‘LET US FOUND A PATRIOTIC SOCIETY OF WOMEN DESCENDED FROM COLONIAL ANCESTRY’

With these words, spoken in April 1890, Maria Denning “May” Van Rensselaer (Mrs. John King Van Rensselaer) of New York initiated what was to become the oldest colonial lineage society for women in the United States. Welcome to The Colonial Dames of America. Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2020, the Society was established to commemorate the history of the thirteen American colonies and the men and women who founded them. Our mission is to promote the historic preservation of sites and objects, award scholarships, educate the public about American history, inspire patriotism, and promote fellowship among our members.