Who We Are
Our Mission is to perpetuate and honor the memory of Robert Burns, encourage the study of his works; fittingly celebrate the anniversary of his birth; cultivate Scottish song and literature, and promote social intercourse among our members.
The Burns Society of the City of New York was established in 1871 to commemorate, celebrate, honor and preserve the memory and works of Robert Burns, one of the world's most famous poets and songwriters.
Membership in the Society is by invitation and consists of Scotsmen, their lineal descendants, and any others who have, to the satisfaction of the Membership Committee, demonstrated their appreciation of Burns and sympathy with the objects of the Society.
Our Charter
To perpetuate and honor the memory of Robert Burns, encourage the study of his works; fittingly celebrate the anniversary of his birth; cultivate Scottish song and literature, and promote social intercourse among its members.
History of the Society
The Burns Society of the City of New York was founded in 1871 and has a rich history. Please explore some of the highlights below.
January, 1871: First Burns Supper in New York City
The inaugural Burns Supper was celebrated on January 25, 1871, at a restaurant on 64 Liberty Street, owned by Scot John Sutherland, eleven months prior to the official establishment of the Burns Society. Sutherland’s eatery, renowned for its authentic British and Scottish cuisine, including signature dishes such as Dover sole, game pies, and a special Burns Day haggis, became a hub for celebrating Robert Burns.
This gathering saw the participation of several Scottish gentlemen, including Archibald McKinlay, Walter Watson, John Dean, Rev. J. K. Campbell, James Brand, and James Robertson, and others, who were among the most respected men in New York City and later became the founding members of the Society. The restaurant’s ambiance was enriched with portraits of Burns and Sir Walter Scott, framed by the British and American flags, encapsulating a blend of cultural reverence and camaraderie.
December, 1871: Formation of the Burns Society
The Society was formally organized in December 1871 with the election of six Officers, and it included 40 members.
Highlights from early Burns Suppers
At the 1875 dinner, steel industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, a lifelong Burns enthusiast, proposed a toast to the Earl of Rosebery, who was made an honorary member of the Society.
At the 1881 diner, Vice President and Civil War General Chester A. Arthur was made an honorary member of the Society. Arthur went on to serve as the 21st president of the United States from 1881 to 1885, following the assassination of President James A Garfield.
1895: Formal Incorporation
While the Society operated for more than 20 years without any formal Constitution, as times changed, so did the need to further formalize the group. The Constitution of The Burns Society of the City of New York was drafted and ratified in 1895. A sample of the Constitution is below, with the full version accessible to Members.
1901: 30th Anniversary Supper
The 30th anniversary Supper was held at Delmonico’s in 1901 and consisted of a trove of Scottish delicacies: mutton, spring turkey, haggis, black and white pudding, and roasted moor hen. Sweets after dinner included scotch scones and plum pudding.
Early 20th Century Supper locations
By 1926 dinners were held at the Old Waldorf Astoria Hotel where the Empire State Building now sits.
In 1927 the dinner was moved to the Biltmore Hotel on Vanderbilt Avenue where the cost per head was $5.50.
In 1930 the dinner was held at the Astor Hotel on 44th and Broadway.
1971: Centennial Anniversary Supper
The 100th anniversary Supper was held at the Waldorf 1971 with all the bells and whistles. See the menu and list of Board Members at the time below.
Report of the 100th Anniversary Supper in the NY Daily News
1996: Officers at the 125th Anniversary Supper
2007: Becoming a 501 c (3) Foundation
In order to support charitable endeavors, including a Scholarship Fund for students, the Burns Society officially became a 501c (3) non-profit organization. Please see our Philanthropy section for more information.