Society Activities

The Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati holds three regularly scheduled events each year, and we are invited to participate in other events held by similar historical and community organizations with a focus on the Revolutionary War in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware area.

George Washington’s Birthday Luncheon

Each year in February, on the Presidents Day Monday holiday, the Society gathers to celebrate His Excellency George Washington’s birthday. The luncheon is generally held at a restaurant in Center City Philadelphia. Members are encouraged to invite adult guests, and most members take advantage of this by including their spouses. The luncheon is followed by remarks by a noted scholar or other expert on the Revolutionary War.

The Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati is held in October. Currently, the meeting location alternates between Anderson House in Washington, DC, and a restaurant or social club in Philadelphia, PA. The Annual Meeting is held at 4:00 pm, members only, with cocktails and a dinner afterwards for Members and their guests. Sometimes the evening festivities will be a formal affair, with dancing, while other times the focus will be on camaraderie and conversation. Jackets and ties for the men, unless formal attire is specified. There may be an activity or a tour set up earlier in the day.

The Summer Picnic

The Pennsylvania Society holds an annual summer picnic, usually in June. The dress code is informal, the menu is hot dogs and hamburgers, and children are encouraged to join. This is a way for members and their families to meet in a relaxed and informal atmosphere and to introduce the youngest generation to the history and legacy of the Society. In past years, the picnic has been held every year at Anderson House, but Philadelphia may become the setting in alternate years, as with the Annual Meeting.

Other Events

In the past, members of the Pennsylvania Society have been invited to attend events such as the rehearsal of the annual reenactment of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River, or a tour of Forts Mifflin and Mercer with the New Jersey Society. Members living outside of Philadelphia are often invited to participate in the events held by the local Constituent Society.

Every three years, the General Society holds its Triennial, where representatives of the 14 Constituent Societies meet to conduct the Society’s business. The Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati recently played host for 2019 Triennial held in Philadelphia.