You're invited to hear Dr. Vaughn Scribner as he presents this November's lecture, “Under Alien Skies: The British Experience in our Revolutionary War.” The ESU Central Florida Branch hosts many prominent authors and scholars including ESU’s own Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series named after our founder. These renowned British and American speakers present programs on a wide […]

Sponsored by the ESU Central Pennsylvania Branch The name D’Oyly Carte is recognized throughout the world because of Richard D’Oyly Carte’s partnership with Gilbert and Sullivan, which produced fourteen famous comic operas during the last quarter of the 19th Century such as H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Mikado. Richard D’Oyly Carte (1844-1901) […]

Join the ESU for an exclusive online professional development workshop live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Explore four of Shakespeare’s most fascinating women—Juliet, Lady Macbeth, Beatrice, and Hero—through an interactive session connecting critical writing with rehearsal-room practice. Gain fresh strategies for engaging students with themes of gender, relationships, and power in Shakespeare’s works. […]

The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union toA Magical Holiday Weekend at Knowsley HallPrescot, Merseyside L34 4AG EnglandNovember 20–23, 2025 Step into the enchantment of the holiday season with an exclusive invitation from the Earl and Countess of Derby to spend a luxurious weekend at historic Knowsley Hall, a magnificent estate nestled […]

You’re invited to hear Dr. Barbara Perry as she presents this December's lecture, “Monarchs and Presidents: Anglo-Americans." The ESU Central Florida Branch hosts many prominent authors and scholars including ESU’s own Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series named after our founder. These renowned British and American speakers present programs on a wide range of  topics, including but not […]

From its humble beginnings in 1947, the wife of a Marine Reserve Major wanted todonate dolls to a charity that would distribute the toys to children in need. Sheconvinced her husband to create one. He looked to fellow Marine reservists to get thejob done. The project was a huge success and was officially adopted by the […]

During World War I, Britain made numerous and often contradictory promises in the Middle East—including the Sykes–Picot Agreement, the Balfour Declaration, commitments to Arab leaders, and support for Wilson’s Fourteen Points—in an effort to secure allies. After the Ottoman Empire collapsed, Britain faced the challenge of reconciling these conflicting obligations. Winston Churchill, guided by T. […]

As the calendar turns to 2026, The English-Speaking Union of the United States begins a year-long celebration of 250 years of American independence. Throughout the year, ESU will feature several Happy Hours that give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on this historic milestone.The American Revolution was a war unlike any other—one of ideas […]

The Winter Dinner is a sublime opportunity for Central Florida members and new friends to celebrate the season in style. Come enjoy a night of delectables and wonderful entertainment! Cocktails 6:00 p.m. | Dinner 6:45 p.m. | Entertainment 7:30 p.m. Entertainment: Heather Thorn Vivacity Jazz and Swing Band features renowned musicians who have appeared together […]

Please join us for the Central Florida Branch Shakespeare Competition! School winners from our participating tri-county schools will take the stage to compete for the opportunity to represent our branch in the National Competition in New York City!

After 250 years, why are Jane Austen’s novels still so popular? Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most famous writers in English literature. Her books are read by people all over the world and have been made into countless TV, film, theatre, and radio adaptations. She is known for her sharp wit, social commentary […]

You’re invited to hear Dr. Martin Greig as he presents this March’s lecture, ““British Empire and World War I.” The ESU Central Florida Branch hosts many prominent authors and scholars including ESU’s own Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series named after our founder. These renowned British and American speakers present programs on a wide range of  topics, including […]