A Message from Chairman Dr. Quinn Peeper 

Dear Members and Friends of the English-Speaking Union,

As we begin 2026, I extend to you my best wishes for a happy, healthy, and successful year ahead. The turning of the calendar is always an opportunity to recommit ourselves to our values and goals, and at the ESU it is also a moment to remember that our work—strengthening understanding, civil discourse and friendship through the English language—remains as vital as ever.

2026 holds special meaning for our nation and for our organization. As the United States celebrates its Semiquincentennial, we are reminded that liberty endures through open exchange of ideas, reasoned debate, and mutual respect. It is in this spirit that I invite you to the ESU Annual Conference, April 23rd through April 25, 2026, in New York City, under the theme United by Language, Inspired by Liberty. The Conference will bring together the ESU leadership and members from the 60+ national and international Branches for meetings, workshops and social and cultural activities at the ESU House, the nearby Shelburne Sonesta Hotel, and other partner venues throughout Manhattan.

Our gathering will be anchored by a commemorative event, Celebrate Legacy, Inspire the Future, on Friday night, April 25, marking the 25th anniversary of the ESU House as our national home. The evening serves as an important part of the ESU Capacity Building Campaign, helping to strengthen the operations that sustain our programs and ensure the ESU’s continued impact for years to come. The proceeds from this event will support the creation of a new Branch-focused role designed to drive membership growth, deepen Branch engagement, and expand the reach of our programs across the ESU community. 

The event includes the formal unveiling of a plaque honoring ESU’s major supporters, student presentations, and remarks by two distinguished guests: Lady Caroline Emma Stanley, Countess of Derby, and Lady Henrietta Mary Spencer-Churchill. Their presence and perspectives will add historical
depth and transatlantic resonance to a weekend already rich in meaning.

One of the most anticipated moments of the conference will be the U.S. finals of the International Public Speaking Competition - ESU on Friday, April 24. Student finalists from across the country will present original speeches inspired by the legacy of Sir Winston Churchill and President Dwight D. Eisenhower (who served as Chairman of the ESU Board after he left office) reflecting on leadership, democratic values, and the importance of transatlantic cooperation. The winner will travel to London this July to represent the United States at the International Public Speaking Competition. Finals hosted by our sister organization, the ESU of the Commonwealth, competing against more than 50 finalists from countries around the world. Few experiences so clearly embody our belief in the power of language to shape confident leaders and engaged citizens—and few events are more inspiring to witness.

On Saturday, conference participants will have the opportunity to take part in Revolution in Old New York: Soldiers, Spies and Statesmen of the American Revolution walking tour, as well as a guided visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit, Art of the Gilded Age. The day will conclude with the
traditional National Patron Reception and Lecture at The Players, the oldest club in New York City still in its original location that serves as a gathering place for artists and arts lovers from theater, literature, music and visual arts. The program will feature a conversation with renowned historical biographer Flora Fraser and Doug Bradburn, President and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

The day will conclude with the traditional National Patron Reception and Lecture at The Players, the oldest club in New York City still in its original location that serves as a gathering place for artists and arts lovers from theater, literature, music and visual arts. The program will feature a conversation with renowned historical biographer Flora Fraser and Doug Bradburn, President and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

The conference week concludes on Monday, April 27, with the ESU National Shakespeare Competition 2026 National Shakespeare Competition Finals, to be held at the Mitzi Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center. This signature event showcases the extraordinary talent of student finalists from across the country and stands as a fitting conclusion to the week’s events. Sponsorship packages for Celebrate Legacy, Inspire the Future include VIP access to the Shakespeare Competition Finals. A limited number of tickets to the finals will also be offered for purchase, depending on availability.

Additional details about the Annual General Conference and surrounding events are outlined in the registration packet, and I hope you will take a moment to review them. More importantly, I hope you
will join us in New York this April. There is nothing quite like gathering in person—with history at our backs, and with a shared confidence in what civil discourse can achieve.

On behalf of the National Board and the entire ESU team, thank you for your continued commitment to the English-Speaking Union. I look forward to seeing many of you in the April—and to a year worthy of
both our past and our future.

With warm regards and best wishes for 2026,

Dr. E. Quinn Peeper
Chairman
The English-Speaking Union of the United States