Social Register Gatherings and Events
To attend Social Register gatherings and events you must be either a:
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Social Register member in good standing,
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Invited prospective Social Register member, or
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Member of a reciprocal club or association.
To learn about future and past events benefiting the Social Register Foundation, please visit the Social Register Foundation's webpage, which can be found here.
Upcoming Gatherings and Events
Please check back for updates.
January 27, 2024—Private VIP tour of The Winter Show before opening to the public.—NEW YORK, NY
Past Social Register In-Person Events
MIAMI, FL—Holiday Season with Ballet Stars—December 30, 2023
SR members enjoyed premium seating at an unforgettable evening with world-class dancers in celebration of ballet and the mission of Ballet Support Foundation at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. American Ballet Theatre’s prima ballerina Christine Shevchenko and Aran Bell met with our members exclusively after the show, in which they performed. The evening also included prima ballerina Natalia Osipova of London’s Royal Ballet and Bloom Dance Project’s Jason Kittelberger; New York City Ballet’s Mira Nadon and Peter Walker; Xin Ying and Lloyd Knight from the Martha Graham Contemporary Dance Company; Orin Zvulun and Francesco Cuoccio of Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company; and Joffrey Ballet School scholarship students Breeanna Palmer and Alexander Marmolejos.
NEW YORK, NY—Young Members Holiday Cocktail Party at the University Club of New York—December 7, 2023
SR members and guests enjoyed the first event held exclusively for our under-40 members, welcoming the holiday season with cocktails, light refreshments, and conversation set to the sounds of a jazz guitarist. All are looking forward to more events for this age group in the coming year after a strong contingent of young adult members at the SR’s 135th Anniversary Gala brought forth the idea to organize social events by and for their peers.
LONDON, ENGLAND—Thanksgiving Dinner at the Sloane Club—November 23, 2023
SR members and Sloane Club members gathered for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, with members from both the UK and abroad celebrating the U.S. holiday with a cocktail hour and multi-course gourmet dinner with family as well as friends new and old.
NEW YORK, NY—Whiskey and Watches—October 17, 2023
A private reception with Hindman Auctions experts on the extensive watch collection of Glen de Vries. Encompassing more than 100 luxury watches and 30 watchmakers, the personal collection of Mr. de Vries displayed his passion for aviation, space, and speed. SR members viewed and tried on bespoke watches and sampled artisanal whiskies.
CLEVELAND, OH—Private VIP Tour of A Splendid Land: Paintings from Royal Udaipur at the Cleveland Art Museum—September 8, 2023
Social Register Association members were treated to an exclusive tour of extraordinary works of Indian art from the House of Mewar, the world’s longest-serving dynasty. The tour of the exhibition, comprised of art from the City Palace Museum of Udaipur, was led by Sonya Rhie Mace, the museum’s George P. Bickford Curator of Indian and Southeast Asian Art, assisted by Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar, whose family’s generous donations comprise most of the paintings in the exhibition.
NEW YORK, NY—A Stylish Evening of Design, Cocktails, and Music—May 2, 2023
Members of the SRA were treated to a sophisticated evening of design and drinks at The Gallery at 200 Lex in New York City. Hosted by The Winter Show’s Executive Director and fellow SR member Helen Allen and Social Register Association Chairman Christopher R. Wolf, the event included Neo-Traditionalist designers displaying vignettes showcasing their design sensibilities. The Gallery at 200 Lex is a revolutionary space that provides 50 of the finest antique, vintage, and 21st-century dealers with a presence in the New York Design Center, changing the dynamic of this once design-trade-only building into a progressive, all-inclusive design resource.
WASHINGTON, DC—Private VIP tour of A Splendid Land: Paintings from Royal Udaipur at the Smithsonian Museum—April 10, 2023
SRA members enjoyed an exclusive view of extraordinary works of art from a unique period in Indian art from the House of Mewar, the world’s longest-serving dynasty, founded in 734 A.D. The tour was led by Debra Diamond, curator of the exhibition, assisted by Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar, who spearheaded the exhibit, of which The Washington Post stated, “Smithsonian show revels in the wonders of the White City.”
