Governance

Governance & Transparency

The Colonial Dames of America (CDA) is committed to the highest standards of accountability, integrity, and transparency. Recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CDA and its wholly owned museum, the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden (MVHM&G), operate as a single legal entity under the same EIN.

Mission and Purpose

Founded in 1890, CDA is the original women’s lineage society dedicated to the colonial era. The Society advances its mission as outlined through its official Objects through historic preservation projects, scholarships, educational programming, and stewardship of the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden in New York City.

Leadership and Oversight

The Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Managers, elected by the membership. The Board of Managers provides strategic oversight, ensures responsible stewardship of resources, and upholds best practices in nonprofit governance. CDA chapters, except the Parent Chapter, are governed by their own elected officers and report to the Society’s Board of Managers. The Parent Chapter, which established the Society, is governed directly by the Society’s Board.

Day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director, supported by professional staff. Day-to-day operations at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum are led by the Museum Director, also supported by professional staff.

CDA maintains key governance policies to ensure accountability, including a Conflict of Interest Policy, Whistleblower Policy, and a Records Retention Policy.

Financial Accountability

To ensure responsible stewardship of our resources, CDA undergoes an annual independent audit and files IRS Form 990, both of which are made publicly available. These documents reflect the combined financial activity of both CDA and the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden.