The Society of Colonial Dames of Massachusetts

Golden Ball Tavern Tour
2024-04-30 13:00 (America/New_York) | Golden Ball Tavern Museum, 662 Boston Post Rd, Weston, MA, 02493-1511, United States
The Golden Ball Tavern is a historic Pre-Revolutionary home and tavern in Weston, Massachusetts, which tells the other side of the story – that of the Loyalists during the War of Independence. Notably, the Museum is among only a handful of institutions in the country dedicated to bringing to life the Loyalist experience. The Tavern was opened in 1770 by Isaac Jones, a Loyalist (or Tory) who advocated compromise over conflict with Great Britain at considerable personal risk. He ultimately joined the Patriot cause and went on to make significant contributions to the new republic.
Please join us for a tour of the Golden Ball Tavern at 1pm on April 30th. For those who care to bring their own lunch, we will be meeting at noon at the tavern with the tour to follow.

Admission is free but a donation is very much appreciated.

Members and Guests Only: Dames/Warriors cocktail party
2024-05-02 18:00 - 20:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Enjoy an evening of cocktails and conversation with fellow Dames and Warriors.

Please bring a prospective candidate as your guest. A genealogist will be present to answer eligibility questions, and we will hear welcoming remarks from both of our Presidents.

May 2, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 pm
William Hickling Prescott House
55 Beacon Street, Boston

Don’t want to purchase tickets online?
Mail a check to 55 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 with the name of each attendee. Include an additional $10 for each parking voucher you would like to purchase.

Songfest at Martin House Farm
2024-05-11 14:00 | Martin House Farm, 22 Stoney Hill Rd, Swansea, MA, 02777, United States
Join the Dames at Martin House Farm for an afternoon of singing with Song Leader and Environmental Educator Milly Roberts. Let’s sing together in celebration of Mother Earth. We are a community working hard to conserve heritage, habitat and native ecosystems.
Feel free to bring your camp chair. In case of light rain, bring your most colorful umbrella. In case of really bad weather, please stay home. Please stay safe.
It can be wet, so please wear boots.
Let’s celebrate this beautiful, well cared for place that we all love.

Members only: NSCDA-MA Annual Meeting
2024-05-14 10:00 - 14:00 | The Country Club, 191 Clyde St, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO:

The Annual Meeting
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Ten o’clock in the morning

The Country Club
191 Clyde Street
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Luncheon will be served following the meeting

Reservations must be made by Tuesday, May 7, 2024
No refunds for cancellations after that date

Lunch at Prescott House - Beacon Hill Hidden Garden Tour 2025
2024-05-16 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
The National Society of the Colonial Dames in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts invites participants in the 2024 Hidden Garden Tours of Beacon Hill to enjoy a boxed lunch at the historic William Hickling Prescott House.
Lunch will be served between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, and will include a half-sandwich (choice of chicken salad or caprese), fruit salad, chips, cookie, and beverage courtesy of Cobblestones Eatery. Seating is limited, so please reserve in advance. The last day to reserve tickets is May 9th, no walk-ups will be allowed.
Restrooms are available on the premises.

Please note! Purchasing a seat for the lunch is separate from the tour ticket.
To purchase a ticket for the Hidden Garden Tour, please visit https://www.beaconhillgardenclub.org/tour-day-information

No refunds or cancellations after 5/9/2024.

Presidents Trail: Picnic at The Dorothy Quincy Homestead
2024-05-22 16:00 - 19:00 | 34 Butler Rd Quincy, MA, 34 Butler Rd, Quincy, MA, 02169, United States
In Celebration of The Presidents Trail, The Quincy Chamber of Commerce & The National Society of The Colonial Dames in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts invite you to our Picnic at The Dorothy Quincy Homestead!
Bring your own blankets, chairs, and your favorite food and drinks for a picnic, or simply visit the grounds, tour the home, and take in history while historical interpreters re-enact the colonial times.
Join us for some:
Family Friendly Fun
Meet and Greet with Historic Redactors
Guided Tours of the Homestead and free Ice Cream

South Shore Garden Party
2024-05-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Dorothy Quincy Homestead, 34 Butler Road, Quincy, MA, 02169, United States
Please join us for a wonderful opportunity to not only see the Quincy Homestead garden and interiors, but also the to get together with other Dames who live in the following areas: Dedham, Westwood, Hingham, Cohasset, Norwell, and Scituate.
Dames from other areas are, of course, very welcome.
If rain occurs the area gathering will plan to move inside.

