Who We Are
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of New Jersey (NSCDA-NJ) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Westampton, New Jersey. The New Jersey Colonial Dames organization is one of 44 state societies affiliated with the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA).
Organized in 1892, the New Jersey Dames have a three-fold mission:
• Preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic sites
• Educational programs and patriotic service
• Historical projects, including research, preservation, and
educational publications
The New Jersey Colonial Dames own and maintain two museum properties in Burlington County, New Jersey. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Members of the NSCDA and NSCDA-NJ are women who claim lineage from an ancestor of worthy life who, residing in an American colony, rendered efficient service to our country during the Colonial period, either in the founding of a State or Commonwealth, or of an institution which has survived and developed into importance, or who shall have held an important position in a Colonial government, or who by distinguished services, shall have contributed to the founding of our nation. The NSCDA maintains a vast database of eligible ancestors and details on their service to our country.
All services which constitute a claim to membership must have been rendered before July 5, 1776, but this date shall be held to include all signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Pathway to Membership
Please keep in mind that The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America is an invitation-only society. The candidate needs to meet our eligibility requirements in accordance with our bylaws, Article II section 1 & 2:
“Candidates for membership shall be women who are lineal bloodline descendants from an ancestor of worthy life who, residing in an American colony, rendered efficient service to our country during the Colonial period, either in the founding of a State or Commonwealth, or of an institution which has survived and developed into importance, or who shall have held an important position in a Colonial government, or who by distinguished services, shall have contributed to the founding of our nation. All services which constitute a claim to membership must have been rendered before July 5, 1776, but this date shall be held to include all signers of the Declaration of Independence.”
“Candidates for membership shall be proposed and seconded by any two members of NSCDA, at least one of whom shall be a member of the New Jersey Society. The candidate shall be well-known to both proposer and seconder.”
First, the candidate’s application for membership and letters of recommendation are presented to the Board of Managers. Upon review and favorable vote, the candidate may begin her lineage research. Then, once the verifying genealogist approves her line of descent papers, the candidate may pay her National and State society dues and become a member of the NSCDA and New Jersey Society.
Legacy Members
How do I meet NJ Dames?
Come join us at any of our public programs hosted at Peachfield and the Old Schoolhouse. Check the website for our museum properties: peachfield.org, for a calendar of public programs and events! We also invite you to attend any of our offerings through our Historical Activities Committee.
Who do I contact to get started?
Contact our Society Registrar, Emily Starkey, at estarkey5@gmail.com