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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.
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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. 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.
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. The roster of speakers who attended these Dinners includes Commander Stephen Decatur, War of 1812 Hero, statesman Daniel Webster, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant., J. Pierpont Morgan (the 26th NES President), Theodore Roosevelt, Ralph Waldo Emerson, 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. NES provides funding for New York City students attending colleges and universities in New England.
Membership
The Society currently maintains its headquarters in midtown Manhattan. 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.