Founded in 1867 to help both southern and northern farmers recover from the ravages of the Civil War, the Grange as a national organization has evolved to incorporate the interests of non-farm families and communities. Health care, education, communications access, agricultural interests, and community service are just a few of the Grange’s current areas of involvement.

The organization has approximately 240,000 members in nearly 3000 local and state chapters across forty states, with over 60 local Grange chapters in Connecticut. Local Granges are committed to bettering their communities through service projects and family-orientated activities. Grange membership is non-exclusive. Members are not limited by age, gender, culture, race or faith. In the ever changing community, the Granges across the State of Connecticut provide diverse services.

It is important to note that the Grange’s interest in legislative action is what sets it apart from other organizations. Since its inception, the Grange has been involved with the legislative aspects of our society -- from a strictly nonpartisan position -- as one of its distinctive characteristics. All policies which the Grange advocates on the local, state and national levels are initially voted on by its membership.