Lineage and heritage societies have long provided ways for Americans to celebrate, document, and honor their family histories. Among them is the National Society Dames of the Court of Honor (NSDCH), a unique organization that emphasizes descent from men and women recognized for their military or civil service in early America.
Formation of the Society
The National Society Dames of the Court of Honor was founded by Miss Mary Florence Taney and thirteen associates in Covington, Kentucky on May 15, 1921. The Society has been incorporated in the State of Ohio, since 1928 and as a nonprofit corporation since 1985.
The Society was inactive during the Second World War. It was reorganized by Mrs. Kirby-Smith Anderson in Atlanta, Georgia on May 15, 1946.
Mission and Purpose
The NSDCH was conceived to focus on descendants of those who received official recognition for service to their colonies or states. This included appointments, commissions, or honors recorded in colonial, provincial, or early U.S. government documents. The mission of the NSDCH is to:
- Honor ancestors who rendered distinguished military or civil service before July 4, 1776.
- Encourage genealogical research and accuracy, particularly in early American records.
- Promote historical preservation through projects focused on the colonial and Revolutionary periods.
- Foster patriotism by recognizing the contributions of those who helped establish and govern the early American colonies.
The “Court of Honor” in the society’s name symbolizes the official recognition that their qualifying ancestors once held.
Membership Criteria
Women of good character, not less than sixteen years of age, who have the endorsement of two members and can qualify for lineal descent from a commissioned officer of one or more of the earlier American wars between the years 1607 through 1865, including any of the following periods: Colonial Wars 1607-1775, The American Revolution 1775-1783, The War of 1812 1784-1815, Mexican War 1845-1848, and the War Between the States 1861-1865 or from a Colonial Governor who has served in the Colonial Period of 1607 to 1775 will be considered for membership.
Examples include:
- Colonial governors and magistrates;
- Military officers commissioned by colonial or provincial governments;
- Justices of the peace, sheriffs, or other civil officials with recorded appointments;
- Individuals formally cited for public service.
Applicants must provide complete genealogical documentation for each generation, ensuring both historical accuracy and lineage integrity.
Activities and Contributions
The society contributes to preservation and education through:
- Marking historic sites connected to colonial officials and military leaders;
- Publishing genealogical and historical research, helping to document little-known figures of early America;
- Scholarships and awards for students engaged in the study of history and genealogy;
- Participation in heritage events alongside other lineage societies.
The NSDCH also serves as a social and cultural network, connecting members across the United States who share both heritage and passion for history.
Legacy and Importance
The National Society Dames of the Court of Honor reflects the broader heritage movement that began in the late 19th century and continues today. By narrowing its focus to ancestors officially honored in their own time, the society highlights the importance of recorded recognition—whether military commission, civic appointment, or colonial service.
Its members ensure that the stories of these individuals remain part of America’s historical narrative, emphasizing the intertwined roles of civil governance and military defense in the nation’s early development.
Conclusion
The National Society Dames of the Court of Honor is a distinguished hereditary society that preserves and celebrates the service of colonial Americans who received formal recognition for their contributions to early government and military institutions. Through its genealogical standards, historical projects, and patriotic work, the NSDCH ensures that these honored ancestors remain remembered as part of America’s founding legacy.
Lineage Society History 
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