Printmaking in Paul Revere's Time
2024-06-01 11:00 - 14:00 | Dorothy Quincy Homestead, 34 Butler Road, Quincy, MA, 02169, United States
Join the NSCDA-MA at Dorothy Quincy Homestead for a presentation on printmaking in Paul Revere’s time. Andy Volpe is a printer and & “living historian”. He studies and replicates the printing and drawing techniques of the Old Masters, engravings of Paul Revere and creates commemorative work for periods of American history.
Mr. Volpe will show samples of his Revolutionary War work products and be available for questions and lively discussions from 11am to 2pm. Last tour at 1.30 PM.

Guided tours of the Homestead are conducted every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour. Cost is $10.00 per person, donations are welcome.

Members and Guests only: Flower Pressing Workshop and History of Early American Women Botanists
2024-06-06 11:00 - 13:30 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Carolyn Ravenscroft, Archivist and Historian of the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society will inform of the history of early American women botanists and Ashley Mohrman, historic preservation volunteer, avid gardener, and artisan will provide a flower pressing demonstration including supplies for guests to create cards, book marks, gift tags during the event.
A box lunch will be served with Simply Serving there to assist.

Peony Party
2024-06-13 18:00 - 21:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
The Massachusetts Dames cordially invite you to the Peony Party.
Join fellow Dames for an evening of celebration, cocktails, and Bo Winiker’s music provided through the generosity of Tom Thaler.
Remembering Grace Yeomans Thaler
Grace was a generous and dedicated Dame who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2013. The Peony Party sprouted from Grace’s love of peonies, and proceeds from the event support the Grace Yeomans Thaler Memorial Fund. The fund was established by Grace and her husband Tom to support the preservation of the Prescott House.

The North Shore Cocktail Party
2024-06-20 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wolcott Residence, 4 Angus Circle, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
Hosted by Elise and Oliver Wolcott
The Membership Committee invites all Dames, husbands, and prospective candidates.
All Dames on the North Shore are invited and of course Dames from other areas are very welcome.
We kindly request that you bring a bottle of wine or an appetizer to share. This party will take place both inside and outside.
Please park on the Angus Circle cul de sac.

Independence Celebration
2024-06-29 10:30 - 14:00 | Dorothy Quincy Homestead, 34 Butler Road, Quincy, MA, 02169, United States
The Dorothy Quincy Homestead Celebrates Independence Day at 34 Butler Road, on June 29. Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch will be reading the Declaration of Independence at 10:30 AM. The National Parks Service have donated Red Coats for children to practice marching with a drummer and fifer to Revolutionary War music. In honor of the holiday free ice cream will be served.
Guided tours of the Homestead are conducted every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour. Cost is $10.00 per person, donations are welcome. Tours will start at 11 AM with last tour at 1:30 PM.

The Quincy Homestead is owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation in a partnership with the National Society of Colonial Dames of Massachusetts.
The program is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Quincy Art Council.

Art of Colonial Chocolate Making
2024-07-13 11:00 - 14:00 | Dorothy Quincy Homestead, 34 Butler Road, Quincy, MA, 02169, United States
Please join the NSCDA-MA for Art of Colonial Chocolate Making at the Dorothy Quincy Homestead House.
Immerse yourself back in the 18th-century witnessing chocolate-making with Robert Lecce of Pewter Pot Fine Spiced Chocolates. You will be invited to sample chocolate and hot chocolate. Like what you sampled? Chocolate bars, and other items made by Robert Lecce will be available for sale.
The program is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Quincy Art Council.
Guided tours of the Homestead are conducted every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour. Cost is $10.00 per person, donations are welcome.

The South Shore Cocktail Party
2024-07-18 17:30 - 19:30 | The Bitting Residence, 38 Standish Road, Duxbury, MA, 02332, United States
Please join the NSCDA-MA at the South Shore Cocktail Party.
Hosted by Lisa and Jonathan Bitting.
The Membership Committee invites all Dames, husbands, and prospective candidates. All Dames on the South Shore are invited and of course Dames from other areas are very welcome. We kindly request that you bring a bottle of wine or an appetizer to share.
Please park on the Bitting’s lawn or on one side of Mayflower Avenue.

