The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century: Preserving Lineage and Colonial History

Among the many American lineage societies dedicated to preserving early history, the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century (NSCDXVIIC) stands out as one of the oldest and most distinguished. Founded to honor women descended from colonial ancestors who lived in America before 1701, the society is dedicated to historic preservation, education, and the celebration of women’s genealogical heritage.

Formation of the Society

The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century was formally organized in 1915 during the meeting of the International Genealogical Congress at the Pan-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, CA. Its creation reflected a growing movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when women sought to form historical and genealogical societies both as outlets for civic engagement and as a way to preserve their families’ legacies.

The founders were women who could trace direct lineage to early colonial settlers. They felt that the contributions of these men and women—who laid the foundations of America in the 17th century—deserved recognition and remembrance through a formal organization.

Mission and Objectives

From its founding, the NSCDXVIIC has had a clear mission:

Genealogical Preservation – To identify, record, and publish the pedigrees of members tracing descent from colonial ancestors who lived in America before 1701.
Education – To encourage the study of American history and promote patriotic citizenship among younger generations.
Historic Preservation – To conserve colonial sites, graveyards, and artifacts, particularly those tied to 17th-century America.
Commemoration – To honor the lives, struggles, and sacrifices of early settlers whose efforts helped establish the United States.

Membership Criteria

Membership is open to women who are:

At least 18 years of age;
Of good moral character;
Able to prove lineal descent from an ancestor who lived and served in the American colonies before 1701.

Acceptable ancestors include men and women who contributed to colonial life in any capacity—founders, military officers, civil servants, ministers, or prominent tradesmen. Applicants are required to provide documented genealogical proof for each generation of descent.

Activities and Contributions

The NSCDXVIIC has grown into a national organization with chapters across the United States. Its activities include:

Historic preservation projects, such as restoring colonial churches, burying grounds, and monuments.
Publishing genealogical research and family histories to preserve lineages of early Americans.
Educational scholarships and essay contests promoting history and citizenship.
Maintaining a National Headquarters and Library in Washington, D.C., which houses genealogical and historical resources for researchers.
Sponsorship of patriotic programs, including naturalization ceremonies and civic education.

The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century has 45 active state societies in the United States and one active international society in Canada. The society plays an important role in supporting state and local historic sites, often partnering with museums and historical organizations. The NSCDXVIIC holds one of the largest collections of coats of arms in the United States.

Legacy and Importance

The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century embodies the broader effort of American women in the early 20th century to create institutions that safeguarded history and genealogical heritage. Today, it continues to grow as more women discover and celebrate their colonial roots.

By focusing on the period before 1701, the NSCDXVIIC emphasizes the earliest years of settlement, when communities were fragile but resilient, and when traditions of self-governance and civic life began to take root in North America.

Conclusion

The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century stands as a guardian of America’s colonial heritage, connecting women today with their foremothers and forefathers of the 17th century. Through preservation, genealogy, and education, the society ensures that the earliest settlers of America—and the women who honor them—remain an enduring part of the nation’s historical consciousness.