Russian Nobility Association, Inc. (RNA)

The Association was formed in America in 1938. Similar societies exist in Belgium, France and many other countries around the world. It is a non-political, non-profit organization. Its aims are philanthropic and genealogical.

The Association directs donations to charitable organizations that provide food, shelter and medical treatment for disadvantaged persons in Russia, Europe, South America and the United States. It also provides direct aid to orphanages, the indigent elderly, seminaries and other needy people.

Membership is exclusively reserved to persons who are listed in the nobility archives of the former Russian Imperial Senate or their legal heirs. For historical purposes, titled members are recorded with their former titles.

DR. CYRIL E. GEACINTOV
President

RECEPTION AND BALL AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC
IN HONOR OF THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS

As we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Russian Nobility Association in America, it seems quite appropriate to look back at some of the history of the relations between these two countries. The State Visit to the U.S. in 1871-72 by Grand Duke Alexis, son of Czar Alexander II, one evening of which in New York is beautifully described in the piece below, was a culmination of a period during which relations between the U.S. and Russia were at their most cordial. During the American Civil War Czar Alexander II had been a strong supporter of the Union and of President Lincoln’s determination to keep the Union together. He proclaimed in what can be considered one of the most critically important documents in American and world history, that any intervention in the American Civil War by any European power in support of the Confederacy would be regarded as causus belli by Russia. To emphasize the seriousness of this policy, the Czar dispatched his Pacific fleet to San Francisco and on September 24, 1863 the Russian Atlantic fleet dropped anchor in New York harbor (as pictured on the opposite page) where it was enthusiastically welcomed by the local populace. The fleet remained for seven months, leaving only after both the U.S. and Russia had satisfied themselves that any danger of interference in our Civil War by any European power had passed. After the conclusion of the war, Russian-American relations remained cordial, culminating in the State Visit of Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch in 1871.

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The ball at the Academy of Music, last night in honor of the grand Duke Alexis, was a complete success. The attendance was large and brilliant, the decorations were unusually fine, the music was excellent. The tent at the head of the dancing floor was a marvel of splendor and oriental magnificence. Five calcium lights placed at the top of the tent illuminated a fountain in the background, and made the ball appear like a fairy palace. The sides of the inclosure were painted in imitation of lustrous silk, and figured in colors to harmonize with the ceiling, which was hung with festoons of roses, radiating from a central point, with very pleasing effect. Gilded pillars added to the richness of the scene. Under the tent was an artistic terrace, in front of which were numerous pots containing natural flowers. Back of the terrace was a scene representing moonlit clouds visible through an opening among trees. One of the striking features of the decorations was the large allegorical painting over the tent, showing the genius of America and the genius of Russia clasping hands. The genius of America was represented by a female figure clad in national colors and costumed like a Goddess of Liberty, while the Russian genius was a male figure in regal apparel. At the right of the painting was a banner bearing an allegorical picture of President Lincoln freeing the slaves, while at the left of the large painting was another banner upon which was depicted the Emperor of Russia (Alexander II) liberating the serfs. The American and Russian national colors were, of course, prominently displayed in the decorations.

The Russian Squadron in the Harbor of New York, October 1863, on a Supposed Secret Mission,

by Special Arrangement with the Federal Government

(Artwork from Frank Leslie's THE SOLDIER IN OUR CIVIL WAR, 1893)

At nine o’clock, the guests began to arrive, and during the next hour carriages were continually driving up in front of the Academy. At ten o’clock the interior of the building presented on of the most magnificent scenes that has ever been witnessed in the city. The brilliantly illuminated decorations and elegantly dressed ladies combined to entrance and bewilder the spectator.

The Grand Duke opened the ball at eleven o’clock with Mrs. Hoffman, wife of Governor Hoffman. The Grand Duke’s table occupied the place of honor at the head of the room, and the other tables filled all the remaining available space in the supper hall. The table was tastefully arranged with a profusion of choice and natural flowers. The ornamental confectionery and other designs on the table included two temples of the Czar Alexander; two monuments of Washington, with cupids and American flags on top; two imperial meringues, with American eagles and flags of both nations, and two ships of war, made of nougat and spun sugar. The bill of fare was printed in French and English, in gold letters, on white satin, and included every choice of tempting luxury which the ingenuity of the caterer could supply.

After supper, dancing was resumed with spirit, and it was a late hour before the last of the revelers left the Academy, carrying with them the pleasantest memories of the Grand Ducal ball.

Excerpts from Leslie’s Illustrated Paper • November 30, 1871 • New York City

It is our pleasure to announce that the First Russian Nobility Ball in Texas, on the 10th of November, 2006, preceded by the Pre-Ball Reception (on the 9th of November, 2006) at Mr. L. Hokanson and Mr. M. Siller's Russian House in Houston(http://www.artsstudio.com/reproductions/new_archdesign-dec2001.htm), were complete and astounding SUCCESS!!!

This year's Annual RNA Spring Ball was held at the Pierre Hotel and was attended by a sold out guest list of over 450 people.

Dancing was provided by two orchestras and entertainment by a Georgian Dance Group added to the fun of the assembled guests. This year's collection of valuable and interesting items for the ?Silent Auction? was enthusiastically received by our guests. The food was delicious.

The RNA members and guests all looked very elegant as you can see in the attached photographs. To view the full photo gallery of the Ball, please visit www.collages.net. For user name type in: Russian Ball. For password, type in: 6687. List your e-mail address and first name and you will see all the beautiful photos of this event which can be ordered directly from the photographer.

The Board of Directors of the RNA thanks all members of the Ball Committee who worked very hard to make this event a success and we would like to thank all participants as well.

November 10, 2006: First Annual RNA Ball at the Houstonian Hotel in Houston, Texas. It promises to be a spectacular affair. We are planning to obtain Group Charter Flight Rates from Newark to Houston (round-trip). Please contact us via e-mail at RNA@RussianNobility.org if you are interested in joining us.

September 26, 1815

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