The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge #97 in Poolesville is a fraternal beneficiary society in Poolesville, MD, which was founded in 1962. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows organization owes some of its roots to its English predecessor, The Ancient Order of the Society of Odd Fellows, which began in London in the 17th century.

Its birth in the United States, resulted after a few men responded to an ad in the Baltimore American newspaper. Placed by an outgoing blacksmith Thomas Wildey and two friends who similarly missed fraternal companionship, the ad announced a meeting at 7 pm on April 2, 1819, at the Seven Stars Tavern located where Baltimore City Community College now stands. 

On April 26, 1819, they instituted the American Odd Fellows at Washington Lodge No. 1 in a house at South Frederick St. They elected Wildley as their Noble Grand. In February 1820, admittance was granted by decree into the Independent Order of Odd Fellowship in England. 

Mr. Wildey was born in London, England in 1782. He was left orphaned at age five, lived with an uncle and apprentices as a maker of coach springs. He joined the British Odd Fellows in 1804. The IOOF pledge to "Educate the Orphan" sprang from his personal childhood experiences.

The American Odd Fellows Founder died at the age of 80 in 1861. At the time, there were 42 jurisdictions and 200,000 members.  His gravesite resides in Greenmount Cemetery, and a monument was dedicated four years later in his name.  At one time, General Ulysses S. Grant and Vice President Schuyler Colfax were members.  U.S. membership peaked in the 1950s but the I.O.O.F. continues as a worldwide fraternity for men and women dedicated to making the world a better place through fraternal friendship, charitable love, and the pursuit of truth in all their dealings. 

Poolesville Lodge No.97 supports several endeavors within the Poolesville area as part of its responsibility and commitment to the community. This support consists of the following: 

Scholarships

The lodge provides one to three scholarships in the amount of $1,200.00 each to area graduating high school senior from the Poolesville High School annually. 

Monetary Awards

Each year, the lodge gives monetary rewards in the form of a $50.00 check that are given to two area Middle School students in recognition of their community service. 

Each year, the lodge gives monetary rewards in the form of a $25.00 check that are given to two area Elementary School students for their involvement in community activities. 

Annual Summer Picnic

The lodge sponsors this event annually for Poolesville and surrounding areas: Seniors, Widow, Widowers and Orphans. The event is held at the Memorial United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Poolesville. . 

Annual Christmas Day Luncheon

The lodge sponsors this event annually for the Poolesville and surrounding areas: Seniors, Widows, Widowers and Orphans.  This event is held at the Memorial United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Poolesville.    

And a varieties of other local charities

The above activities are funded by several fund-raising events. One of which is the Odd Fellows Annual Poolesville Raffle.