Who are the Baker Street Irregulars and what goes on at their annual celebration in the Big Apple?
[Thanks to Chris Redmond and tAJ for their contributions to this] The oldest feature of the Sherlockian weekend in New York each January is the annual dinner of the Baker Street Irregulars. It is open to members of the BSI — and a few guests who are presumably potential members. BSI membership is awarded by the elder statespersons of the society based on Sherlockian achievement in local societies, publications, etc. The BSI is a society of experienced Sherlockians, founded in 1934 by Christopher Morley. Membership in the BSI is by invitation only. Local societies across the United States are considered “scions”, or branches, of the BSI, and it is from their ranks that the BSI generally draws new members. Several other events take place during the weekend, though, including the Mrs. Hudson Breakfast, the William Gillette Memorial Luncheon, an open cocktail party on Saturday afternoon, and any number of quasi-private parties, book signings and walking tours.
