The Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York
The Society was founded in 1835 by a group of prominent New York City gentlemen, including Washington Irving, as a membership organization the purpose of which is to preserve knowledge of the history and customs of New York City's Dutch forebears. It is one of the oldest societies in the United States. Membership is by invitation only and limited to those men who can demonstrate descent from a resident of New York State before 1785. By virtue of its membership requirements, many members are descended from the city's first settlers, who included several nationalities and faiths as well as Dutch people and descendants of Native Americans.