About Us & Activities

History of the ESU

The English-Speaking Union of the United States was created to fulfill a mission.  It was formally organized in the United States in 1920 and arose from the conviction of its founder, Sir Evelyn Wrench and a group of like-minded American and British friends, that maintenance of the close personal and national ties forged during World War I was necessary for the preservation of peace. He imagined the ESU as an inclusive organization "founded in no narrow attitude of race pride, in no spirit of hostility to any people."  Its educational mission would be carried out by a host of activities allowing for personal contact between peoples at every level.

The Princeton Branch of the English-Speaking Union, which has a diverse membership in an historic University town, meets once a month through the season from October through June. Events are normally held in the local Princeton area on Sunday afternoons with a speaker on a topic of interest with the chance to socialize with sherry, soft drinks and finger eats afterward. Our speakers are drawn either from the rich resources available in the local area, or from the listing of speakers provided by the British Evelyn Wrench Speakers Bureau. In addition, we have at least two social events; a Christmas party and either a Garden Party or an English Movie night held at the home of one of our members.

Our Activities

National Shakespeare Competition

TLab: Travel and Learn Abroad