R A Spratt

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) is an organization for women who can trace their ancestry to individuals who settled in an American Colony before 1776 and rendered service during that colonial period. Established in 1891, it was conceived as a federation of state societies, granting each unit a degree of independence, differentiating it from a similar group, the Colonial Dames of America (CDA), which was centrally controlled from New York. The NSCDA's formation occurred around the same time as the Daughters of the American Revolution, following significant centennial celebrations of American history. Since its inception, the NSCDA has been dedicated to historic preservation, including the restoration and interpretation of historical sites. Its national headquarters is located at Dumbarton House in Washington, D.C. Beyond preservation, the organization supports educational initiatives, scholarship programs, and patriotic service projects. The NSCDA operates or owns numerous historic house museums across the United States.

Founded in 1891, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) emerged shortly after a similar organization, the Colonial Dames of America (CDA). Unlike the CDA, which was designed with a centralized structure under a New York parent society, the NSCDA was envisioned as a collective of state societies, each possessing a degree of autonomy. This structure aimed to foster a broader, more federated approach to its mission. The organization's eligibility criteria require female descendants of ancestors who resided in an American Colony before 1776 and whose contributions were made during the Colonial Period. The NSCDA's activities are rooted in celebrating and preserving American colonial history and heritage.

The NSCDA has a long-standing commitment to historic preservation, a mission evident since its New York Society undertook the preservation of the Van Cortlandt House in 1897. This dedication extends to the restoration and interpretation of numerous historic sites and house museums across the nation. The organization operates or maintains a significant portfolio of these properties, including Dumbarton House in Washington, D.C., which serves as its national headquarters. In addition to its work with historical properties, the NSCDA actively engages in patriotic service, educational projects, and sponsors scholarship programs. These endeavors reflect a broader goal of promoting historical awareness and civic engagement among its members and the public.