The Colonial Dames of America

Contact: Deborah McWilliams| director@cda1890.org | 212-838-5489

Website: cda1890.org

About CDA:  The Colonial Dames of America (CDA), founded in 1890, is one of the oldest lineage organizations for women in the United States, and the original Colonial Dames group.  CDA is an international organization comprised of over 30 chapters across the US and Europe. Its headquarters is located in New York City on property that includes its accredited museum, The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden (MVHM). In addition to operating MVHM, the Society and its chapters support dozens of educational programs, historic preservation projects, and scholarships annually. Membership is by invitation only and members trace their ancestry to an individual(s) who held public office at the colonial level, were a commissioned officer in the armed forces, or served in another capacity specified by the Eligibility List of the Society.

Mission Statement: CDA honors American History through preservation and education.

Vision Statement: CDA strives to be a relevant international resource which promotes the study of American history and the best practices of historic preservation.