A Guide to the Astoria Beneficial Club and Richmond Beneficial Insurance records, 1906-1947 M 311 A Collection in
Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library M 311
Box-folder, Astoria Beneficial Club and Richmond Beneficial Insurance records, M 311, Special Collections and Archives, James
Branch Cabell Library, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.
Acquisition Information
The collection is on loan to Special Collections and Archives from the Astoria Beneficial Club through Dr. Francis Foster,
a member of the club.
Astoria Beneficial Club (ABC) began as a social club in 1901, but eventually transformed into a beneficial organization that
paid out sick dues and burial benefits to its members. Astoria donated money to organizations that served the African American
community and to individuals in need. The Club also set up scholarships at Virginia Union University and honored individuals
and businesses in the area for their community service. As of 2016, the Astoria Beneficial Club remains active in Richmond.