The Society of Martha Washington, Laredo’s most historic and Laredo’s most prominent debutante society, was founded at the request of Monsignor Dan A. Lanning in 1939, who then was President of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association.
Each year since the formation of the Society, the timeless tradition of presenting young women to the community under the embrace of their forefathers is enacted. The first colonial pageant under the auspices of the Society of Martha Washington was held in 1940.
The Society has the exclusive right and privilege of selecting prominent Laredoans to portray Martha and George Washington not only on behalf of its members, but also on behalf of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, the City of Laredo, and the County of Webb.
The Society commences the debutante season with the President’s Luncheon and Orientation and culminates with the Society’s cocktail party each February. This tradition and its associated events are the centerpiece of the month-long Washington’s Birthday Celebration festivities. They have become the most distinguished social events of the year on the Texas-Mexico border region and are widely acclaimed throughout the nation.
Composed of Laredo’s most prominent women, the Society members have traditionally produced the functions which serve as the culminating events of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration: the Colonial Pageant and Ball. These activities contribute significantly to Laredo’s rich cultural fabric and are the catalyst for what has become Laredo’s largest and most prestigious attraction.
In 1994, the Society established a scholarship program, funded exclusively by its members, that provides deserving select local high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to experience our government in action by affording them the prospect to travel to Washington D.C. and attend a week- long educational program promoting patriotism, knowledge of history and political science, keeping true to the Society’s mission of recognition of the historical importance of our nation’s forebears.
An educational component was introduced in 1995 that affords local schoolchildren the chance to see Martha and George Washington up close. Known as the Sons & Daughters of Liberty, the group’s mission is to assist and act as an escort for Martha & George Washington as they visit Laredo elementary schools. They bring a living history lesson dressed as characters of their time promoting historical importance
The Society of Martha Washington continues true to its 1939 mission, affording SMW the ability to continue to prosper all these decades.