English-Speaking Union Collection

The English-Speaking Union of the United States is a non-profit, non-political educational organization whose work is carried on through a network of members in 85 branches and in cooperation with E-SUs in 26 other countries.

The mission of the E-SU of the United States is to be the recognized leader in increasing communication and understanding among people of all nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and cultural perceptions through the medium of the English language. In fulfilling this mission, the E-SU initiates and implements innovative programs to expand and improve the comprehension and use of English in the Americas.

From its founding in 1920, the E-SU of the United States has been dedicated to strengthening friendship among English-speaking peoples by supporting informational programs, educational and professional exchanges and person-to-person contacts. Today, while remaining committed to these activities, the E-SU, recognizing that English has become the world language, has broadened its mission to provide projects in instruction and conversation for those seeking to learn English as a second language.

Now increasingly concerned with the decline in quality of formal learning within the U.S., the E-SU reaffirms its commitment to education by offering awards in literature and successfully creative methods of teaching English. Its focus on literacy places special emphasis on young people, including those who do not have English as their first language, so that future generations may fully share in and contribute to the highest aspects of the American way of life.

The Greenwich Branch of the English-Speaking Union was established in 1983 and now has a membership of over 300 area residents. The Greenwich Branch supports the worldwide ESU goal of advancing the effective use of the English Language in an expanding global society.