The first Keechong Dinner in 1879 was a celebratory gathering of present and former partners in the major American China trading company of Russell & Co., including Forbes brothers Robert Bennet and John Murray. The businessmen would reflect on the past year, acknowledge notable achievements, and discuss future plans for their thriving enterprise. “Keechong” referred to the company’s blue and white flag, and means “the Flag of American Prosperity.” The Keechong Dinner today is the Forbes House Museum’s signature fundraising event. 

In 2021, the museum introduced the Civic Leadership Award to the Keechong Dinner as a way to connect our mission more tangibly to the community. The award recognizes a person or persons whose contributions to the community embody a combination of entrepreneurial spirit and civic mindedness. 

On October 11, 2023 the museum presented the Civic Leadership Award to Anne and Webster Collins.

Past Civic Leadership Award Recipients
2021 Dan Kerrigan, Steel & Rye
2022 Patti and Darryl Elliott, Elliott Physical Therapy