About the Society

Since 1871, The Burns Society of the City of New York has proudly commemorated, celebrated, and preserved the legacy of Scotland’s beloved national bard, Robert Burns. Guided by our mission—to perpetuate and honor his memory, encourage the study of his works, mark the anniversary of his birth, and cultivate the rich traditions of Scottish song and literature—we bring together members who share a profound respect for Burns’s timeless poetry and enduring cultural influence.

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Throughout the years, our Society has offered a welcoming forum for scholarly exploration, spirited conversation, and communal celebration of Burns’s life and art. By hosting lectures, recitations, suppers, and social gatherings, we seek to foster camaraderie among members and to illuminate the relevance of Burns’s work in today’s world. We believe his vivid reflections on humanity, love, and social justice continue to resonate powerfully, transcending both time and place.

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Membership in the Burns Society is by invitation and includes Scotsmen, their lineal descendants, and others who have, to the satisfaction of our Membership Committee, demonstrated a genuine appreciation for Robert Burns and our objectives. Steeped in more than a century of tradition and fellowship, we stand united in our commitment to honor Burns’s remarkable legacy—and to ensure that his verses, and the values they embody, endure for generations to come.