What is DBE?
DAUGHTERS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
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 are professionals, businesswomen and homemakers with common interests and heritage, who meet regularly for business and social events with the common cause of philanthropy.
The society was founded in the United States on March 15, 1909, as the Imperial Order, Daughters of the Empire in the U.S.A., and became the National Society, Daughters of the British Empire in the U.S.A. in 1920. The National Society is incorporated in the state of Delaware.
The Society is affiliated with the Imperial Order, Daughters of the Empire in Canada (I.O.D.E.); the Victoria League, London England; and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in the United States.
The Honorary President of the DBE is the wife of the British Ambassador to the U.S. or the Ambassador himself.
For over three quarters of 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 communities and support the four retirement homes for men and women established by the DBE.
Membership Requirements
Membership is extended by invitation to women residing in the U.S. who are of British or British Commonwealth heritage by birth, naturalization or proven ancestry. Women, whose husbands are, or whose husband's parent(s) or grandparent(s) are, of British or Commonwealth birth, are also eligible. Junior membership is available for eligible girls age 13 to 18 years of age.