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Welcoming Our Newest Americans

Dames participate in citizenship ceremonies and welcome receptions for new citizens of all ages. Learn More

A Dame Good Time

Dames from across the nation gather and reconnect in person at a beloved destination. Learn More

Across 43 states and the District of Columbia, our 15,000+ Dames are caretakers of historic places and the histories that live within them. They are women of action in their communities and champions of our nation’s ongoing story.

Striving to inspire pride in our nation and its compelling, complex history.

Featured News & Events

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Project Spotlight

New citizens extends thanks for naturalization event

My name is Paulina Kendall. I was one of 32 participants on Oct. 28 to be sworn in as American citizens in your U.S. district courthouse. I wanted to extend my thanks to all your local leaders and dignitaries that helped make this far more than a mundane affair. I was so impressed with the entire production, as each of these people who helped welcome all of us as new American citizens.

Property Spotlight

Ximenez-Fatio House Museum awarded $173,544 grant

The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum has announced that it has been awarded a $173,544 Semiquincentennial Grant from the Historic Preservation Fund administers by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

What's with the Dame name?

While our name may sound a bit quaint, it's a part of our identity that we hold dear. It's a connection to our past, to our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and beyond. But make no mistake—our organization is not stuck in the past. Our members and our mission are firmly rooted in the present, inspiring us to make an impact in these modern times.

NSCDA

While the word Dame is admittedly an archaic term for a woman, “dames” was a term for teachers in early America. Dame schools were small, local, privately-run schools for children age two to five and taught by a local woman who would care for them and teach them ABCs for a small fee.

Clementina Rind

Publisher of the Virginia Gazette

Princess Matoaka

Powhatan Native American

Dinah

Heroine once enslaved

Mary Chilton

Mayflower passenger

Founding Females Initiative

Recognizing the role of women in the founding of our nation

To our founding Dames, what constituted a worthy ancestor was that he was indeed a great man. But 100+ years later, through our 250 by 250 Founding Females initiative, we’ve expanded our narrative to uncover stories of women who also contributed to our nation’s founding. These remarkable women worked as tavern keepers, merchants, business owners, educators, land owners, printers, writers, and so much more – they helped build our nation even though, legally, they didn’t exist. It is these women we want to celebrate, discover, and add to our register of ancestors.

 

Opening doors to history

Our members are passionate about preservation, education, and community engagement. Click the link below to learn more about NSCDA's membership. NSCDA Membership

Working to Make a Difference

500+ Interviews

completed by our members for the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center.

70+ Historic Sites

from Great American Treasures help tell America's origin stories.

25 "Puppies with a Purpose"

sponsored through America’s VetDogs for the benefit of U.S. military veterans.

14 Native American Students

pursuing careers in healthcare received financial assistance in 2023 through AIMS.

$168,000+

in scholarship assistance was awarded to students in American History-related fields across the country.

161 Female Ancestors

in the Register of Ancestors as part of our 250 by 250 Founding Females initiative.

Support the NSCDA

We want to keep the doors open to welcome visitors of all ages so they can add their voices to the ongoing American story. Your contributions help us support NSCDA's mission areas and the volunteer work that benefits your communities. Learn more about donating to the NSCDA today. About Us Support Us