Dames & Warriors Cape Cod Cocktail Party
2024-08-08 17:30 - 19:30 | 58 Eel River Road, Osterville MA, 58 Eel River Road, Osterville, MA, United States
Please join the NSCDA-MA for the Cape Cod Cocktail Party.
The Cape Cod Cocktail Party is hosted by Nancy Place.
The Membership Committee invites all Dames, husbands, Warriors, and prospective candidates. All Dames on the Cape are invited and of course Dames from other areas are very welcome. We kindly request that you bring a bottle of wine or an appetizer to share. This party will take place both inside and outside.
Please carpool if you are able to.

How to Make Corn Husk Dolls
2024-08-10 11:00 - 14:00 | Dorothy Quincy Homestead, 34 Butler Road, Quincy, MA, 02169, United States
The Dorothy Quincy Homestead’s guest presenter is a representative from the Plimoth Patuxet Museum located in Plymouth. She will be teaching how to make corn husk dolls, from 11am to 2pm. The history of the corn husk doll dates back to Native American craftsmanship. It is unknown when the practice of making corn husk dolls began among colonial peoples, however, we know that these dolls were made by European settlers, and enslaved African Americans.
Guided tours of the Homestead are conducted every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour. Cost is $10.00 per person, donations are welcome. Tours will start at 11 AM with last tour at 1:30 PM.

The Quincy Homestead is owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation in a partnership with the National Society of Colonial Dames of Massachusetts.
The program is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Quincy Art Council.

The Art of Spinning
2024-08-24 11:00 - 14:00 | Dorothy Quincy Homestead, 34 Butler Road, Quincy, MA, 02169, United States
The Dorothy Quincy Homestead on August 24, 2024 welcomes back Zoe Lawson.
The art of spinning is best learned by the young, and Zoe Lawson has been practicing the craft of spinning by drop spindle and on a wheel since childhood. She shares her techniques while in 18th century garb while illuminating the various methods colonists used to produce their own textiles. She will be available for questions and lively discussions from 11am to 2pm.
Guided tours of the Homestead are conducted every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour. Cost is $10.00 per person, donations are welcome.
The Dorothy Quincy Homestead is owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation in a partnership with the National Society of Colonial Dames of Massachusetts.
The program is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Quincy Art Council.

Young Dames Host a Rosé Tasting
2024-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Please join the Young Dames Committee as we gather to toast the end of summer and sample a selection of rosés, whites, and other varieties. Light refreshments will be served. Please note all Dames are welcome!

Dames & Warriors Welcome Back Fall Cocktail Party
2024-09-25 18:00 - 20:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Please join the NSCDA-MA for the Welcome Back Fall Cocktail Party on Wednesday September 25th. This party will include hearty appetizers and full bar featuring Stone Fence drinks as well as Sam Adams beer. All members, spouses, and guests welcome!

Fall Membership Tea
2024-10-06 13:00 - 15:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Please join the NSCDA-MA for the Fall Membership Tea. This event will include a docent led tour of Prescott House. The Membership Tea on Sunday, October 6th welcomes new colonial members, courtesy, and transfer Dames, as well as prospective members.

Granary Burying Ground Tour
2024-10-29 11:00 - 13:00 | Granary Burying Ground, Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Please join the NSCDA-MA for the Granary Burying Ground Tour led by the Freedom Trail Foundation on Tuesday, October 29th. This tour of Boston’s Granary Burying Ground will meet outside of Park Street Church (0 Park Street) at 11:00 AM. After the tour, lunch will be held at William Hickling Prescott House.

Area Gathering
2024-11-12 17:00 - 18:30 | The Hallowell Residence, 96 Sears Road, Brookline, MA, 02445
Please join the NSCDA-MA for an Area Gathering on Tuesday, November 12, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at the home of Benedicte Hallowell, 96 Sears Road, Brookline 02445.
This is a wonderful chance to get together with other Dames who live in Brookline, Newton and Boston. Dames from other areas are, of course, very welcome.
Parking: Last house on left dead-end street. Please park in the dead-end, or on the side of the road by the curb; all going outbound.

