The DBE Society Celebrated 100 years in 2009

For over one hundred years, The Daughters of the British Empire in the U.S.A. (DBE) has been a common bond for women of British heritage living in America. Members, joining together in fellowship, contribute significantly to the good of their local communities and support the four retirement homes established by the DBE.

The DBE is a charitable, non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian, voluntary American society of women of British or Commonwealth birth or ancestry. Its members range from professionals, businesswomen, homemakers, students and retirees with common interests and heritage, who meet regularly for business and social events with the common cause of philanthropy.

The Society is active in 30 states across the U.S., organized into four districts: Eastern, Southern, Western and Midwestern. Members of more than 200 Chapters hold monthly meetings and engage in various fundraising and community events throughout the year.

Each May the National Board organizes a Convention to which all members are invited. The 2009 Convention was held in Houston, Texas and the 2010 Convention is planned for Sarasota, Florida.

The Society attracts women from many generations – from junior members in their teens born in the U.S. of British Commonwealth ancestry, to “War Brides” who left their family and friends in the U.K. for a new life in the U.S. at the end of the 2nd World War. Active young members are essential to the future of the Society in the 21st Century to adopt new ways of communicating, meeting and serving the community and Homes that fit the lifestyles of women today.
Learn about eligibility for membership.