The NSCDA actively promotes its members heritage through historic preservation, patriotic service and educational projects.
The Iowa Society
Founded in 1896, NSCDA-IA is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation that promotes the appreciation of and respect for the people, places and events that led to the formation and development of our country. It is a lineage organization led and comprised by women with leadership opportunities nationally, regionally and locally.
Two Boroughs -
One Shared Mission
The NSCDA Iowa Society currently has 124 members. Local meetings are organized through two boroughs. The Davenport Borough encompasses eastern Iowa from Iowa City/Cedar Rapids to Muscatine, the Quad Cities and Dubuque. The Des Moines Borough encompasses an area sixty miles in circumference of the city. Approximately one third of the membership live out of state with Iowa family or friend connections. All are invited to the annual state meeting held in May. The annual state meeting location rotates between Des Moines, Davenport and Cedar Rapids/Iowa City.
Davenport Borough
Resting on bluffs of the Mississippi, the Davenport Borough is one with rich history. Over 45 borough members from the eastern part of Iowa--including Cedar Rapids and Iowa City--join together to further the mission of NSCDA. The crown jewel of NSCDA-IA is the museum property: Plum Grove, home of Iowa's first Governor, Gov. Robert Lucas. Plum Grove, in Iowa City, is a part of the Great American Treasures.
Des Moines Borough
With the view of Iowa's golden-domed capitol, the Des Moines Borough consists of over 50 women who are passionate and engaged NSCDA members. Notably, the Des Moines Dames have partnered with Moulton Elementary School in the Riverbend neighborhood. Throughout the years, members have been inspired by the Dames who have worked at the Moulton inner-city school as teachers, nurses and volunteers. The Des Moines Dames' goal is to create continued opportunities for historic education, which will have tangible and meaningful affects on students and they will grow and learn about Des Moines, Iowa, and the United States.
The National Society
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America is comprised of 44 Corporate Societies in 43 states and the District of Columbia, with more than 15,200 individual members nationwide. Founded in 1891, the NSCDA is a leader in the field of historic preservation, restoration and the interpretation of historic sites. The National Society headquarters is located at Dumbarton House, a Federal period house museum in Washington, D.C. The Corporate Societies of the NSCDA currently own 41 diverse properties. Thirty additional properties receive substantial volunteer and financial support from Dames. NSCDA is the largest owner of historic properties, second only to The National Park Foundation. Visit the NSCDA website.
How to Join
Ancestors who provided his or her service in one of the thirteen colonies before July 5, 1776, include military officers, educators, religious leaders, and government officials -- even Pocahontas! Research is ongoing, and new ancestors are being added all the time. We enjoy welcoming new Dames!