The Knights of Columbus was officially chartered in 1882 as a fraternal benefit society. It is a Catholic fraternal benefits organization that is headquartered in New Haven, Conn., and was formed to provide financial aid to members and their families. The society offers mutual assistance to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. It promotes social and intellectual fellowship programs among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, and war and public relief work. The society s museum features special exhibitions of religious art and history, as well as a large permanent exhibition that showcases the Orders history. It also offers a scholarship program for college undergraduates. In addition, the society provides a variety of insurance products, such as long-term care insurance plans and annuities. The Knights of Columbus operates a bookstore and is governed by a supreme council that is responsible for the development of the organization.