CDA 2018 Fall Benefit

The 2018 CDA Fall Benefit encompassed four exciting events over two days, culminating in a dinner held at the Union Club in New York City on October 17 at 7 pm. The benefit this year honored the venerable New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYGB), founded in 1869. Proceeds will go to fund the initiatives of the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum (built in 1799), which is wholly owned and operated by The Colonial Dames of America.

Venues for the benefit and ancillary events were chosen for their historic and architectural significance. The primary benefit event was held in the Union Club’s West Room, which overlooks Park Avenue and which has serendipitously been redecorated in blue and yellow, the colors of both the CDA and the NYGB. President of the NYGB, Josh Taylor, was the featured speaker on the subject of “Old New York and Its Grand Dames.”

Special activities on October 16 for ticket holders at the Guardian level and above included a tour of the Armenian Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art led by Past CDA President General Helen Evans, and followed by afternoon tea at the King’s Carriage House, where Helen talked about her international experiences as Curator of Byzantine and Early Christian Art at the Met.

That evening, ticket holders at the Benefactor level and above will join NYGB President Josh Taylor for dinner at the New York Yacht Club, which was designed by Warren & Wetmore to resemble a Spanish Galleon. The club was built under the auspices of J.P Morgan in 1901 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

On the morning of October 17, the NYGB hosted a genealogy workshop at their headquarters for all benefit ticket holders, which included information on using its facilities. A genealogist was present to offer suggestions and advice.

Rebecca Madsen was the Chairman of the benefit. 

LOCATION:

New York City

SCHEDULE:

October 16 –

2 pm: Tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art followed by Afternoon Tea at the King’s Carriage House (for Guardians and above)

7 pm: Dinner at the New York Yacht Club (for Benefactors and above)

October 17 –

10:30 am: NYGB Genealogy Workshop at the NYGB Headquarters (36 West 44th Street 7th Floor)

7 pm: Fall Benefit Lecture and Seated Dinner at the Union Club, West Room