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV— Social Register and National Debutante Cotillion at The Greenbrier—March 31-April 2, 2023
Social Register Association members joined the National Debutante Cotillion Foundation in celebration of their Diamond Jubilee at The Greenbrier. The weekend included a white-tie ball for the National Debutante Cotillion Foundation, which supports humanitarian organizations including the Children’s National Medical Center of Washington, and commemorated the 75th jubilee anniversary with camaraderie and celebration.
NEW YORK, NY—Private VIP tour of The Winter Show—January 28, 2023
Social Register Association members had the special opportunity for a private preview of The Winter Show at the Park Avenue Armory before it opened to the public. A stunning array of fine art, silver, jewelry, furniture, design, antiquities, contemporary ceramics, and glass was on view, with over 65 internationally renowned dealers exhibiting. The Winter Show began in the mid-1950s, and it quickly established itself as one of the leading art fairs in the world. From the beginning, it has been a benefit for the East Side Settlement House, a community-based organization serving the Bronx and Northern Manhattan.
NEW YORK, NY—A Social Register event at Sotheby’s, Art as Jewelry as Art—October 3, 2022
SRA members had the opportunity to privately view a curated collection of unique pieces of jewelry designed by legendary artists such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Louise Nevelson, Jean Cocteau, and Max Ernst, along with many exciting contemporary artisans. The tour was led by SR member Tiffany Dubin, vice president, artist jewelry specialist at Sotheby’s and co-author of the book Vintage Style. The exhibit showcased some of the most valuable and exceptional pieces to be found anywhere, and SR members were welcome to try on the “wearable art.”
CINCINNATI, OH—Social Register Cocktail Party at the University Club—August 20, 2022
A cocktail gathering at the University Club brought together multiple generations of SR members from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Guests were entertained by a jazz guitarist while enjoying cocktails and the company of fellow SR members.
SOUTHAMPTON, NY—Private Viewing of Hamptons Fine Art Fair Opening Night Vernissage—July 14, 2022
SR members were invited to attend the Hamptons Fine Art Fair Opening Night Vernissage, a private viewing of the Fair before it opened to the public. Findlay Galleries generously offered SR members complimentary Gold VIP passes to the special event, which included cocktails and champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and live music, along with continued complimentary access during the three General Admission days. A highlight was a private gathering for SR members to view the presentation of the Hamptons Fine Art Fair Lifetime Achievement Award to painter Ronnie Landfield, in recognition of his stellar six-decade career. One of America’s leading colorists, he began his career in the 1960s in the New York School scene and is currently in the private collections of nearly every important museum in America.
ST. LOUIS, MO—Cocktails at Log Cabin Club, Benefiting the Social Register Foundation—May 22, 2022
A cocktail gathering at the private Log Cabin Club. The first-ever SR event to be held in St. Louis brought together our members in support of the Social Register Foundation. The club, founded in 1899, has been host to many distinguished guests including seven U.S. presidents and in 1928, a dinner honoring Charles Lindbergh, whose trans-Atlantic flight in the Spirit of St. Louis had been financed in part by club members.
NEW YORK, NY—Lecture and Private Reception with Professor Peter Frankopan—May 10, 2022
Peter Frankopan, professor of global history at Oxford University and acclaimed author of The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, invited SR members to his talk, "Greek Civilization’s Contribution to the Western World," at St. Bartholomew’s Church. A special rooftop terrace reception for SR members was held before the event.
NEW YORK, NY—An Exclusive Private Tour of The Winter Show—April 9, 2022
SRA members toured the show in the company of world-renowned exhibitors before it opened to the public. After our tour, the show opened to the public and SR members were welcome to enjoy the full collection of wonderfully curated exhibits.
WASHINGTON, DC—Lecture and Private Reception with Professor Peter Frankopan—March 16, 2022
Talk by Peter Frankopan, professor of global history at Oxford University, "Greek Civilization’s Contribution to the Western World." The lecture was sponsored by the Gennadius Library, with reserved seating for Social Register Association members. Professor Frankopan was introduced by noted author and journalist Sally Quinn, and SR members attended a private opening reception prior to his presentation for a meet-and-greet, with a larger reception following the lecture.
