National Society, Colonial Dames of America
Prestigious Lineage Society Promotes National Heritage
Nov 12, 2009
Women descendants of those who lived in an American Colony before 1750 and who rendered service to the country before Independence make up the membership of this lineage society. Ancestors must have contributed to the founding of a Commonwealth or an institution which developed into importance, or have served in an important position in a Colonial government; thus the society honors those who have made a meaningful contribution to the founding of the United States. Membership is by invitation.
History of the Colonial Dames
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America was founded in 1891 in Philadelphia. A second state society, Maryland, soon followed, and by 1894 societies had been formed in the original thirteen colonies and the District of Columbia. There are now 45 corporate societies bound in an association, with more than 15,000 members. The Society headquarters is in Washington, D.C.
Objectives of the Society
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America is dedicated to promoting the national heritage of the United States through historic preservation, patriotic service, and educational projects.
- Historic Preservation: The state societies that make up the NSCDA are affiliated with more than 70 museums and historic buildings. The Dames provide financial, volunteer services, and donations of furnishings, and participate in management of these properties. Most are open to the public, and to school groups for educational programs. Other historical projects include compiling biographies of ancestors, sponsoring historic trips and historic publications, and providing plaques and historic markers.
- Patriotic Service: The Colonial Dames engage in projects that are intended to promote responsible citizenship, and to encourage the study of American history. Projects include promotion of citizenship, school programs on the Bill of Rights and the flag, as well as early statehood, and essay contests on American history topics. Members participate in projects to support men and women currently serving in the Armed Forces.
- Education: In addition to the projects encouraging good citizenship and the study of American history, the Society also awards scholarship grants to Native Americans to study nursing, and provides regional and district awards to graduate students in American History, and state awards for American History students at various levels.
Dumbarton House, Colonial Dames Headquarters
Dumbarton House, headquarters for the Society, reflects the Adamesque style of architecture of the early Republic, and houses an outstanding collection of Federal period furniture and decorative arts. The house was built during the presidencies of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, and was home to Joseph Nourse, Register of the U.S. Treasury during the terms of the first six presidents of the United States. The house is open to the public and for school tours, special exhibitions and events.
The Motto of the Colonial Dames
The official motto of The Colonial Dames is Virtutes Majorum Filiae Conservant: Daughters Conserve the Virtues of Their Elders (from a letter by Mrs. Joseph Lamar, National President 1914-1927).
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