
- Model and stand-up comedian Joan Trezevant was the first African American to perform a comedy routine at a Celtic heritage festival in Georgia.
- Representing ancient India, models Indira Parekh and Naina Mehta have been published in Khabar and make ongoing appearances at the festivals.
- Award winning model Wendy “the natural” Powell was recently featured in an 11Alive special news report.
- Native educator and pow-wow dancer Brandi Charette teaches Native dance at festivals and represents the Native program at other events.
- Sherri Hammock is a Celtic historian and represents the ancient druid group.
- Betty “Boop” Fowler has been our official hostess since we began.
The diversity of these models is enhanced by their commitment to interpreting their connection to Celtic history.
Most Prestigious Honor
On 10-6-2011, Governor Deal awarded a commendation to the models for having made special educational contributions in Georgia since 2003, which included media appearances, long hours of volunteer service, educational agenda, community service and their multicultural approach.
Corporate Goals for Celtic Collection
The program has accomplished significant accolades, more than anyone initially imagined. Paige Vallee states: "The opportunity that the Celtic Collection Models have experienced is truly remarkable and we all are fortunate to be part of it. We never dreamed we would accomplish so much and make the historical impact we have seen at our events".
Although we have been featured in almost all major media in Georgia, our plans are primarily to continue concentrating on promoting our Celtic festivals and exhibitions.
Sources
- Fuller, Carolyn, Library Director, Henry County Library System. Telephone interview. 12 January 2012.
- Reece, Pamela, Executive Program Administrator, CCP. Telephone interview. 12 January 2012.
- Smith, Beth, Modeling Director, CCP. Telephone interview. 11 January 2012.
- Cliff, Penny, Director, Thomaston-Upson Arhives. Telephone interview. 12 January 2012.
- Vallee, Paige, Deputy CEO, CCP. Telephone interview. 4 January 2012.
Lewis Hales - Lewis Hales is a counselor, journalist and historian specializing in continental Celtic society, the insular Celts of ancient Britain and ...
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