History of the Order

The Order of the First Families of Maryland existed for many years as an unincorporated association. The late Eldon Lee White and his daughter, Elizabeth Windsor-White Hay led and guided The Order during the earliest period with the assistance of Karen R. Crowley and others. Due to the growing interest in The Order and the ultimate need to "formalize" it into a recognized non-profit public-benefit corporation so that it could more easily pursue and accomplish its stated goals, members and friends of The Order gathered on April 17, 1999, for an informal first organizational meeting as a non-profit public-benefit association. This was followed a few months later with incorporating under the laws of the State of California. The Order is a federally recognized organization exempt from income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with an effective date of May 31, 2000, the date of incorporation. All contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed under tax law.

By consensus of those present, Merrick Browne was chosen to be the first Governor of The Order of the First Families of Maryland under its new association structure. Also by consensus of those present, Elizabeth Hay was recognized for her role in keeping interest alive in The Order of the First Families of Maryland and holding it together during its existence as an unorganized association. For her unwavering service, she was accorded the special and unique title of "Founder Emerita" of The Order of the First Families of Maryland as it starts its transition from a non-profit public-benefit association to a non-profit corporation.