Welcome to The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America

Across 42 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.

Wooden staircase with green and red striped carpet that leads to tiled hall below — Historic Preservation

Children holding small US flags — Community Engagement

Line of military personnel holding flags and rifles as a crowd stands for the Pledge of Allegiance — Service to the Military

Featured News & Events

View All

Project Spotlight

Local Student Wins National Essay Contest-NJ

Property Spotlight

Spring Open House & Costume Exhibition

Project Spotlight

Student wins NSCDA Essay Contest-MD

History Spotlight

Why do Texans love bluebonnets? | A short history of the State Flower of Texas

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

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

Discover Great American Treasures

Welcoming Our Newest Americans

A Dame Good Time

Mission Highlights