About The Oldest Charity in America
The oldest charitable organization in the Western Hemisphere
A charity is an organization established to support, fund, or directly engage in activities aimed at providing help or relief to those in need, advancing a cause beneficial to society, or promoting public welfare.
The Scots' Charitable Society, founded in Boston in 1657, is the oldest charitable organization in America still in existence. In the early 1650s, Scots captured in battle by English forces were sold as indentured servants. Many were sent to work in an English-owned ironworks factory in Massachusetts.
It’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with annual spending around $126,000, balancing tradition with a forward-looking vibe. Beyond aid, the Society promotes Scottish and Celtic heritage through events like highland games, parades, and the Tartan Ball, fostering a sense of community in the Greater Boston area.
The Alliance for Strong Families and Communities recognizes Scots' Charitable Society as the oldest American charitable organization. The Wenham Museum describes it as the oldest charitable society in the Western Hemisphere. Philanthropy Roundtable defines it as the continent’s first ethnic charity.
Scots' Charitable Society organization was established by a group of Scottish immigrants with the primary goal of providing aid and support to fellow Scots who were facing economic hardship. The society has historically focused on providing financial assistance, support, and charitable services to Scottish immigrants and their descendants.
Over the years, the society has engaged in various philanthropic activities, including supporting educational initiatives, assisting individuals in need, and promoting Scottish culture and heritage.
In addition to its charitable efforts, the Scots' Charitable Society has played a role in preserving and promoting Scottish culture in the United States. The society has been involved in organizing events, gatherings, and activities that celebrate Scottish traditions, fostering a sense of community among its members.
This oldest charity society operates as a membership organization, and individuals of Scottish descent or those with an interest in Scottish culture are eligible for membership. It is governed by a board of directors and officers who oversee the society's activities and charitable endeavors.
Throughout its long history, the Scots' Charitable Society has adapted to changing circumstances and continued to fulfill its mission. The society has maintained its commitment to assisting those in need while also evolving to address contemporary challenges faced by its members and the broader community.
The society's philanthropic efforts have included providing financial assistance, scholarships, and support to individuals and organizations aligned with its mission. Through its charitable activities, the society has sought to make a positive impact on the lives of Scots and their descendants in the United States.
The Scots' Charitable Society's longevity reflects its enduring commitment to supporting the Scottish community in the United States and preserving the cultural heritage of its members. It stands as a testament to the contributions of Scottish immigrants and their descendants to American society.
Today, the Scots' Charitable Society continues to operate in the Boston area, making it not only America's oldest charity but also one of its longest continuously functioning organizations of any kind. It represents an important piece of American immigration history and the tradition of mutual aid societies formed by immigrant communities.