U.P.P.E.C. banner

In the late 1800s, Portuguese immigrants founded Portuguese fraternal benefit societies to provide benefits to the families of deceased members. Newer immigrants found friendship, mutual assistance, and a transition into American society within thse organizations. During more than 100 years these fraternal organizations, with local units throughout the state, engaged in public service projects, including patriotic support of the U.S.A. during World Wars I and II. They helped to fund the building of early Catholic churches in California. In 2010, with relatively little new immigration and with changing times, IDES, SES, UPEC, and UPPEC merged to form the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America. They continue to operate as non-profit insurance organizations and also provide social activities, folk dance classes, educational programs, and public service. On display at the Portuguese Historical Museum at the Imperio, History Park.