Colonial Dames of America, National Society of the, is a society of women organized in 1891 to create an interest in American colonial history. Membership is by invitation and is based on descent from some ancestor who came to an American colony before 1750, and who, by distinguished services, contributed to the founding of the nation. The society owns and maintains more than 50 historical sites and museum collections. It also sponsors a number of scholarship programs and other historic preservation, patriotic service, and educational projects. The society was organized in Philadelphia. It has more than 15,000 members. Headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
