1891 Financial Life marks 135 years with member summit and new board

1891 Financial Life celebrated its 135th anniversary with a July 18-19 member summit in Chicago and a hybrid format that drew attendees in person and online. The event highlighted the fraternal insurer’s history, introduced a newly elected board, and previewed a public memorabilia tour in Schaumburg on Aug. 12.

Why it matters: - 1891 Financial Life used its 135th anniversary to reinforce its member-first mission and long-term role as a fraternal life insurance society. - The hybrid summit expanded access for members, staff, partners and agents across the country. - The anniversary events tied the organization’s history to its current focus on financial protection, community support and member engagement.

What happened: - 1891 Financial Life opened its 2026 Member Summit weekend on July 18 with a special Mass and the installation of its newly elected Board of Directors at Holy Family Church in Chicago’s Near West Side. - The church is the organization’s birthplace, giving the ceremony added historical weight. - On July 19, members, leaders and guests gathered for the Member Summit in a hybrid format for the first time. - The summit marked the organization’s 135th anniversary. - The newly elected board had been chosen by members in April and was formally introduced at the event.

The details: - Historian Ellen Skerrett led a presentation on Holy Family Church’s history and a tour of historical artifacts at Saint Ignatius College Prep. - A display of historical memorabilia highlighted the organization’s fraternal roots and legacy. - Past Board Chair Margaret Schmitt and CEO Lisa Bickus took part in a two-person panel on the organization’s mission and evolution. - Fr. Timothy Anastos of the Archdiocese of Chicago delivered a message centered on faith, purpose and living fully in today’s world. - Regional Sales and Distribution Manager Kathi Amstutz outlined the organization’s products and member benefits. - Lisa Bickus said the summit celebrated the organization’s history and looked ahead to future growth and service. - Bickus said members have been at the heart of the organization for 135 years and that the group remains committed to helping families achieve financial security and support their communities. - 1891 Financial Life says it continues to provide financial protection, member benefits, scholarships, grants, volunteer opportunities and community support.

Between the lines: - Holding the installation at Holy Family Church linked current leadership directly to the organization’s founding story. - The hybrid format signals a broader effort to make member events more accessible while maintaining a sense of community. - The emphasis on faith, heritage and fraternalism suggests the organization is positioning its legacy as part of its value proposition, not just its history.

What's next: - 1891 Financial Life will host a public tour of its historic memorabilia collection on Aug. 12, 2026, at its home office in Schaumburg, Illinois. - The exhibit will include artifacts, photographs, publications and other items from the organization’s 135-year history. - The tour is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 200 N. Martingale Rd., Suite 405, Schaumburg, IL 60173. - The organization also directs the public to view a virtual tour of the memorabilia collection online.

The bottom line: - 1891 Financial Life turned its 135th anniversary into both a celebration of its past and a message about its future: keep serving members, keep growing and keep the mission visible.