NEW YORK, NY—Midtown East Art Gallery Tour—October 2021
Three top galleries opened their doors to SR members exclusively for a private look, arranged by Helen Allen, executive director of The Winter Show.
SOUTHAMPTON, NY—A Tour of LongHouse Reserve—August 2021
Social Register Association members were treated to a private tour of the home and sculpture gardens of LongHouse Reserve, created by renowned textile artist, author, and collector Jack Lenor Larsen.
NEW YORK, NY—A Night at the Opera—March 2020
SR members were invited to a one-night-only performance of Leonore, Beethoven’s only opera. The piece was performed by members of Opera Lafayette, a company dedicated to reviving lost masterworks of the 17th-19th centuries, as well as early works that have survived to become part of the modern canon. The performance was preceded by a discussion with Ryan Brown, artistic director of Opera Lafayette, and Will Crutchfield, eminent musician and scholar who has restored an aria thought to be lost, based on Beethoven’s original notes and existing performance materials.
VERO BEACH, FL—A Cocktail Gathering at a Private Residence—February 27, 2020
The waterfront home of SR members was the setting of an elegant cocktail party benefiting the Social Register Foundation, the first event held by the Social Register Association in Florida. Over 100 guests attended from Florida as well as New York, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Louisville.
NEW YORK, NY—The Winter Show Private SR Tour—February 2020
An exclusive private tour of The Winter Show at the Park Avenue Armory before it opened to the public. After our tour, the show opened to the public and SR members were welcome to enjoy the full collection of wonderfully curated exhibits.
NEW YORK, NY—Celebrating Autumn and Art, Upper East Side Gallery Tour—October 2019
The Social Register and Helen Allen, executive director of The Winter Show, invited SR members to four of New York’s leading art galleries for a private tour of some the finest examples of art and antiques to be seen anywhere in the world.
NEW YORK, NY—Friday Frolic Cocktail Party at The Explorers Club—September 2019
SR members were invited to attend the lively gathering at the Explorers Club’s weekly Friday Frolic. Over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, members mingled, got acquainted, and toured the historic club with its incredible collection of artifacts. It was a fitting celebration of the newly minted reciprocal relationship between the two organizations. The wide range of backgrounds of those in attendance made for lively conversation on a variety of topics, from deep- sea salvaging to working with astronauts.
NEW YORK, NY—An Expedition to Adventure for Your Young Explorers—September 2019
The Explorers Club invited the youngest members of the SR to join their young members for a Saturday morning with aquanaut and author Richard E. Hyman. He regaled the children, along with parents and grandparents, with exciting tales of his far-flung adventures on the famous ship Calypso. Enlivened with photos and videos, his presentation showcased the beauty and wonder of the undersea world, the excitement of exploration and discovery, and the importance of curiosity and education about the natural world.
CINCINNATI, OH—Black Tie Dinner Dance Celebration at the Cincinnati Woman’s Club—June 1, 2019
The Queen City rolled out the red carpet of hospitality to SR members and prospective members from Ohio and Kentucky as Cincinnati hosted its inaugural Social Register fête. Guests at the black-tie event were treated to a cocktail hour and sit-down dinner, as well as lively dancing to the Kim Kelly Orchestra. The sense of community fostered by the SR could be seen in the event’s large attendance, with multi-generational guests representing a cross-section of civic, philanthropic, and cultural leadership.