Dinner at the Chilton Club Following the Prescott Award
2024-11-18 19:30 | The Chilton Club, 152 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA, 02116, United States
For those who would like to join us, the Dames will host a dinner following the Prescott Award program at the Chilton Club around 7:30.
$125 per person, wine is included at dinner.
Tickets can be purchased below.
To register for the Prescott Award at the Massachusetts Historical Society, please visit https://www.masshist.org/events/william-hickling-prescott-award-stacy-schiff
Please email Dames@nscdama.org or call 617-742-3190 if you need a vegetarian meal option.

Holiday Luncheon
2024-12-05 11:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Join the NSCDA-MA for a Festive Holiday Luncheon at Prescott House. Featuring guest speaker Carolyn Ravenscroft of the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society followed by holiday drinks and a festive buffet luncheon!
Registration open to members only from Nov. 1 until Nov. 18; guest sign-ups welcome beginning Nov. 18, space permitting. Thank you!

Holiday Cocktail Party
2024-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Please join the NSCDA-MA for the Holiday Cocktail Party hosted by the Young Dames Committee. The Young Dames Committee invites all Dames, Warriors, and guests to an evening of cocktails, conversation, and holiday merriment.

Bundle Up! Fashion Show Curated by Elizabeth Weisblatt
2025-02-11 11:00 - 13:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
On February 11th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm please join the NSCDA-MA for an exclusive fashion show curated by Elizabeth Weisblatt, Collections Manager at Prescott House. The event, priced at $35 per ticket, includes a light lunch served around noon. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a stunning showcase of 100 years of outerwear!
This event encourages and welcomes guests!
Please note the snow date for this event is February 12th from 11:00 am to 1:00pm.

16th Annual Jean Brett Lecture: The Gilded Age
2025-03-06 18:00 - 20:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Join the NSCDA-MA for the 16th Annual Jean Brett Lecture. This year will feature Leslie B. Jones the Director of Museum Affairs at Newport Mansions Organization. The lecture starts at 6:15 PM with mocktails/cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 7:15 PM.

Leslie B. Jones
Director of Museum Affairs and Chief Curator at The Preservation Society of Newport County, Leslie B. Jones oversees the operations of 13 historic properties and a 150,000-object collection. With a career spanning distinguished institutions such as the White House Historical Association and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, her expertise in curatorial research, preservation, and program development, is widely recognized. Leslie brings a passion for connecting audiences with art, history, and culture.
Jean Brett Memorial Lecture
The inaugural Jean Brett Memorial Lecture was held February 13, 2008. This special endowed annual lecture is a gift from NSCDA MA member Jan Churchill Brett in memory of her mother Jean Thaxter Brett, longtime active member of the Massachusetts Society. Jan Brett and her husband, Joe Hearne, along with her two sisters are invited as special guests.
$65 Per Person – Guests are Welcome
Reservations must be received by February 24, 2025
No reservations or refunds for cancellations after that date.

Spring Membership Tea 2025
2025-03-30 13:00 - 15:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Join the NSCDA-MA for the 2025 Spring Membership Tea. This event will include a docent led tour of Prescott House. The Membership Tea on Sunday March 30th welcomes new colonial members, courtesy, and transfer Dames, as well as prospective members.
This event sign-up will close on March 25th. After March 25th please email Robin Ryan (mcryan731@gmail.com) to sign up or with any questions.

Sip and Shop at J. McLaughlin in Boston
2025-03-30 15:00 - 17:00 | J.McLaughlin, 34 Charles St, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
Bring your friends for an evening of shopping and refreshments at J. McLaughlin, Beacon Hill. 10% of all sales during this event will all go directly to the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts!

Meet Jan Brett
2025-04-27 13:00 - 15:00 | William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Join the NSCDA-MA for a special event featuring beloved children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett as she discusses her enchanting book, Alice in a Winter Wonderland. Jan will share insights into her creative process, including how she chooses her story ideas and brings them to life through her signature illustrations. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to watch her draw in real time and get their books signed. Don’t miss this engaging and inspiring experience for fans of all ages!
