New England Society of New York facts for kids
The New England Society in the City of New York (NES) is one of America's oldest groups that helps people. It was started in 1805. Its main goal was to create "friendship, charity and mutual assistance" for people from New England who lived in New York City.
Contents
A Look Back: The Society's History
How It All Began
The first meeting of the NES happened on May 6, 1805. It was held at the home of James Watson, who was a merchant and a leader. He also became the first president of the NES. Watson's old house is still standing today. It is even listed as a historic place. This house was also once home to Elizabeth Ann Seton, who became the first American Catholic saint. Today, the house is part of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church.
Famous Dinners and Speakers
The first yearly dinner was held on December 21, 1805. About 154 members attended this special event. Since that first dinner, the Society has hosted a dinner every year. They have had many famous speakers over the years. These speakers include heroes like Commander Stephen Decatur from the War of 1812. Important leaders like U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt also spoke. Famous writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mark Twain (whose real name was Samuel Clemens) shared their thoughts. Even presidents like Woodrow Wilson have been speakers.
The Pilgrim Statue
In 1885, the New England Society of New York gave a special gift to New York City. This gift was a statue called The Pilgrim. The statue was made by John Quincy Adams Ward. It is a bronze statue, about 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall. It shows one of the Pilgrims. These were British people who came to America in 1620. They sailed from Plymouth, England, on a ship called the Mayflower. Their leader was William Bradford.
The statue stands on a small hill in Central Park called Pilgrim Hill. It looks west over the East Drive at East 72nd Street. The base of the statue was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt.
Helping Students: Education Programs
In 1953, the NES started a scholarship program. This program helps young students get money for college. It helps students from New York City who want to attend colleges and universities in New England. This way, more young people can get a good education.
Joining the Society: Membership
The Society has its main office in midtown Manhattan. To become a full member, you usually need to show that your family came from New England. You might also qualify if you went to school there or lived there. If you just like New England and what the NES does, you can become an associate member.
Well-Known Members
Many famous people have been members of the New England Society. Here are some of them:
- Chester A. Arthur
- William Cullen Bryant
- Grover Cleveland
- Calvin Coolidge
- Horace Greeley
- John F. Kennedy
- J.P. Morgan
- John D. Rockefeller
- Theodore Roosevelt
- Elihu Root
- Charles Tiffany
See also
- New England Soldiers' Relief Association
