Reception, Dinner and Awards Ceremony

The Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony of the Hereditary Society Community of the United States of America is an annual tradition, and one of the most elegant events of the Hereditary Fortnight. It has, from its inception, been a white-tie gala. Each year, guests are received by ladies and gentlemen of the Council and Cabinet, and enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres until dinner. Baroque and Classical selections are played by the Saint Charles String Quartet; a mainstay for the event since its inception. Following dinner, Honorary Members of that year’s Class are recognized and awarded for their accomplishments in the lineage society community.

For eleven years (2003-2013), the event was held at the Washington Club at DuPont Circle, fondly remembered as HSC’s first home. Upon the closure of the club and subsequent sale of the Patterson Mansion, the event transitioned to new venues in ensuing years. In 2014 it was held at the Willard Intercontinental, and in 2015 on the Flying Bridge Rooftop Terrace.

In 2016, HSC enjoyed its first event at Anderson House, headquarters of the Society of the Cincinnati. In 2017, due to an extended Hereditary Fortnight schedule, two separate receptions were held at Anderson House to accommodate the increasing number of attendees. In 2018, HSC held the event at Cosmos Club, and then returned to Anderson House in 2019. Since the 2016 event, subsequent events have sold out, relative to the respective venues’ capacity allowances. In 2020 and 2021, the event was cancelled, along with all other Hereditary Fortnight meetings and plans, due to the COVID-19 considerations. HSC will return to Anderson House in 2022.

The HSC Annual Gala Banquet is a rare opportunity for leaders and officers from all lineage societies to gather together for an enjoyable social evening. Attendees are encouraged to place their photographs from past years in the albums on HSC’s social media platforms.


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