Welcome to The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America

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

View All

Property Spotlight

‘The heart of Austin beats here’: Juneteenth, visit city’s only intact slave quarters

For more than 150 years, the plain limestone building sat mute behind a grand house guarded by white columns on San Gabriel Street in the West Campus neighborhood.

Project Spotlight

The Perfect Provenance

The only thing the homeowners of this historic house on Jones Street love more than researching, sourcing and acquiring fine antiques and artwork is sharing their passion with others.

History Spotlight

Come for gas, stay for history: Wilmington service stations date back more than 100 years

We don't tend to think of gas stations as being historic, probably because they're constantly being modernized.

History Spotlight

The George Washington Presidential Library, Gunston Hall, and American Philosophical Society to Host Event Marking 250th Anniversary of Fairfax Resolves

To mark the 250th anniversary of the Fairfax Resolves, emerging and leading historians will convene for a two-day conference.

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