History

It was an unusually warm fall morning in Omaha when a group of Royal Neighbors of America members gathered at The Table Coffee Co., a cozy café tucked into the downtown streets. The clatter of coffee cups filled the air as these seasoned volunteers greeted each other and introduced themselves.

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.

You can read about our rich history in our new Royal Neighbors Digital Museum. New artifacts are added to this  collection frequently.

Under the direction of Dr. Hada Carlson, Royal Neighbors was one of the first fraternal organizations to offer insurance for children. She was named Supreme Physician in 1921.

Royal Neighbors members and the public can explore our rich history in our Digital Museum.

It all began with nine women who organized a secret social organization called Royal Neighbors of America, which grew to become a fraternal benefit society chartered in 1895.

Alice Gilliland was one of the first 500 Members that chartered Royal Neighbors of America in 1895. At a time when many women did not work outside the home, she spent nearly 31 working for the Society.

The Member Relief Fund provides financial assistance to qualifying members who experience major illnesses or property damage due to natural disasters.