Good afternoon, Dames and guests.

It is always a pleasure to gather with the Colonial Dames of America.

I have learned that when this group comes together, two things are guaranteed:
there will be wonderful conversation,
a deep appreciation for history—
and a remarkable amount of talent in one room.

It is truly a pleasure to be with you today as we reflect together on the work of our Society over the past year.

This has been a year of meaningful progress—defined not only by what we have accomplished, but by how intentionally we are positioning the Colonial Dames of America for the years ahead.

Let me begin with something that underpins everything we do: strong governance and sound management.

This year we completed a full audit with no recommendations—a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of organizations. This reflects the discipline, transparency, and careful oversight that protect our Society’s assets.

We transitioned to a new accounting firm and a new accounting system, strengthened our financial processes, and implemented more efficient systems for accounts payable and receivable.

I wish to thank Evelyn Aucoin, whose leadership made that transition both smooth and successful.

These may not be the most visible achievements—but they are among the most important.

At the same time we have continued improving our technology and digital infrastructure.

Our staff continues to perform at a very high standard thanks to ongoing cybersecurity training.

And yes—our staff has now become so good at spotting phishing emails that I suspect they could probably run cybersecurity training for the rest of us.

We have begun the long‑term process of organizing our institutional records under a newly developed document retention policy.

This work was developed through the efforts of Beverly Sherrid and her Archives Committee.

One of the most significant achievements of the past year has been the launch of our new websites for both the Society and the Museum.

This effort was guided by Rachel Tribble and her Website Committee.

In the area of membership and genealogical work, we have also made important progress.

As everyone in this room knows, genealogy is both a science and an art—and occasionally a test of patience.

Supporting this work are our Virtual Claims Teas.

I would like to thank Maribeth Brannen for her leadership in that effort.

We have seen exciting momentum among our Junior Dames.

Under the direction of Taylor Van Horn, they have taken on the project of cataloging the Society’s rare book collection.

What makes all of this possible is the extraordinary dedication of our members.

In a volunteer organization like ours, progress does not happen by accident—it happens because people step forward and do the work.

In terms of programming and outreach, this has been a year of visibility and impact.

CDA hosted a special Quadricentennial event commemorating the 400th anniversary of the founding of New York City, complete with a mayoral proclamation recognizing the event and CDA as its host.

We have continued to offer lectures, concerts, and cultural programs, along with cherished gatherings such as the Holiday Party and the International Tea.

We remain connected with members through our quarterly newsletters, the chapter news section of the CDA website, and our active Facebook page.

This year we created a new CDA brochure that chapters can share with prospective members and partner organizations to showcase the Society’s mission and activities.

At times, when you look at everything happening across the Society—from governance, to technology, to programming—it can feel as though we are running a small corporation, a historical institution, and a cultural center all at once.

And in many ways—we are.

And now let me turn to the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, which remains at the heart of our mission.

This is an especially meaningful year as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Mount Vernon Hotel’s opening in 1826.

The bicentennial will be marked with special programming throughout the year, including an in‑person benefit this September chaired by Ashley Bernhard.

The Museum is also commemorating America’s 250th anniversary with an exhibition that opened yesterday—its first exhibition in seven years—featuring treasures associated with the Founding Fathers drawn from the Museum’s collection.

I would like to offer a special thank you to Chapter XXIII, whose generosity made this exhibition possible.

Two of their members are here with us today, and we are especially grateful for their support.

Behind the scenes, important work continues, including collections management and a comprehensive inventory of the collection.

I would like to thank Ellen Tozer, our Museum Committee Chair, who gives so generously of her time and talents to support the work of the Museum.

I would also like to thank our chapters, whose continued support plays such an important role in sustaining the Museum.

And I am especially grateful to Anne Farley, Chair of the Council of Proprietors, who so thoughtfully maintains the connection between the Museum and our chapters.

CDA was honored this year to receive the Zone III Historic Preservation Commendation from The Garden Club of America, honoring our contribution to preserving New York City’s early nineteenth‑century history and the legacy of women landscape architects at our historic garden.

Much of the credit belongs to Lili Neuhauser whose dedication to the garden is truly extraordinary.

As we reflect on the past year, what stands out most is the strength and momentum of our Society.

We are modernizing thoughtfully.
We are strengthening our systems.
We are expanding our reach.

None of this happens without the dedication of our members. And that dedication is what makes The Colonial Dames of America such a remarkable society.

I would like to recognize our Executive Director, Nicole Scholet, our Museum Director, Nancy Hinkel, and our entire staff, who work tirelessly to keep both our office and our museum running smoothly.

I would also like to thank our Vice President, Anna Rich, for her leadership, for her forward‑thinking ideas, and for the thoughtful counsel she so generously shares with me.

Together, we are not only preserving history—we are shaping the future of this Society.

And I am confident that the work we are doing today will ensure its strength for generations to come.

Thank you, and enjoy the afternoon.