The members of the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (NSCDA-MA) and our partners are champions, caretakers, and steward of history. Through projects in preservation, patriotic service, and education, the 44 Societies of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) of which we are part have promoted America’s national heritage since 1891.
As part of our mission In Massachusetts, we have three museum properties that we own, care for, curate, and open to the public. Each of these properties are registered as National Historic Landmarks. We invite you to come visit one of our museums and engage with our nation’s history.
William Hickling Prescott House
History wasn’t just made here, it was written (and filmed) here too. Named for influential historian, William Hickling Prescott, who lived and wrote there, this Federalist-style house on Beacon Hill shows what was life was like for the families who lived here from the early 1800’s through the Gilded Age.
Learn MoreDorothy Quincy Homestead
The Dorothy Quincy Homestead, represents five generations of Quincys and three centuries of architecture—Colonial, Georgian and Victorian—all under one roof. This home provides a glimpse into early Colonial history, a taste of daily life and intriguing family stories.
Learn MoreMartin House Farm
Martin House Farm is a rare example of a working eighteenth and nineteenth century farm that still retains the character of its original setting. It is an example of what life was like for over 200 years of living in the house continuously by Martin family members.
Learn MoreAffiliated Properties
Continuing our mission, we have properties that we support financially and with personal representatives.
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.
Learn MoreSulgrave 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.
Learn MoreGunston 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.
Learn MoreGore 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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