The Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (Grange) was founded in 1867 to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, and to improve living conditions for rural Americans.

One of the goals of the Grange founders was to help bring Northern and Southern farmers together in a spirit of unity, and help heal the divide created by the recently-ended Civil War.

Unlike other organizations of that era, Grange included women as full, voting members. In an early demonstration of affirmative action, the Grange founders established four officer positions that could be held only by women. They also made it clear that women could hold any office in the organization. Grange was an active supporter of the women’s suffrage movement.

Today, Grange is a national organization that continues the tradition of promoting agriculture, education, charitable works, improved conditions for rural residents, and a sense of community.