The Dutch established New Amsterdam at the mouth of the Hudson River in the 17th century, and Jacob Klaeysen established a Dutch family in western New York in the 20th century. Leader Anne Klaeysen explores her roots through the works of two Dutch Humanist philosophers, Erasmus and Spinoza.

Anne Klaeysen is Leader of the NY Society for Ethical Culture. She also serves as Humanist Chaplain at New York University and Ethical Humanist Religious Life Adviser at Columbia University.