About

We have no woodworking in our history. No cabinet making. No lumberjacks.

Our name was inspired by pioneer woodmen. They cleared forests to build homes and communities and provide security for their families. Modern Woodmen’s founder, Joseph Cullen Root, felt this was the perfect symbol to illustrate his goal of clearing away financial burdens for families.

On Jan. 5, 1883, Modern Woodmen of America was born in Lyons, Iowa. We moved across the Mississippi River to Fulton, Illinois, in 1884. Our headquarters relocated downriver to Rock Island, Illinois, in 1897. Rock Island remains our home office hometown to this day.

Modern Woodmen of America is the nation’s third-largest fraternal benefit society in terms of assets. Fraternalism is a unique combination of business and giving back to those we serve – a continuous cycle of positive impact.

Our representatives provide financial products to help members protect their families and their futures.

These products help fund member programs, including social, educational and volunteer activities that identify and meet local needs.

These programs build relationships, allowing for membership growth and greater community impact.

As a fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen doesn’t have stockholders. We exist for the benefit of over 700,000 members. They’re real people just like you. They're people who:

Live, work and play in big and small towns throughout the U.S.

Have chosen to protect their families and futures with the help of Modern Woodmen products.

Have the opportunity to enjoy member programs and make an impact in their local communities.

Are connected by common bonds: financial security, quality family life and community impact.