CHICAGO, IL—Aloha Spring! Cocktail Gathering—May 2019
A cheerful party honoring the Social Register Foundation drew over 140 SR members, many traveling from around the country to attend. Held at the historic residence of two longtime SR members, guests bid farewell to the cold Midwest winter while supporting the foundation’s mission.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Festive Cocktail Gathering at Villa Taverna—May 10, 2019
The Social Register Association held its second formal gathering on the west coast, in partnership with Villa Taverna at their exclusive private dining club. Approximately 100 invitees enjoyed an evening of camaraderie, cocktails, and conversation at the historic building in the heart of the city’s financial district. Those attending, many who belong to both organizations, hailed from not only San Francisco, but also Marin County, Silicon Valley and Northern California, and even Los Angeles and Seattle. Multiple generations were in attendance, ranging in age from their twenties to their nineties, providing a collegial atmosphere full of fun and interesting conversations.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Warriors Evening in San Francisco—February 22, 2019
The joint event with the Social Register Association and Society of Colonial Wars was held at the historic University Club in Nob Hill, with its panoramic view overlooking the city and the bay. The evening, which included a formal dinner, was a celebration of the long-standing relationship between the two societies. The California Society of Colonial Wars, which was founded in 1895 in Los Angeles, has for the most part remained based in the southern area of the state. On this evening, with the assistance of the Social Register Association, it made an elegant and enjoyable entrance into the San Francisco Bay area, where local descendants of colonial Americans are organizing a revitalized chapter.
NEW YORK, NY—The Winter Antiques Show Private SR Tour—January 2019
An exclusive private tour of The Winter Show at the Park Avenue Armory before it opened to the public. After our tour, the show opened to the public and SR members were welcome to enjoy the full collection of wonderfully curated exhibits.
CHICAGO, IL—Chicago Cocktail Gathering—March 2018
SR members from the Midwest gathered at the Chicago Yacht Club for the city’s second SR cocktail party. 175 guests were hosted in the stunning lakefront room, with one venerable member, at 97 years old, overheard telling two young women that what she likes best about Social Register gatherings is that they are always so intergenerational.
CHARLESTON, SC—SR’s First Southern Celebration—March 1, 2018
The Social Register Association held its third member event and first formal gathering in the south, at the Carolina Yacht Club to enthusiastic reception from the many members in attendance. More than 80 members and their guests, representing Charleston and the surrounding areas were represented, along with members who came from Georgia and North Carolina. The Social Register Association has had a longstanding affiliation with Charleston, going back over 114 years to the days of its individual city directories, prior to their consolidation into a single national edition in the late 1970s.
BOSTON, MA—New England Cocktail Party—October 4, 2018
A fall gathering was held for members and guests of the Social Register Association at the New England Historic Genealogical Society in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay. Amidst a setting of colonial portraits, early American heraldry, and antique furnishings, friends new and old mingled and dined on hors d’oeuvres to the lively sounds of the talented Bo & Bill Winiker Band as they learned more about the SRA at its first-ever gathering in Boston.
CHICAGO, IL—Inaugural Gala for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA—September 15, 2018
HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, led a series of stateside engagements over the course of two weeks in support of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA. The black-tie inaugural gala, sponsored by the Social Register Association and entitled 1956-Now: A Journey of Achievement, was held at The Casino Club as supporters of the award, as well as awardees, were invited to fete its initial success in the United States. Attended by over 290 guests, Social Register Association members were heavily represented at the exclusive event from around the country, notably Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Atlanta, Florida, and San Francisco.
Multiple Cities—The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA Events for SR Guests:
NEWPORT, RI—Harbour Court, New York Yacht Club, Yacht Outing—September 2018
TUXEDO PARK, NY—Tuxedo Club, Court Tennis Event—September 2018
PHILADELPHIA, PA—The Racquet Club, Court Tennis Event—September 2018
NEW YORK, NY—The Racquet and Tennis Club, Court Tennis Event—September 2018
NEWPORT, RI—National Tennis Club, Court Tennis Event—September 2018
MCLEAN, VA—International Tennis Club of Washington, Court Tennis Event—September 2018
CHICAGO, IL—Racquet Club of Chicago, Court Tennis Event—September 2018
BOSTON, MA—Tennis and Racquet Club, Court Tennis Event—September 2018
AIKEN, SC—Aiken Tennis Club, Court Tennis Event—September 2018
PARIS, FRANCE—Le Biennale Paris, Impromptu SR Gathering and Party—September 2018
The arts fair in its current iteration became a yearly event in 2017, placing it firmly on the annual calendar of art collectors and enthusiasts. More than 70 galleries introduced new and repeat visitors alike to exceptional collections of art, jewelry, tapestry and furniture from around the world. SR members in attendance got together for a spontaneous gathering, further highlighting the SR’s global community.
