State and territorial societies are unique civic and social organizations rooted in the Washington, D.C. area. These groups provide a welcoming space for residents of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories to connect through shared heritage, traditions, and community.

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Founded in 1854 with the establishment of the Illinois State Society, these organizations have grown over the past 150+ years into vibrant, non-partisan associations that celebrate everything from local culture and colleges to sports teams, politics, humor, and commerce. They offer a strong sense of home for state expatriates living in the capital region—through receptions, dinners, picnics, ceremonies, sporting events, and more.

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What makes these societies truly special is their ability to bring together a diverse community in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Members of Congress, Capitol Hill staff, journalists, students, attorneys, diplomats, military personnel, trade association professionals, and business leaders regularly take part in state society events—bound by a common thread: shared roots and hometown pride. In a city often divided by partisanship, these organizations foster a rare spirit of goodwill, camaraderie, and fun.

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Whether it’s a Minnesota Walleye Pike Dinner, a Hawaiian Luau, a Louisiana Crawfish Boil, a California Oscar Night, or a Texas Black Tie & Boots Ball, state societies create unforgettable moments that bring people together. In these warm, welcoming settings, partisan tensions fade into the background—replaced by shared memories of the 1969 Chicago Cubs, the 1945 Detroit Tigers, the Kansas City Chiefs' recent Super Bowl victories, last weekend’s Maryland crab cakes, or a spontaneous chorus of Florida college fight songs.

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These organizations have long been part of Washington’s civic fabric. Abraham Lincoln is believed to have been an early member of the Illinois State Society. In more recent years, notable figures such as Vice Presidents Al Gore (Tennessee) and Dick Cheney (Wyoming), House Speaker Dennis Hastert (Illinois), Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas), and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta (California) have all played leadership roles in their respective societies.

Every four years, during Presidential Inaugurations, many state societies host major receptions, luncheons, and inaugural galas, offering home-state visitors a warm welcome to the nation's capital.