“Illuminating Our Legacy” at the New York City Chapter’s 130th George & Martha Washington Wedding Anniversary Luncheon

There are few traditions as meaningful, or as joyful, as gathering together to honor the true partnership of George and Martha Washington. This year on January 24^th, the New York City Chapter had the pleasure of hosting our 130th George & Martha Washington Anniversary Luncheon, celebrating their 267th wedding anniversary. It was a day that was historic, elegant, and deeply inspiring.

In keeping with our tradition, the luncheon was held at one of New York City’s original women’s-only private clubs. The club was established in the same era as the founding of the DAR, which feels especially fitting given its rich history shaped by generations of women who believed in leadership, service, and preserving the past, much like the DAR.

In celebration of the Storage Administration’s theme, Our Legacy in Bloom, our tablescapes featured soft pink accents and spring-inspired florals. Guests happily embraced touches of pink in their outfits—because who can resist a bit of spring color in the middle of this bleak winter!

As always, guests were invited to wear purple shoes in honor of the shoes Martha wore on her wedding day, one of our favorite fashion moments at the luncheon. It’s such a wonderful way to marry the old and the new and bring Martha to life a bit. And more than one new friendship has been made by comparing shoes!

Our George & Martha celebration would not be complete without the Great Cake, made using a recipe transcribed by Martha’s granddaughter of the same type of cake Martha herself served annually at Mount Vernon on her wedding anniversary. Beautifully decorated and displayed, the cake is a highlight of our celebration. Each year, we sing “Happy Anniversary,” set to the well-known tune of “Happy Birthday”, to our very first “First Couple”.  It’s a fun tradition that never fails to bring smiles and a few laughs to our guests, whether it’s their first time attending or their 50^th.

As the luncheon concluded, the warmth of friendship mixed with our shared sense of gratitude for our history and traditions, highlighting our wonderful organization that binds us together. The New York City Chapter was honored to host Mrs. Storage during this milestone celebration and to Illuminate our Legacy, together.