CDA’s 2026 Annual Meeting, held on May 4th, was preceded by a memorable weekend of events in New York City, where Dames from across the country gathered in fellowship to conduct the business of the Society, enjoy special events, spend time with cherished friends, and learn more about the many endeavors and achievements of their fellow members over the past year.

Please enjoy the event descriptions and photos below.

1890 Society Luncheon

The weekend’s events commenced on May 2nd with the 1890 Society Reception, graciously hosted by President General Laurie Aldinger. Members of the 1890 Society enjoyed a private tour of the Fraunces Tavern Museum exhibition Path to Liberty, commemorating America’s 250th. This year, CDA is supporting the exhibition with an education grant (see page 8), and is duly recognized as a Lead Sponsor. The tour continued through the historic period rooms, including the site of George Washington’s farewell to his officers and the tavern’s restored eighteenth-century lodging room — offering a fascinating contrast to the accommodations later found at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden some fifty years afterward. The afternoon concluded with an intimate luncheon in the tavern’s atmospheric Washington Room.

Executive Council Meeting

The final day of events opened with the Executive Council Meeting, an opportunity for Chapter Presidents to read their reports and update their fellow Dames on chapter events, programs, and announcements. Twelve chapters presented their reports, describing scholarship programs, historic projects, and the warm way that Chapter XXV - Arizona welcomes their tiny Dames-to-be with embroidered CDA baby blankets.

Annual Meeting Luncheon

The Annual Meeting Luncheon convened to conduct the business of the Society, including reporting on the year's activities as presented by President General Laurie Aldinger and nine of the committee chairs, as well as announcing the election results regarding the slate and by-laws. Members and chapters were also celebrated through special presentations, including the announcement of the 2026 recipients of Van Rensselaer Award, and the winner of the Award for Excellence, all while attendees enjoyed a scrumptious three course luncheon. Afterward, several members returned to the Museum garden for an informal gathering, extending the camaraderie of the weekend. Thank you to all who joined the Annual Meeting festivities and helped make the weekend such a memorable celebration of our shared mission and traditions.