The History of America's Credit Unions
From John Walsh's briefcase at the Somerville Street Fire Station in Manchester back in 1949 to an expansive field of membership that serves the state of New Hampshire today, Members First is dedicated to serving both its members and the community to improve the quality of life for all.
History
Members First Credit Union was first established as the Manchester Municipal Employees Credit Union by firefighter John Walsh in 1949. John operated the credit union from his briefcase at the Somerville Street Fire Station in Manchester. In 1950, John's idea of helping local firefighters with their finances grew and the credit union officially moved into Manchester's City Hall on Elm Street.
When the credit union opened its charter in 1997 to allow anyone living or working within 25 miles of a branch to join, it changed its name to Members First Credit Union. In 2016, a branch was opened in Bedford about a mile from the Walsh family homestead. Members First expanded its field of membership in 2019 to serve anyone living, working or attending school in New Hampshire.
