Save La Nacional is not involved in any legal proceedings. We are a group of interested Spanish American volunteers providing support to members seeking to keep the Spanish Benevolent Society "La Nacional" from dissolution. We insist that La Nacional, which for 140 years has offered Spanish immigrants and visitors a connection to their culture and tradition, be run in transparent and responsible fashion.

Despite its grand past, in recent years La Nacional has lost its way. The current board, having dismantled oversight committees, has engaged in highly questionable administrative practices. To stop this, a suit has been filed against members of the board of directors in the New York Supreme Court which alleges significant violations of the by-laws. We believe the board must be transparent and its mission should be to facilitate the revitalization of La Nacional.

La Nacional has offered generations of Spaniards a chance to feel closer to home. This center of Spanish and Latino importance is also a treasured place for those who have been touched by Spain and her culture and believe that the Spanish language in this country should be valued and fostered.

To realize this mission we greatly need your moral and financial support. Sign up to become a member of Save La Nacional or write to your political representative to express your concern. Help make history by supporting our vision.

La Nacional is the Spanish Benevolent Society of New York, a not-for-profit
association dedicated to support the enrichment of the Spanish-American community in New York. It was created in 1868 to serve the immigrant community from Spain and at present is the oldest Spanish social and cultural institution in the US. It is located in a graceful brownstone on 14th street - at the crossroads between Greenwich Village, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District.

In the past, Spaniards of all kinds: tourists, immigrants, artisans, professionals and many others have benefited from our little corner of Spain. In fact the great poet, Federico Garcia Lorca wrote much of "Poeta en Nueva York" during his stay here while Picasso stopped in for tapas and a cana in the cantina.

As the Spanish-American community evolves, so should La Nacional. Where it once served the needs of a displaced community during the years of immigration, it could now function to advance and promote the culture and arts of dynamic Spain in today's world.