NEW YORK, NY—100 Years with the Colonial Dames of America—October 11, 2017
The Dames celebrated the Social Register Association at their annual fall benefit with an evening at Doubles in Manhattan. The highly successful black-tie event benefited the educational initiatives of the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum, owned and operated by the CDA and one of the oldest buildings in New York City. Speaking on “The Social Register: An Enduring Legacy,” SRA Chairman Christopher Wolf delighted the audience with tales of SR history and plans for the future.
CHICAGO, IL—Greater Chicago Members Cocktail Party—April 5, 2017
More than 175 SR members enjoyed an evening at the Woman’s Athletic Club of Chicago, the first time ever that members of the Social Register Association came together to enjoy each other’s company under the auspices of the SR. Camaraderie, cocktails, and classic piano music were the order of the night, which ended with each member taking home a gift box of the Woman’s Athletic Club’s signature macarons.
Recent Past Virtual Events
January 17, 2024—The Last Ships from Hamburg
Steve Ujifusa, award-winning author and expert on historical shipping events that changed the cultural landscape of the United States.
May 25, 2023—Mount Vernon: The Beguiling Reflection of America’s First President
Dr. Susan P. Schoelwer, fellow SR member and executive director, historic preservation and collections and Robert H. Smith Senior Curator at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, led a presentation on the historic property. In the process of directing the architectural preservation, furnishing, and interpretation of Washington’s home, Dr. Schoelwer gained a deeper perspective of Washington. Mount Vernon is often said to be the autobiography that George Washington never wrote.
March 22, 2023—The Sistine Chapel You Never Saw
Jim Caldwell returned by popular demand for a virtual talk on Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Between 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo created a masterpiece that changed the course of Western art and is regarded as one of the major artistic accomplishments of human civilization. Jim—artist, architect, teacher, and art historian—brought forth the brilliant imagery and the telling of its story in perspectives not seen from 60 feet below.
March 2, 2022—Barons of the Sea
A virtual talk on his recent book, Steven Ujifusa discussed the clipper ship’s evolution, a sweeping history of 19th-century American dynasties, and the battle for dominance transporting luxury items of tea and opium from China. A recipient of the Washington Irving Medal for Literary Excellence from the Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York and the Athenaeum of Philadelphia’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction. Ujifusa has appeared on NPR and CBS Sunday Morning and received his A.B. from Harvard University and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
February 9, 2022—Who Shot Vincent?
A virtual talk by Jim Caldwell, fellow SR member, artist, art historian, and architect. Jim examined Vincent van Gogh the artist, the myth, and his mysterious death, and covered over 60 of Van Gogh’s paintings.
December 8, 2021—Virtual Holiday Concert Featuring The Knights
Holiday favorites performed by this renowned group of young classical musicians.
November 17, 2021—Virtual Event with Opera Lafayette
Preeminent American interpreter and producer of 17th to 19th-century opera, Opera Lafayette’s Artistic Director Ryan Brown highlighted three recent productions.
May 5, 2021—A Private Live Virtual Tour of Winterthur Presented Exclusively for Social Register Members
Winterthur, the premier museum of American decorative arts and childhood home of art collector and horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont, houses 90,000 works of decorative and fine art made or used in America between 1640 and 1860, and 77 acres of historical gardens. The tour included rooms and gardens not generally available to the public. Led by Jeff Goff, estate historian at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, and Chris Strand, the Brown Harrington Director of Garden & Estate at Winterthur.
