Our Society

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The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century unites over 11,000

members in a communion based on their interest in American history,

their love and respect for this nation and a mutual desire to work together

in harmonious fellowship to achieve the goals of the Society. It is one of

the few societies of today which has heraldry at the core of its objectives

and additionally holds one of the largest collections of Coats of Arms in

the country. Moreover, compared to other lineage societies, the National

Society Colonial Dames XVII Century requires that potential applicants

must be able to prove their ancestry in the country prior to 1701.

 

Membership Eligibility
 

Any woman of good moral character, eighteen years of age or over, is
eligible for membership, provided she has been invited by the Society and is
the lineal descendant of an ancestor who lived and served prior to 1701 in
one of the Original Colonies in the geographical area of the present United
States of America. Membership is in the National Society but members join
through Chapters. Admission into the Society is by invitation and the
endorsement by two members, to whom the applicant is known personally,
and approval of lineage papers by the President General, Registrar General
and Treasurer General. Documentary proof of an ancestor's service prior to
1701 is required. There are 18 categories of eligible service as detailed in the
list below, including both male and female ancestors. No person may enter
the Society under known false lineage records.

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Service Categories
 

Documentary proof of an ancestor's service and residence prior to 1701
in one of the following is required:

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Historic Founder of Jamestown or Historic Founder of any of the

original colonies;

 

Member of the London, Plymouth or Virginia Companies who came to

the colonies to live;

 

Colonial Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Deputy Governor, or Colonial

Officer;

 

Member of the House of Burgesses;

 

Member or Delegate to the Council of the Assembly;

 

Deputy or Representative to the General Court;

 

All civil and church officials and services;

 

Founder or Trustee of any college or school;

 

Minister of the Gospel or Commissary of the Bishops of London;

 

Member of the Council of Safety of 1689;

 

Signer of the Mayflower Compact;

 

Member of the House of Delegates;

 

All Professions, Trades and Crafts;

 

All Military and Naval services of the colonies;

 

Any who furnished funds or supplies;

 

Member of Provincial Congress;

 

Landowner, Freeman or Planter;

 

Headright, Transportee