The Daughters of the British Empire in the United States of America, was founded on March 15, 1909 as The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire in the United States of America. Its name was changed on March 3, 1915 to Imperial Order Daughters of the British Empire in the United States of America. On April 14, 1920, the Orderk was reorganised. The incorporated State Societies formed a supreme governing body and created the National Society Daughters if the British Empire in the United States of America. In April of 1985 the Society was incorporated in the state of Delaware and today is more commonly known as the DBE.

The birth date of the founder, Mrs. J. Elliot Langstaff, is April 14. and is known as “Founder’s Day”, and observed by all the State Societies.

The Daughters of the British Empire are affiliated with The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (USA), the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship (London), and The Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire, now known as IODE, (Canada).

The DBE in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts held its inaugural meeting in November 1938, in Chestnut Hill. The Charter Chapter was Hampton Court (1938-1971). Emily Woods, founder, was the first State President. Mrs. John Hugh Nolan, President of the National Society and the National Organising Secretary attended and installed the officers. From 1938 until today, Massachusetts has had 14 chapters, not all of whom have survived, but some were very long lived, and many worthwhile projects, i.e., supporting England during World War II, helping local charities and especially our district home, Victoria Home, in Ossining, New York.