New England Society of New York
The New England Society in the City of New York (NES) is one of several lineage organizations in the United States and one of the oldest charitable societies in the country. It was founded in 1805 to promote “friendship, charity and mutual assistance” among and on behalf of New Englanders living in New York.[1]
History
The founding NES meeting was held on May 6, 1805 at the State Street home of merchant, statesman, and first NES president James Watson. Watson’s Federal townhouse still stands and is on the National Register of Historic Places.[2] It was also the residence of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American Catholic Saint. The home is currently occupied by the rectory of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church and is part of the Seton Shrine.[3]
The first Annual Dinner was held on December 21, 1805 at the City Hotel on Broadway with 154 Members in attendance. Every year since 1805, the Society has hosted speakers at various venues, including Delmonico's Restaurant, the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, and Sherry’s in New York City.[4] The roster of speakers who attended these Dinners includes Commander Stephen Decatur, War of 1812 Hero, statesman Daniel Webster,[5] U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant., J. Pierpont Morgan (the 26th NES President), Theodore Roosevelt, Ralph Waldo Emerson,[6] Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) and Woodrow Wilson.
Education
In 1953, NES expanded its educational outreach and launched the NES Scholarship Program to provide access to higher education to deserving young scholars.[7] NES provides funding for New York City students attending colleges and universities in New England.[8]
Membership
The Society currently maintains its headquarters in midtown Manhattan.[9] Full membership requires evidence of New England ancestry, education, or residence; associate membership is available to those who share an affinity for New England and the mission of NES.[10]
Notable Members
- Chester A. Arthur
- William T. Blodgett
- William Cullen Bryant
- Grover Cleveland
- Calvin Coolidge
- Horace Greeley
- Rush Christopher Hawkins
- Morris K. Jessup
- John F. Kennedy
- Seth Low
- J.P. Morgan
- Levi P. Morton
- Charles F. Orvis
- Charles Pratt
- John D. Rockefeller
- Theodore Roosevelt
- Elihu Root
- Charles Tiffany
- John Trumbull
References
- ↑ "History of New England Society in the City of New York". New England Society in the City of New York. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ↑ "National Register of Historic Places". National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ↑ "Seton Shrine Official Website".
- ↑ Annual Report Volumes 115-118. New England Society in the City of New York. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ↑ Cephas Brainerd; Eveline Warner Brainerd. "Daniel Webster: Response" (PDF). The New England Society Orations Volume 1. The Century Co. pp. 354–370. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
- ↑ Cephas Brainerd; Eveline Warner Brainerd. "Ralph Waldo Emerson: Oration & Response" (PDF). The New England Society Orations, Vol. II. The Century Co. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
- ↑ "New England Society Scholarship Program". New England Society in the City of New York. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ↑ "Roster of Institutions Program". New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE). Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ↑ "Non-profit Building Tenants". The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ↑ "New England Society Membership". New England Society in the City of New York. Retrieved 2 August 2012.