Annual Ball
A Brief History of the Mayflower Annual Debutante Ball…
The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of New York was formally organized in 1894 and their first annual meeting was held in 1895 at the Waldorf Hotel. Thereafter, annual dinner banquets were held each year in November to mark the signing of the Mayflower Compact. During the 1920s this changed to a dinner dance and the event was held each year at one of the finer hotels in New York City. During the 1950s the Annual Ball was held each year in the Plaza Hotel’s Terrace Room and Grand Ballroom and this tradition continued until 1998. The first Annual Ball at which six debutantes were formally presented to the Society was held on October 29, 1959 in the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel. The debutantes were received by the then Governor and Mrs. W. Rice Brewster. In the years since, 250 debutantes from many different state Societies have been presented and the event remains a highlight of the social season in New York. Guests are treated to a gourmet dinner and the music of the Alex Donner Orchestra. Although the highlight of the evening is the presentation of debutantes, former debutantes are also recognized. Plymouth Awards are often presented to individuals..etc.
The Mayflower Ball is the main fund-raising event of the New York State Society for its Educational Programs.
For more information:
Held at The University Club, New York City
In November, all members of the Society of Mayflower Descendants and their friends and family are invited to attend, as well as all former debutantes and their families as we celebrate the presentation of this year’s debutantes.
How to Register a Debutante for the Ball…
The New York Society cordially invites current members of any state Society to attend the Ball and to sponsor the presentation of a debutante.
Members can sponsor bloodline female descendants (daughters, nieces, granddaughters) between the ages of 18 and 24. Most debutantes are presented in their first year of college.
You may complete the form and submit through the register button below. We will keep your information on file and send an invitation to present the debutante in the approriate year. You will receive details of the costs and what to expect so you can plan accordingly. Please register by June to be presented in the same year.
REGISTER HERE
Some of Our Past Debutantes
