Who We Are

We Are a National 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization

The DBE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit American society of women of British and Commonwealth of Nations birth or ancestry. We share and promote our heritage while supporting local charities and our senior living facilities across the United States.

We are looking for more good women who like to have fun while helping others less fortunate than themselves.

For over a century, The Daughters of the British Empire in the U.S.A. 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 community through supporting local charities and senior living facilities for men and women established by the DBE.

The DBE is a charitable, non-profit organization in the United States. It is non-political, non-sectarian, and consists of women who either hail from British or Commonwealth origins or share a strong ancestral connection to these regions. The society is composed of professionals, businesswomen, and homemakers who come together for regular business and social gatherings, all driven by a common commitment to philanthropy.

Membership in the DBE is granted by invitation to women residing in the U.S. who either have British or British Commonwealth heritage through birth, naturalization, proven ancestry, or have partners, spouses, parents, or grandparents with similar roots in British or Commonwealth countries. This diverse set of qualifications allows for a broad and inclusive membership.

To learn more about the National Society, DBE, visit its website at:  www.dbenational.org

A Brief History of The DBE in Pennsylvania

Sarah Josephine Meredith Langstaff founded the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) in 1909. The DBE in Pennsylvania started on May 14, 1913, when Mrs. Langstaff signed the Connaught Chapter’s Charter.

By April 14, 1920, the organization had grown nationally. Representatives of seven states, including Mrs. C. Beatrice B. Fox of Philadelphia, signed the National Covenant of the “National Society, Daughters of the British Empire in the United States of America”. In each state where there is a British Consul, his/her wife serves as the Honorary State President. In Pennsylvania, Dr. Patricia Mikols, wife of Honorary British Consul Oliver St. Clair Franklin, CBE, fulfills this role.

The primary objective of the Pennsylvania DBE is to support charitable endeavors. To accomplish this, we host various fundraising activities throughout the year supporting local charities and our senior living facilities. The National Motto, “Not Ourselves, but the Cause”, promises that the DBE will never forget these elderly people who depend upon us.

The secondary objective of the DBE is to foster an understanding of British and British Commonwealth cultures and traditions. You will find DBE sisters volunteering in libraries, hospitals, historical societies, churches, and schools. Up to 20% of monies raised goes to local charities (e.g., women’s shelters and children’s charities).

There are no paid employees within the organization. Not too many philanthropic organizations can make this claim.