Founded in 1863, the Union League Club remains a private organization dedicated to national integrity, civic purpose, and gracious company J.
Founded in 1863 by a group of concerned citizens to help preserve the Union, the Union League Club of New York has built, over ensuing years, a record of distinguished service to our country. Members of the Union League Club were instrumental in establishing The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1870 as well as the Sanitary Commission, a predecessor organization to the American Red Cross. It helped er
ect the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, the Lincoln Monument in Union Square, and Grant’s Tomb in Riverside Park. Its members were instrumental in bringing down the “Boss” Tweed ring and in raising funds to outfit American soldiers in several military conflicts. Many prominent civic, state and national leaders have enjoyed the fellowship of the ULC. Theodore Roosevelt managed his early political career from the Club’s chambers. Pierpont Morgan was a regular, along with Chester A. Arthur, William Cullen Bryant, John Jay, and Thomas Nast. Fifteen presidents, seven senators, many congressmen, diplomats, cabinet members, and scores of chief executive officers of major corporations have been members of the Club and have participated in its programs over the more than 150 years since the founding. Today, our clubhouse provides a haven for its members and their guests. Located in the Murray Hill section of Manhattan, the landmarked clubhouse designed by Benjamin Wistar Morris, is composed of sixty guestrooms and suites, conference rooms, business center, ballrooms, dining rooms, bars & lounges, a 17,000 volume library, squash courts & fitness center, an art gallery, and a beautiful private collection of paintings and decorative arts. Member privileges include access to stimulating speaker events; art, theater & culture tours; sports outings and lively dinners & parties all regularly planned for members to enjoy while they relax, learn, socialize and are entertained with their friends. As during its founding years, the members of the Union League Club today also serve the community through philanthropic endeavors and civic involvement. For over a decade the ULC has worked with the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans; the Robert Hampton Tapp Foundation, which provides academic scholarships; recognizes civic and artistic accomplishment through the Club’s awards programs; and other community outreach projects that members drive and speak to their interests. You will instantly recognize that the warm intimacy of the Club creates a quiet sanctuary of relief from the hustle of New York City. You will be welcomed by other members and discover within the Club a whole host of different affinity groups to which you will gravitate. Activities and events are conceived and produced by member-run committees including Admissions, Art, Billiards, Entertainment, Fitness, Golf, History, Junior, Library, Military Affairs, Public Affairs, Squash, Tennis, Trap & S***t, and Wine. You will make friends on the squash court, at a literary event, a theme party, or at the bar. Whether you live in the City and regularly come for a committee event, or simply stop by for a drink or a bite to eat while you are in Manhattan, the club is your second home. The Union League Club is a place to dine, learn, unwind, play and connect with other professionals who, ever since 1863, are shaping the spirit and character of the country.
The Union League Club 1863-2013
Made exclusively for the Union League Club and its members, this book reveals the fascinating story of the Union League Club's first 150 years and the people who played vital roles in it. Contributions by members and staff combined with striking images of the Club's collections bring the account to....
09/22/2018
The Union League Club of New York recognized for excellence among city clubs from around the world.
08/31/2017
100 years ago today the Union League Club bid goodbye to the New York National Guard from the reviewing stand at our clubhouse that stood at 5th Avenue and 39th Street. See mention in this article of the ULC and of club member, President Theodore Roosevelt, at the event.
A Summer Morning
Painted before 1881, by Arthur Quartley (1839-1886)
Arthur Quartley was a 19th century American artist who began his painting career after he became too sick later in life to continue running his design firm in Baltimore. Upon moving to midtown in New York City, a multitude of his works featured New York Harbor, Long Island, and Rhode Island. Quartley was one of the founders of The Tile Club—a social movement of artists and writers. It is particularly appropriate that The Union League Club have this piece since many Tilers were known for the made significant intellectual contributions to the arts in the Civil War.
A Summer Morning occupies the wall to the left of the Club’s Main Bar, and depicts the East Rock on Star Island, which Arthur Quartley came to know from 1875 to 1881, via doctor’s orders to enjoy the sea air as a remedy for his ailments. The painting experiments with both sublime dominance of nature and its pure quietude. The fisherman and ships appear to be sauntering around them in pure peace; however watermarks on the rock indicate it is low tide. At high tide, the bow-dooming boulders would be completely veiled, and the viewer is reminded of the careful balance between calamity and serenity.