United Daughters of the Confederacy
U.S. Lineage Society Honors Soldiers Who Fought for the South
Oct 7, 2009
The National Association of the Daughters of the Confederacy was organized in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1894. The following year, the organization changed its name to the United Daughters of the Confederacy. It was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on July 18, 1919.
Organization and Membership
Membership in the UDC is open to women at least 16 years old who are lineal or collateral descendants of men and women who served honorably in the Army, Navy, or Civil Service of the Confederate States of America, or who provided material aid to the cause.
Like most lineage societies, applicants must provide documentation that includes birth, death, and marriage dates and places of all direct ancestors, as well as proof of relationship between the generations. In addition, documentation must be provided of the war service rendered by the individual upon whom the application is based. Local chapters often provide assistance in preparing the paperwork, and the UDC libraries may be consulted for information. Applicants may also hire a professional genealogist to trace ancestors and find documentation.
Headquarters and Museum
The UDC’s Memorial Building, located in Richmond, Virginia, houses the business office and two libraries. The Caroline Meriwether Goodlett Library is a research facility open to UDC members and non-members by appointment. Its collection includes books on Southern history, diaries, letters and other research materials. The Helen Walpole Brewer Library contains microfilm copies of the National Archives Compiled Confederate Service Records, as well as some regimental and family histories, pension records, and cemetery records.
UDC Objectives and Projects
The five stated objectives of the UDC are Historical, Benevolent, Educational, Memorial, and Patriotic.
Historical
The UDC collects and preserves material of historical importance relating to the period of U.S. history from 1861 to 1865.
Benevolent
A relief fund was established in 1910 to help needy Confederate women; the fund continues to provide financial assistance and personal remembrances to the daughters of Confederate veterans. UDC members also volunteer their time and money to homeless shelters, homes for battered women and children, hospitals, and food banks.
Educational
The UDC presents a number of scholastic awards annually, and offers several college scholarships. It also makes an award to the author of an unpublished monograph or book dealing with Confederate history.
Memorial
The UDC has commissioned memorials to Confederate soldiers, as well as for various veterans’ organizationsOn state and local levels, members hold observances to remember veterans of the War Between the States and veterans of all wars.
Patriotic
The United Daughters of the Confederacy shows its patriotism by providing support for hospitals, war orphans, the Red Cross, and various other contributions during World Wars I and II, and subsequent conflicts.
UDC members often join with other patriotic organizations, including the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, in honoring veterans of all wars in which the U.S. participated. Those interested in U.S. history may also wish to consider joining other lineage organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, or The General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
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