Colonial Dames of America

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COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA

COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA. The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America was founded in 1891 in Philadelphia to promote interest in colonial history. Eligibility is determined by descent from certain categories of civil servants in the colonies who served on or before 6 July 1776. The NSCDA provides scholarships, publishes books, and preserves paintings, manuscripts, and buildings of historic importance. In 2000, the NSCDA received an award from the National Trust for its preservation of the ninety-five historic properties it owns or maintains. In 2001, the organization had fifteen thousand members. There are two other societies with the words "colonial dames" in their titles that have lineage as the criterion for membership: Colonial Dames of America, founded in 1890, and the National Society, Colonial Dames XVII Century, founded in 1915.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Colonial Dames Win National Preservation Award." National Trust for Historic Preservation. Available from http://www.nationaltrust.org.

Lamar, Clarinda Huntingdon. A History of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, from 1891 to 1933. Atlanta, Ga.: Walter W. Brown, 1934.

BonnieFord

See alsoDaughters of the American Revolution ; Preservation Movement .