Contact: Andrew Walther, Director of Media Relations, Knights of Columbus, 203-752-4253, 818-522-2005 cell

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Knights of Columbus was honored by the New Haven Museum and Historical Society (NHMHS) with its 15th annual Seal of the City Award Nov. 14. The award is presented in recognition of the contributions of individuals or organizations towards the advancement of society and culture in the Elm City.

An international, fraternal benefit society founded at St. Mary's Church on Hillhouse Ave. in 1882, the Knights of Columbus has maintained its headquarters in New Haven ever since. Its distinct, four-tower office building beside the Coliseum site is a familiar New Haven landmark. The Order employs 700 people in its insurance, charitable and fraternal operations.

According to the Historical Society, the Knights of Columbus is "a major employer and contributor to the local economy and its members and staff volunteer thousands of hours each year to the greater Hew Haven Community." The Order maintains a world-class museum at 1 State St., which debuted two exclusive exhibits from the Vatican, Nov. 1. The museum is open year round and offers free admission and parking.

Another significant contribution of the Knights to the city has been its support for the Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care at the Hospital of Saint Raphael. Named for the parish priest who founded the Knights of Columbus, the Order has donated or pledged nearly $6.5 million to the hospital, including a recent $3 million endowment to St. Raphael's Second Century of Caring Campaign.

"New Haven has been home to the Knights of Columbus for nearly 125 years," said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. "The Order is proudly a part of the city's heritage and grateful for this tribute and recognition by the New Haven Museum and Historical Society."

The Seal of the City Award was presented at a gala dinner at the New Haven Lawn Club. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit NHMHS educational and community outreach programs. The NHMHS, located at 114 Whitney Ave., is featuring an exhibit entitled The Knights of Columbus:  At Home in New Haven from early November through year's end.

On an international level, the Knights of Columbus ranks as the world's largest lay Catholic organization, with more than 1.7 million members in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Last year the Order and its members worldwide donated more than $139 million and more than 64 million volunteer hours to charitable causes.