Founded in 1873, the New York State Grange acts as the statewide governing body for over 100 local granges and more than 3,000 members across the state. Headquartered at 100 Grange Place in Cortland, New York, it unifies regional county (Pomona) and local (Subordinate) branches under a cohesive statewide legislative agenda.
History
New York holds a massive piece of Grange history. The very first dues-paying local Grange in the entire world—Fredonia Grange #1—was established in Chautauqua County on April 16, 1868. Over the decades, the New York State Grange fundamentally shaped the state's agriculture and infrastructure.
New York Governor and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was an enthusiastic, active member of his local Grange in Hyde Park, making him the first Grange member to serve as U.S. President.
Modern Operation & Civic Action
Today, the New York State Grange transitions between a community network and a non-partisan lobbyist group.
- Official Governance: Members actively serve on prominent state committees, including the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, the Council of Agricultural Organizations, and the Rural Schools Association.
- Statewide Legislative Sessions: Every October, members gather at the State Grange Annual Session to debate resolutions brought up by local chapters. Approved resolutions dictate the organization's legislative policy for lobbying lawmakers in Albany.
- Modern Reform Advocacy: In recent years, their legislative pushes have shifted toward securing reliable rural broadband internet and expanding rural telehealth services.
- Youth Programs & Camps: The group coordinates the Junior Grange (for children ages 5–14), specialized youth weekends, and operations for the "Kids Day Out" Grange day camp.