Eagle Grange between Montgomery, Allenwood earns national recognition
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The National Grange has named the Pennsylvania State Grange a 2026 Distinguished State Grange for the 15th time and 10 Granges within the state as distinguished Granges -- including Eagle Grange #1 in Lycoming County.
According to a news release, Pennsylvania State Grange was one of only four State Granges nationwide to receive the designation this year. The Distinguished Grange Program recognizes Granges for advancing important issues and developing programs that benefit their communities. The Pennsylvania State Grange's work during the award period included Alzheimer's education, sharing resources for patients and caregivers, and raising awareness of the disease's impact in rural areas.
"This recognition reflects the hard work our members do throughout the year," said Matt Espenshade, president of the Pennsylvania State Grange, according to a news release. "We can all share in this incredible honor which is a testament to our members and their dedication and service to our community."
The 10 Pennsylvania Subordinate Granges were among 34 honored nationwide. All are repeat recipients, with awards ranging from a second designation to Valley Grange #1360, who received the designation for the 14th time.
Chester Delaware Pomona Grange earned its first designation and was one of only eight Pomona Granges recognized nationally.
Pennsylvania's 2026 Distinguished Granges are: Pennsylvania State Grange; Chester Delaware Pomona Grange #3; Big Knob Grange #2008 -- Beaver County; Eagle Grange #1 -- Lycoming County; Hamburg Grange #2103 -- Berks County; Harveys-Aleppo Grange #1444 -- Greene County; Hookstown Grange #1980 -- Beaver County; Jefferson Grange #1384 -- Schuylkill County; Penns Valley Grange #158 -- Centre County; Progress Grange #96 -- Centre County; Russellville Grange #91 -- Chester County and Valley Grange #1360 -- York County
"Earning the title of Distinguished State Grange is one of the highest recognitions of excellence within our organization," said National Grange President Christine Hamp. "It honors a State Grange that is leading with purpose, strengthening its local Granges, developing leaders, and creating meaningful opportunities for members to serve and succeed."
To qualify, Granges submitted information about their activities and programs from July 2025 through June 2026 for National Grange review. Honorees will be recognized at the 160th Annual National Grange Convention in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, this November and during National Grange Honors Night on November 20.