Saint Nicholas Society

The Saint Nicholas Society was founded in 1835 by a group of prominent New York City gentlemen, including Washington Irving, making it one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the United States. Their purpose was, and remains, to preserve and promote the history and customs of New York’s colonial-era forebears, particularly the Dutch and other people who were residents of Manhattan Island and, more broadly, New Amsterdam. Membership is by invitation only and is limited to men who can demonstrate descent from a New York State resident before 1785. By virtue of its membership requirements, many members are descended from the city’s first settlers, who included multiple nationalities and faiths.