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.
A Spark of Connection Ignites a Legacy of Purpose
In 1888, Marie Kirkland placed an ad in her local Iowa newspaper to organize a women’s social network. What began as a social effort soon evolved into something far more impactful. On April 25, 1890, the group formally incorporated as a social society under the name Royal Neighbors of America. Marie Kirkland was named Supreme Vice Oracle (Vice President), serving alongside the organization’s first Supreme Oracle (President and CEO), Lillian Huff, and a leadership team including M.B. Hayden, Sallie P. Hennessey, Emma Belknap, J.A. Swanson, and M.B. Filbert.
“Our 130-year journey is one driven by trailblazers who envisioned and financial independence and social impact. Their legacy continues to inspire us to follow in their footsteps, creating a better future for all.” –Zarifa Reynolds, CEO and PresidentHistoric Firsts in Life Insurance
On March 21, 1895, under the leadership of CEO Eliza D. Watt, Royal Neighbors was granted a charter as a “Fraternal Benefit Society” allowing it to sell life insurance—making RNA one of the first life insurers to offer women access to financial protection. Founder Marie Kirkland’s vision “to bring joy and comfort into many homes… by affording the mother an opportunity to provide protection upon her life,” became a reality.
In 1916, Dr. Hada (Burkhart) Carlson, a practicing physician and dedicated RNA leader, led a campaign to establish a juvenile department within Royal Neighbors, and in 1918, the State of Illinois officially granted the charter. This milestone made RNA one of the first fraternal insurance organizations to offer life insurance for children.
“Dr. Hada Carlson laid the foundation for countless families and children to have access to financial protection. Today, we continue to model her creativity by developing accessible life insurance products to support the modern member.” –Karen Hayes, Operations ExecutiveEmpowering Healthier Lives
In the 1920s, under the guidance of Alice Gilliland, Royal Neighbors launched a groundbreaking health conservation campaign aimed at increasing the vitality of members. “Life is our most precious possession—good health is our most valuable asset,” she said.
In 1926, RNA introduced a free health analysis test with personalized health reports for members in 1926. More than 40,000 tests were conducted, and more than 1,000 cases of diabetes were identified. To this day, RNA offers members preventative health screening services.
Compassion and Action
Royal Neighbors’ legacy of community support has been evident throughout its 130-year history. Notably, when San Francisco was devastated by an earthquake and fires in 1906, Royal Neighbors quickly responded by providing the community with provisions, clothing, and financial aid. This response set a high standard for how RNA would continue to respond to disaster and hardship with generosity and compassion.
In 1915, when the SS Eastland, an excursion steamer, tragically capsized in the Chicago River—resulting in monumental loss of life—Royal Neighbors quickly stepped in to assist. RNA provided aid and comfort to families affected by the disaster, again embodying its enduring commitment to community and member care during times of great need.
Today, RNA continues to support members and communities in need through numerous philanthropy and volunteer programs which are accessible to members.
Supporting the War Effort
Royal Neighbors also showed devotion to national service and patriotism during World War II. Under the guidance of Miss Erna M. Barthel, RNA demonstrated remarkable financial endurance by purchasing a $1,000,000 War Bond—equivalent to over $18.4 million today—to support the USA’s wartime expenses.
In another powerful act of philanthropy and solidarity during WWII, Royal Neighbors contributed more than $21,000 to the American Red Cross to provide blood transfusions for American soldiers serving on the front lines—a gift equivalent to more than $365,000 today.1
In the 1990s, RNA launched a fundraising and volunteer campaign to support Habitat for Humanity. It culminated in the construction of a home in Kansas City, Mo., built by an enthusiastic group of Royal Neighbors members. RNA’s dedication to service was recognized in 1994 with a George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, Penn. The award recognized RNA’s “public manifestations of patriotic ideals.”
RNA launched the Nation of Neighbors℠ empowerment award and grant program in 2007 to recognize and support community leaders serving women and girls through nonprofits, businesses, or programs. Still in existence today, RNA has awarded more than $1 million in Nation of Neighbors grants in the last decade, helping recipients expand their impact across the country.
Courage Through the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, Royal Neighbors members once again courageously and compassionately rose to the occasion. Despite shutdowns and quarantines, members found innovative ways to support their communities. They organized food drives, sewed masks, quilted for comfort, prepared care packages for frontline workers, and packed school supplies for children.
The Future of Insurance with A Difference℠
As we look to the future, the values of our founders, leaders, and members continue to guide us and set the stage for Royal Neighbors’ ongoing work to expand our capacity for greater impact for generations to come.
After 130 years, Royal Neighbors remains grounded in the same values-driven principles that sparked our founding: supporting women, serving communities, and delivering Insurance with a Difference℠.
“One of the original core values that Royal Neighbors of America continues to uphold is endurance. We do so by maintaining a well-diversified investment strategy, disciplined asset-liability management, and the depth of our surplus position and balance sheet. These are the building blocks of financial stewardship that enable us to consistently meet our commitments to members. Our goal is to preserve and strengthen this legacy to ensure that Royal Neighbors remains a pillar of financial strength and community service for generations to come.” –Evan Johnson, Director of Investments
Sources:
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CPI Inflation Calculator. Accessed at: bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm.
2 Evans, Selia. Royal Neighbors of America: 100 Years of Helping Hands. Royal Neighbors of America, 1995. This book provides a comprehensive history of the organization, highlighting its impact on members and communities over a century.
3 Historical Archiving: Special thanks to Royal Neighbors Senior Director of Social Impact Amy Jones, APR, and many Royal Neighbors of America employees for their invaluable contributions to preserving the organization’s history.
4 Royal Neighbors Digital Museum. Explore more about Royal Neighbors’ history and view historical photos at: rna.historyit.com.
Member Programs are provided at the discretion of Royal Neighbors of America and are not available in all states. They are not part of any insurance or annuity contract and are not guaranteed. Insurance or annuity products should not be purchased for eligibility or maintenance of nonguaranteed Member Programs. These products should only be purchased if they meet the financial needs of the applicant. Member Programs are available at no extra cost.
