The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (NSCDA-MA) is an organization of women that actively promotes and conserves our national heritage. We are one of 44 state societies associated with the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA). Our activities are focused on historic preservation, patriotic service, and educational projects. The NSCDA-MA is organized as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
As part of our focus on historic preservation, we own or operate three historic houses in Massachusetts – the William Hickling Prescott House in Boston, the Dorothy Quincy Homestead in Quincy, and Martin House Farm in Swansea.
We also maintain an important costume collection (antique clothing collection). We regularly display selected items from our costume collection in our houses, and offer special exhibits from time to time. Our costume collection is open to people doing research in the field, and appropriate items can be loaned to other organizations.
As part of our focus on patriotic service, we participate in Wreaths Across America and America’s VetDogs among other programs and projects.
We strive to preserve, learn about, and pass on to future generations an understanding of our colonial heritage as one part of the many diverse contributions that make up the richness of America’s culture.
Mission
Women opening doors to America’s history through preservation, education, and service to inspire a shared love of country.
“The Massachusetts Society of Colonial Dames has been always concerned with future Americans as well as commemorating and restoring the glories of those of the past.”
Affiliated Properties
Dumbarton House - National Headquarters
Dumbarton House is a Federal mansion located in Georgetown. It was originally built for the Nourse family. Joseph Nourse served as the first ‘Register’ of the United States. Subsequently, it was owned by Charles Carroll who changed the name to Belle Vue. In 1814, as the White House burned, he brought Dolley Madison to Belle Vue to await further instruction. In the early 20th century, the estate, renamed Dumbarton House, was moved from its original location to make way for the Q Bridge connecting Georgetown and Washington DC. In 1928, the estate was purchased by the NSCDA. It has been our National Headquarters ever since.
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Sulgrave Manor & Garden
Sulgrave Manor is the ancestral home of the Washington family. It is a Tudor estate located in the Northamptonshire countryside in England. In the early 20th century, President Roosevelt thought the conservation of the estate would be a good memorial to celebrate a century of peace from the War of 1812. Through fundraising in the UK and US, the estate was purchased. The NSCDA provided endowment funding for ongoing property and grounds maintenance. Dames Day is celebrated every Flag Day, June 14th.
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Gunston Hall
The home of George Mason, author of the United States Bill of Rights and principal author of the Fairfax Resolves and the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Gunston Hall is a National Historic Landmark that is owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and managed by the NSCDA. The property interprets life in 18th century Virginia and Colonial America. The lives of various residents of the estate including Mason and his family, enslaved and indentured servants.
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Gore Place
A 17th century country estate in Waltham that entertained many luminaries including Lafayette and James Monroe. The estate was in private hands until the early 20th century when it was acquired to become the Waltham Country Club. The club failed with the onset of the Great Depression. The Massachusetts Dames joined with Historic New England and the Trustees of Reservation to save it from being subdivided. They raised funds and created the Gore Place Society to buy Gore Place from the bank. Today, the estate and grounds are open to the public with a well known sheep shearing event each year.
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