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 […]
February 11, 2026 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST 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 […]
New Orleans Branch Shakespeare Competition
The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference. The conference, under the theme “United by Language, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting, social events such as receptions and meals, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and local tours. We invite you to participate […]
More info coming soon.
Purchase Regular Tickets here $100: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/632RCLT5N6LXQ Purchase Sponsor Tickets here $200: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/6PSB7RMHERQLG Please join us at the New Orleans Country Club for our Annual King's Birthday Brunch. We'll have a special performance by the students of the Covington High Drama Club. This year's theme is Royal Ascot. We'll of course have our traditional hat competition! […]
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 • 4:00 PM CSTSponsored by the ESU Richmond, VA Branch With the Commander of the American Forces from Virginia, four of the first five Presidents from Virginia, the authors of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution from Virginia, an early Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from […]
July 12 – July 16 EDT Dear Friends, Thank you again for being part of the truly special week in New York City this past April — a week that brought together the Annual General Conference, the National Shakespeare Competition, and, as its highlight, the Celebrate Legacy – Inspire the Future reception marking the 25th anniversary of the […]
July 15 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm CST During the 250th Anniversary of the birth of our nation, many focus on the colonial activities centering around New England. A little-known event occurred in North Carolina in the little village of Halifax that helped turn the tide and create our nation. The Halifax Resolves and the three North Carolina Delegates that […]
A diplomat is assassinated in Geneva. A yacht explodes on Lake Como. A hidden network stirs in the shadows. When United Nations Secretary-General François Mirreaux collapses in his Geneva office just weeks before a landmark women’s rights conference, the world mourns a visionary leader. But to Ian Steele—an American entrepreneur turned U.S. Consulate consultant—his death […]
Purchase Tickets here: For Cocktails with Clive and Wrench Lecture (Limit 40 people) $200: SOLD OUT For Wrench Lecture $150: SOLD OUT For Book Pre-Orders (to be picked up at the lecture) $30: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4JDU5QU8ZLFKL King Charles III’s affection for architecture is well-known, but the extent of his engagement has never been fully presented to the […]