As part of our mission, we have three museum properties that we own, care for, curate, and open to the public.
Come visit one of our museums and see what it was like to be a part of our nation’s history.
William Hickling Prescott House
Referred to as a "neighborhood hidden gem" by the Beacon Hill Times, don't miss this opportunity to tour this beautiful mansion across from the Boston Common and experience what life was like for an affluent Beacon Hill family in the 1800's.
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Dorothy Quincy Homestead
A National Historic Landmark, the Dorothy Quincy Homestead is significant for its role in early American history, for its architecture, and for its Quincy family association.
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Martin House Farm
The Martin House Farm is a rare example of an 18th and early 19th century farm which still retains the character of its original setting. It consists of the house, two barns and cultivated fields surrounded by dry stone walls and woodlands. The home was lived in continuously by members of the Martin family for over 200 years.
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.
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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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