History

The art of quilting is a timeless symbol of creativity, compassion, and community. In an era when economic opportunities for women were limited, quilting offered both financial empowerment and a tangible way to care for neighbors in need.

For 130 years, Royal Neighbors of America® has stood as a bold force in life insurance—founded by women, led with strong values, and dedicated to uplifting communities.

As one of the largest women-led life insurance organizations, Royal Neighbors was one of the first to offer coverage to women.

In 2016, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. accepted two hand-made 1930s quilts.

When one woman was looking to make friends in the neighborhood, the last thing she expected was to revolutionize an industry. But that’s exactly what Marie Kirkland did in 1888.

It was an unusually warm fall morning in Omaha when a group of Royal Neighbors members gathered at a cozy café tucked into the downtown streets.

Royal Neighbors members’ names and offices are hand-stitched on the colorful quilt which were donated to the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, NE in 2016.

As we reflect upon the contribution of women in our history, we find a rich tapestry of courage and progress woven through the years.

Read about our rich history in our Royal Neighbors Digital Museum. New artifacts are added to this collection often.