The Colonial Dames of America
EST. 1890
‘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 first women's colonial lineage society in the United States. Welcome to The Colonial Dames of America. Celebrating its 135th anniversary in 2025, 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.
EVENTS
Since 1890, The Colonial Dames of America and its chapters have promoted historic preservation worldwide. From maintaining historic sites to supporting notable restorations, CDA ensures that places of significance remain vibrant resources for education and public engagement.
Step inside one of Manhattan’s few remaining 18th-century buildings. Built in 1799 and transformed into a ``day hotel`` in 1826, the Museum is operated by CDA—offers visitors an authentic window into early New York life.
Each year, CDA awards grants that fund student fellowships, history programs, archaeological research, and preservation initiatives. These opportunities inspire future scholars and deepen public understanding of America’s past.
Our History
In 1904, early member Julia Delafield recalled the Society’s founding: “In April 1890, Mrs. John King Van Rensselaer and Mrs. John Lyon Gardiner were visiting Mrs. Archibald Gracie King in Weehawken. While walking on the Bluff, near the site of Hamilton’s fatal duel, Mrs. Van Rensselaer proposed, ‘Let us found a patriotic society of women, descended from Colonial ancestry.’” From that moment, the Colonial Dames of America began to take shape.
Chapters
Chapters of The Colonial Dames of America are regional groups that unite women with colonial ancestry. Each chapter builds community, promotes historic preservation and education, and advances the Society’s mission through events, service projects, and museum engagement. Guided by independent leadership, chapters give members meaningful ways to connect, contribute, and carry forward the legacy of their forebears.
CDA Book Awards
Since 1951, the Society has recognized books of merit that chronicle American history, life, and material culture by giving an Annual Award to the author of an outstanding work and a Citation to a second well-received book.