The National Society Daughters of Colonial Wars: Honoring America’s Earliest Military Heritage

The National Society Daughters of Colonial Wars (NSDCW) is a patriotic, genealogical, and service-oriented lineage society that highlights one of the most formative periods in American history—the colonial wars fought before the American Revolution. Through historic preservation, education, and commemoration, the society ensures that the contributions of colonial military leaders and their families are never forgotten.

Formation of the Society

The forerunner to the National Society, The Daughters of Colonial Wars was first organized in the State of Massachusetts. That meeting was held at the Hotel Brunswick in Boston on May 14, 1917 and later incorporated on May 27, 1921.

On April 18, 1932, the National Society Daughters of Colonial Wars was organized in Washington, D.C. with Mrs. Frank Dexter Ellison, elected as the first National President. The organization was created by women who wished to honor their ancestors who had served in the military or held leadership roles during the colonial conflicts that shaped early America, including the French and Indian Wars, King Philip’s War, and other 17th- and 18th-century struggles.

Mission and Purpose

The NSDCW was founded with several core goals:

Commemoration – To honor the memory and military service of ancestors who fought in America’s colonial wars prior to 1775.
Preservation – To protect and restore historic sites, cemeteries, and artifacts linked to colonial and military history.
Education – To foster understanding of early American history through publications, lectures, scholarships, and school programs.
Patriotism – To encourage responsible citizenship and loyalty to the United States.

Membership

Membership is open to women who are:

At least 18 years old,
Of good moral character, and
Able to prove direct lineal descent from an ancestor who served in military or civil authority in the American colonies prior to July 4, 1776.

Qualifying ancestors include colonial governors, military officers, members of colonial legislatures, and others who held leadership roles during the colonial wars. Applicants are required to provide genealogical documentation for each generation of descent.

Activities and Contributions

The NSDCW maintains a national presence with state and local chapters across the United States. Its activities include:

Historic preservation projects, such as restoring colonial forts, battlegrounds, and cemeteries.
Educational scholarships and grants awarded to students pursuing history, political science, and related fields.
Publication of historical and genealogical materials, helping preserve information about colonial wars and families.
Commemorative ceremonies, often marking anniversaries of battles or honoring notable colonial leaders.
Support for military veterans and patriotic programs in local communities.

The society also participates in national heritage observances, ensuring that the colonial wars are recognized as critical precursors to the American Revolution.

Legacy and Importance

The National Society Daughters of Colonial Wars continues to provide a meaningful way for women to honor their ancestors and preserve an important part of America’s story. By focusing on the period before independence, the society emphasizes the struggles, sacrifices, and leadership that made the Revolution possible.

Its work ensures that the colonial wars—often overshadowed by the Revolution itself—are remembered as essential chapters in the nation’s history.

Conclusion

The National Society Daughters of Colonial Wars preserves an often-overlooked part of American history by honoring the military and civic leaders who served before independence. Founded in 1917, the society combines genealogical rigor with patriotic service, providing descendants with both fellowship and a mission—to keep alive the memory of the women and men whose sacrifices shaped the foundations of the United States.