The American Club of Brussels looks with optimism to its second century after celebrating 105th anniversary

One of the oldest and most enduring social institutions in Belgium, the American Club of Brussels (ACB), celebrated its 105th anniversary at a gala at the distinguished Château Sainte-Anne in Auderghem.

Two hundred members and guests attended the event at the beginning of July, representing over 20 nationalities from Brussels’ diplomatic, business, and civic life. This diversity underscores that the club is, and has always been, a community that reaches well beyond the American expat circle.   

“We were founded in 1921, when a group of American businessmen living in Brussels adopted by-laws and elected a board of governors to formalize their gatherings,” said Jan Allen, president of the club. “Many of these Americans had first come to Belgium during or just after World War One in connection with US relief efforts or business interests.”

The first Honorary President was Brand Whitlock, the US Ambassador to Belgium, who strongly supported the fledgling club. From the outset, the Club held regular luncheons and dinners with prominent speakers, as well as various social and cultural events. These activities remain part of its tradition today.

In 1923, the Club revised its by-laws to broaden its mission: to cultivate social discourse among American residents and travelers and to promote goodwill between Americans and Belgians. It began admitting non-American associate members early in its history, welcoming Belgians and other internationals with business interests or support for American–Belgian relations. By 1928, nearly 30% of the membership were non-Americans, including wartime hero and Mayor of Brussels, Adolphe Max.

Aviator Charles Lindbergh honoured in Brussels in 1927

In 1927, the Club organized a reception and banquet for Captain Charles A Lindbergh after his historic New York-to-Paris nonstop flight, drawing significant Belgian and American dignitaries. The Club also hosted officials from the American Legion and supported Memorial Day observances at the American cemetery in Waregem alongside the American Club of Antwerp.

After World War Two, the ACB enjoyed an active membership period. This was a time of rapid American business investment in Europe, with many expatriates in Brussels for the Marshall Plan and corporate expansion. The Club became a vital hub for networking and connection, bringing together Americans and their Belgian contacts while supporting newcomers as they found their footing in Brussels.

Major postwar events in Belgium, including the signing of the Treaties of Rome in 1957 and the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, added to the city’s’ international stature and the Club’s relevance to the American community. The ACB has consistently supported community-oriented initiatives, including a role in establishing the United Fund of Belgium in the early 1970s, an organization helping numerous charitable causes. Over decades, the Club quietly supported worthy charities and cultural and educational activities that strengthened Belgian–American understanding.

In 1983, the Club was formally re-registered as a non-profit association under Belgian law, and structural reforms broadened membership and leadership opportunities. Gender barriers have long since been removed: by the mid-1990s the first woman was elected President, and women now compose 40% of the club’s total membership.

“There’s never been a better time to join us”

“Our membership today is highly international, with people from many countries drawn to the our social, cultural, and professional events,” said ACB Vice President Anne Cox. “We host well-attended annual Thanksgiving dinners, festive holiday receptions in December, casual socials on Fridays at months-end, plus a broad spectrum of speakers, wine tastings, arts and music, book readings, and recreational activities like bowling nights. Every month we offer a busy slate of events for adults, and families with children.”

With a century of enduring friendship, dialogue, and community engagement, the ACB has remained a welcoming home for the American spirit in Belgium: open, inclusive, and forward‑looking.

“We are in a membership growth mode at present, and there’s never been a better time to join us,” said Allen. “I’m so proud that after 105 years, the ACB continues to fulfill the vision of its founders: a cross-cultural bridge between Americans, fellow expats, and our wonderfully generous Belgian hosts. This is what goodwill between nations looks like!”

Photos: (main image) ACB president Jan Allen (left) and vice president Anne Cox at Château Sainte-Anne; (left to right) Dixie O’Donnell, Cora Schroer, Natalie Schroer, Lauren Schroer, Michael Schroer; Anniversary gala