The National Grange is the nation's oldest national agricultural organizations, with grassroots community Granges established in 2,700 local communities in 40 states.  Its 200,000 members provide service to local communities on a wide variety of issues, including education, preservation of open space, conservation, and family related activities.  It was formed in the years following the American Civil War to unite private citizens in improving the economic and social position of the nation's farm population.   Over the past 143 years, it has evolved to include non-farm rural families and communities, and now serves an important role as a local volunteer organization, with a focus on education, preservation of open space and conservation issues important to the community.

The Grange is also known as the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, hence the "P of H" on the organization's logo.  Founding members determined that a fraternal organization based on family participation, as well as service to others and conservation of the environment would form the foundation of the organization.    During the 1860's the National Grange was one of the first formal groups to admit women to membership on the basis of equality with men, encouraging all members to serve in leadership roles within the organization.