The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country. Since its inception in 1868, the Order of Elks has grown to include nearly 1.2 million men and women in almost 2,200 communities.

The Elks are involved in a wide variety of programs, from scholarships to drug education to Veterans Services. Of everything that the Elks do, perhaps nothing is more important than their work with the country's youth. Since 1917, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has demonstrated its compassion for the veterans of our armed forces through a number of programs and activities.

North Adams Lodge #487 was instituted in 1899, and now has about 400 members.