Overview

Given by the New England Society to the City of New York in 1885, this statue of the Pilgrim sculpted by John Quincy Adams Ward, is located near the East 72nd Street entrance to Central Park. Photo by Anne Hall Elser.

The New England Society in the City of New York (NES) is one of the oldest social and charitable organizations in the United States, and was founded in 1805 to promote "friendship, charity and mutual assistance" among and on behalf of New Englanders living in New York.

NES celebrates the New England spirit and heritage through its philanthropic outreach, social events and cultural activities. One of its signature programs is the annual New England Society Book Awards, which recognize books of merit that honor New England and its culture. Its charitable focus is education and historic preservation. The NES Scholarship Program funds New York City students at New England colleges and universities, and the Central Park Monument Fund was recently launched to preserve the Park's historic statues and monuments. NES is a 501(c)(3), and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.