April 22, 2021—Exclusive Intimate Virtual Celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower
The Social Register Association and the New England Historic Genealogical Society hosted a virtual gala in honor of the 400th Anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower in Plymouth, MA, as well as the 175th anniversary of the NEHGS. Honored with an American Ancestors Lifetime Achievement Award by the NEHGS was Sir John Major, former prime minister of the UK. Having been delayed for a year by the global pandemic, the membership of both the SR and the NEHGS were gratified to finally be able to celebrate both anniversaries, as well as Sir John’s many achievements in his career of public service.
March 24, 2021—Heavenly Shades of Night, A History of Nocturnes
Jim Caldwell, an accomplished artist himself with more than 450 collections worldwide, spoke about what twilight and night mean to us and how these mediums have been portrayed in art.
February 12, 2021—Exclusive Virtual Concert with The Knights
Performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, first movement; Brahms’ Violin Concerto with Gil Shaham; and S. Aghaei and C. Jacobson’s Ascending Bird with Yo-Yo Ma. The New York Times describes The Knights as “an adventurous young orchestra that has established a strong reputation for polished performances and imaginative programming.” The evening was hosted live (virtually) by Eric Jacobsen, artistic director, and conductor, along with celebrated violinist and composer Colin Jacobsen. Audio engineered and sound designed by Grammy Award winner Jody Elff.
January 30, 2021—An Exclusive Live Virtual Tour of Four World-Renowned Galleries
Along with Helen Allen, executive director of The Winter Show as moderator, we explored the Nathan Liverant and Son Gallery in Colchester, CT; Jonathan Boos Gallery in New York City; Carolle Thibaut-Pomerantz Gallery in Paris, France; and Spencer Marks Gallery in Southampton, MA. These are four world-renowned experts in their field.
January 13, 2021—The Year 1000
A fascinating, informative talk by Valerie Hansen, the Stanley Woodward Professor of History at Yale University and author of The New York Times bestseller The Year 1000: When Explorers Connected the World—and Globalization Began. Dr. Hansen argues that the year 1000 was the world’s first point of major cultural exchange and exploration. Of her book, London’s Sunday Times wrote, “Daring... A smart, broad-ranging survey of the global Middle Ages that is learned, thought-provoking—and perfectly tuned to our times.”
November 18, 2020—Meet a Record-Breaking Athlete
An introduction to Kim Chambers, one of six people to swim the Ocean Seven, and the only woman to swim from Farallon Islands to San Francisco, considered the most dangerous of all swims. Kim shared her incredible story that captured the world’s attention.
October 18, 2020—An Evening Celebrating Suzie Zuzek, the Artist Behind Lilly Pulitzer
Narrated by Becky Smith, fellow Social Register Association member, and co-founder of the Suzie Zuzek Project, and Caroline Rennolds Milbank, fashion historian, author, journalist, curator, and appraiser. Private show for Social Register Association members only.
September 30, 2020—An Exclusive Private Tour of the Heart of the U.S. Economy: U.S. Treasury Building
Leadership guides from the Treasury Historical Society hosted the tour including private historical spaces not even shown to VIPs. A Social Register Association member exclusive.
September 16, 2020—New Treasurers from India
An evening with the founder and director of the Museum of Art and Photography, Bangalore, India—not yet open to the public —exclusively for Social Register Association members.
August 19, 2020—A Spirited Conversation on the Direction of Fashion and Jewelry for Our Times
A panel discussion presented by Hindman Auctions exclusively for Social Register members.
July 29, 2020—An Evening with John Singer Sargent and the Scandal of Madame X
Presented by SR member and artist Jim Caldwell about the life, career, and works of the expatriate portraitist John Singer Sargent and the scandal surrounding his piece, Portrait of Madame X.
July 15, 2020—An Evening at Monticello with Thomas Jefferson
A private live virtual tour of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello presented exclusively for Social Register Association members.
Social Register Community Outreach
Nationally—The Social Register Association is a multi-generational network of interesting and accomplished members, and never has it been more important to stay connected than during difficult times. Although many were physically isolated from the communities they held dear during the pandemic, the Social Register Association provided connection and support to its members. Beyond our virtual events, we organized an initiative to connect younger SR members with senior members, a total of 250 people, via telephone and email —June 2020