The Charlottesville Branch of the English-Speaking Union was organized in 1952 in the town where Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia.  The co-location of the ESU Charlottesville branch and our local University community continues to provide fantastic opportunities for collaboration, new initiatives, and attracting world class speakers.

From the 1950’s through the 1970’s, the Charlottesville branch enjoyed over 400 individual members.  With the rise of competing organizations, the membership has dropped over time.  The branch currently enjoys a membership of about 175 individuals.

For over 70 years, the Charlottesville Branch continues its tradition of employing English as a shared language to inspire common bonds and empowerment of students, teachers and immigrants through creative and confident civil discourse.  Our educational programs focus on teacher enrichment and support, scholarships and youth speaking programs.