The Hudson Union Society™ was previously known as the Oxonian Society. The Oxonian Society was founded back in 2001 by two Oxford graduates, Louise Bagshawe and Joe Pascal. They took inspiration from the famed Oxford Union, where for almost two centuries Oxford University students have sponsored free speech and great debate with luminaries from around the world. At the same time, they created something new: a society based in New York City, open to all who had a passion for fresh thinking and lively discussion with top leaders in fields ranging from politics and government to arts and sciences.

After the Oxonian Society was founded it immediately formed relationships with the Oxford Union itself, and with various other leading universities and university clubs. With a lot of energy, some good ideas, the Oxonian Society soon had a thriving speaker program. The Oxonian Society affiliated with Oxford University eight months after the Society's founding, and then, in order to preserve its independence, the Oxonian Society disaffiliated within a year and half; just as the Oxford Union is independent of Oxford University, it seemed the Oxonian Society should be too. At first, the idea was to restrict entry to members of Oxford University. The problem there was twofold. One, there was immediate interest to join the Society by many people from all universities; and two, it seemed elitist.

The Oxonian Society swiftly built a reputation for provocative, engaging events that attract a novel roster of speakers and a diverse melting pot of members. And as the organization grew, it became more and more distinctively a New York phenomenon with its own style and personality.

The Oxonian Society placed on its banner - Open to All. But as the Oxonian Society grew at a truly unbelievable rate, it seemed an appropriate time to reflect the organization's New York heritage and identity and in October 2008 the Oxonian Society changed its name to the Hudson Union Society™.

The word "Union" means a place of free speech where important debates are held, and questions are asked. The Yale Political Union, Cambridge Union Society, and Oxford Union amongst others, all use this term.

For those who are already familiar with the former Oxonian Society, you will find that all good things continue and keep getting better. For those new to the Hudson Union Society™, we welcome you to an organization that will engage your mind and invigorate your soul.

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