The National Society of Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) is an organization devoted to furthering the appreciation of their national heritage through historic preservation, patriotic service and educational projects.
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The NSCDA is an association of 45 Corporate Societies with over 15,000 women members. The intent of the NSCDA is to honor our ancestors who were early colonists, to celebrate their bravery and determination to have freedom of worship, and to observe their remarkable resolve to create a free nation in the new world.
In order to become a member of the NSCDA one must be a descendant of someone residing in an American Colony prior to 1776 who performed notable service prior to July 5, 1776. The Colonial State Societies maintain lists of those ancestors whose service has been proven acceptable, "either in the founding of a State or Commonwealth, or of an institution which has survived and developed into importance, or who shall have held an important position in a Colonial government or who by distinguished service, shall have contributed to the founding of our nation" (NSCDA Constitution).
The National Society Headquarters is located at the Dumbarton House, a Federal period house museum in Washington, D.C. Each corporate society maintains their own headquarters where society business and meetings are held pertaining specifically to that group. The National Board of the NSCDA consists of 11 National Officers elected by the Biennial Council, Presidents of the Corporate Societies, the Chairman of the National Standing Committees and Special Committees. The Chairman of the National Special Committees report to the Board; they are not voting members. The National President appoints the chairmen and members of all committees for two-year terms. The current National Board President is Hilary F. Gripekoven of Portland, Oregon.
The NSCDA strives to protect the past, remain active in the present, and embrace the future. These goals are upheld through historic preservation, patriotic service, and educational programming.
Museum properties
The state societies that make up the NSCDA own and operate over 70 museum properties. The Dames provide financial, volunteer services, donations of furnishings, and participate in management of these properties. Most are open to the public and school groups for educational programs. These efforts help to preserve the buildings, lands and collections to enrich and enlighten the public. The story of how these historical buildings have changed is told to encourage the understanding of architectural, agricultural, and educational values through time. Other historical projects include compiling biographies of approved ancestors, sponsoring historic trips and historic publications, and providing plaques and historic markers.
Patriotic service
The Dames perform patriotic service by engaging in projects that are intended to promote responsible citizenship and to encourage the study of American history. Projects include promotion of citizenship, school programs focused on the Bill of Rights and the history of the American flag, and essay contests on American History topics. Members also participate in projects to support the men and women of the armed forces.
The Dames also award scholarship grants to Native Americans to study nursing and provide regional and district awards to graduate students studying American History.
Pennsylvania branch
One of the most important functions of the Pennsylvania Society of the NSCDA is the management and preservation of the historic house, Stenton, located in the Germantown area of Philadelphia. The NSCDA/PA initially restored and now contributes to the preservation and staffing of Stenton, home of James Logan and a fine example of a colonial American home. The Dames have protected the architectural integrity of Stenton and have championed the story of James Logan, a noteworthy colonial figure who supported the development of Pennsylvania. Stenton is open to the public and offers different educational programs, such as History Hunters, to students. Other lectures frequently held at the Stenton house discuss the culture and lifestyle of the American colonies.
Headquarters
The headquarters of the NSCDA/PA is located on Latimer Street in Center City, Philadelphia. The headquarters is a Colonial Revival style house designed by the prominent firm of Ritter and Shay. The NSCDA/PA uses this beautiful house to host meetings and store the genealogical archives, a library, and memorabilia of the NSCDA/PA. Non-members can also rent headquarters for celebrations.