The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America

In the late 19th century, as Americans looked back with pride on their colonial roots, many patriotic and lineage societies were founded to preserve early American history. Among the most enduring and distinguished of these is The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA), an organization dedicated to preserving the memory and contributions of colonial Americans through the leadership of women descended from those who played significant roles in the country’s earliest history.

The Founding of the NSCDA

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America was founded on April 8, 1891, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The idea was inspired by a broader cultural movement of the time: the rise of patriotic lineage societies that celebrated ancestral ties to the nation’s founding. This movement gained significant momentum as the United States approached its centennial and was fueled by an emerging interest in genealogy and historic preservation.

Unlike some earlier organizations that focused primarily on male lineage (such as the Sons of the American Revolution), the NSCDA was created specifically for women, offering them a prominent role in the preservation of American colonial history.

Mission and Purpose

The founders outlined a mission that combined heritage with civic responsibility, emphasizing historical scholarship, patriotic education, and the preservation of historic sites.The NSCDA’s mission includes:

Collecting and preserving artifacts and documents related to colonial American history.
Restoring and maintaining historic buildings and sites.
Promoting education on American colonial history.
Fostering patriotism and civic engagement.

To achieve these goals, the NSCDA has worked to help tell America’s many stories and amplify women’s voices. The NSCDA serves as stewards of historic properties, curators of collections, archivists of historic artifacts, and researchers of genealogical histories. NSCDA was one of the first women’s organizations to honor women in the military, and during two world wars, the NSCDA partnered with the Red Cross to support America’s troops.

Membership Criteria

Membership is open to women who can demonstrate lineal descent from an ancestor who rendered significant service in the American colonies prior to July 5, 1776, through military, civil, or other contributions to colonial development. The society requires detailed genealogical documentation and rigorous vetting to ensure historical accuracy and maintain the integrity of its lineage standards. Inquiries about membership can be made on the national website. Joining the NSCDA is typically by invitation and is done through the 43 individual societies.

Historic Preservation Efforts

One of the most significant contributions of the NSCDA has been its extensive role in preserving historic sites across the United States. As stewards of some of American’s historic properties, the NSCDA built the Spanish-American Monument (1902) in Arlington National Cemetery, the Church at Jamestown (1907), and the Plymouth Canopy (1921) at Plymouth Rock as reminders of significant events in American history.

In 2020, the NSCDA launched Great American Treasures, an alliance of more than 75 historic homes and sites all across the country. The Dames’ collection of Great American Treasures demonstrates movement in America from founding a new nation to expansion to the west. The Curated Collections of Great American Treasures give context to who we are and how America came to be.

Some examples of the properties stewarded by the Dames include:

Dumbarton House (Washington, D.C.) – the national headquarters of the NSCDA
The Andrew Low House in Savannah, Georgia
The Quincy Homestead in Quincy, Massachusetts
Gunston Hall, Mason Neck, Virginia

Educational and Patriotic Activities

Beyond historic preservation, the NSCDA sponsors:

Scholarships and fellowships for students studying American history.
Patriotic ceremonies including naturalization ceremonies
Partnerships with schools and museums to promote American history education.

The NSCDA has also played an active role in national celebrations, such as the U.S. Bicentennial and the 400th anniversary of Jamestown.

Conclusion

For over 130 years, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America has championed the memory of America’s colonial forebears through meticulous genealogical standards, active preservation of historic properties, and a strong commitment to education and patriotism. Its members continue to ensure that the stories, struggles, and contributions of America’s earliest settlers remain vivid and accessible for generations to come.

In an ever-changing world, the NSCDA remains a beacon of historical preservation, civic responsibility, and female leadership in the ongoing telling of America’s complex and inspiring colonial narrative.