About the National Society
Established on July 15, 1915, the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century is a non-profit organization with its headquarters located in Washington, D.C. Constructed in 1884, the headquarters building holds historical significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The objectives of our society are:
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Today, the Society is comprised of chapters located in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Our over 11,000 members share a common interest in American history, love of and respect for our great nation, and the desire to work together in harmonious fellowship to achieve the important goals outlined in the objectives of the Society.
About the Wisconsin Society
Here are examples of the Wisconsin Society's efforts related to several of the aforementioned objectives:
In summary, we are fulfilling our goals to meet the objectives of the National Society Dames XVII Century.
- To aid in the preservation of historical sites of our country: Members placed flowers and names on the graves at Potter’s Field in Janesville, and members would like this cemetery honored with a historical marker. The necessary paperwork needs to be done after permission obtained. A program on Potter’s Field was presented to the members at a chapter meeting. Also, members cleaned the 20+ markers at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison. This would fall into the category of historic preservation.
- To foster interest in historical colonial research: Numerous supplemental applications have been submitted. Membership is increasing, and the Wisconsin State President is planning to start a new chapter near Marshfield. Several members provide volunteer hours to genealogical societies in Wisconsin.
- To aid in the education of the youth of our country: Our scholarship guidelines were revised, and a scholarship was awarded to a student attending the University of Nebraska.
- To commemorate the noble and heroic deeds of our ancestors, the founders of our great Republic: Chapter meetings have encouraged members to present programs about their ancestors.
- To maintain a Library of Heraldry and preserve the lineage and Coats of Arms of our Armorial Ancestors: Several members have submitted Coat of Arms applications. A program about St. Margaret, Queen of the Scots, will be presented to members at our upcoming State Conference.
- To develop a library specializing in seventeenth century America colonial data: Our “Colonial Dispatch” newsletter is a semiannual publication of the Wisconsin State Society Colonial Dames XVII Century with a circulation of 100. Copies of our newsletter are being sent to the Reference Librarian and Outreach Coordinator at the Wisconsin Historical Society. Also, several members have donated numerous books to several Wisconsin libraries.
In summary, we are fulfilling our goals to meet the objectives of the National Society Dames XVII Century.