Frequently Asked Questions
Q. /Who can join the NSCDA-MD?
Membership is open to women who can trace their ancestry to a person who lived in an American colony before July 4, 1776 and contributed to the cause of American independence. If that sounds daunting—don’t worry. We’ll help you find out if you qualify and walk you through every step of the process. We also have associate memberships for non-direct descendants. Please see our membership page here.
Q. /Do I need to know my ancestry already to apply?
Many of our members began with only a family story or a general sense of connection. If you're curious, we can help guide you through the process of discovering your eligibility.
Q. /Isn’t this kind of organization exclusive?
We understand that it may seem that way. Yes, we are a lineage society, and eligibility is based on ancestry. But our values are anything but exclusive. Our mission is to honor those who helped shape the founding of this nation—and that includes telling the full story of America’s origins, not just one version of it.
We actively seek to expand the Register of Ancestors to include more women and people of color who played vital roles in America’s founding. We believe that patriotism includes preserving and telling the whole truth, with integrity and pride.
Q. /Is this a political or religious organization?
No. We are a non-partisan, non-religious organization. Our focus is on historic preservation, education, and patriotism in the truest sense of civic pride and service.
Q. /How can you possibly celebrate colonialism?
That’s an important question—and one we take seriously. The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in Maryland does not celebrate colonialism as a system of conquest or exploitation. Instead, we focus on preserving and telling the full story of the people—men and women, known and unknown—who helped build this country, often under extraordinary and difficult circumstances.
Our mission is not to glorify the past but to honor the real human stories within it—the courage, the resilience, the innovation, and yes, also the flaws. We believe in preserving historic places not to romanticize colonialism, but to ensure we never lose sight of the complex, often painful, yet deeply instructive paths that brought us to the present.
We are actively working to broaden our understanding of America’s founding by researching and recognizing the diverse individuals—including women and people of color—whose leadership and sacrifices have too often been overlooked. For us, patriotism means not rewriting history, but remembering it more fully—and preserving it so future generations can reflect, learn, and grow.
Q. /I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable or “fit in.”
We hear that sometimes, especially from younger women or those who don’t know anyone else in the organization. But our community is warm, welcoming, and deeply committed to inclusivity and connection. We believe in linking arms across generations to preserve the past and shape the future.
Q. /What kinds of things do members do?
Members help care for historic sites (like Mount Clare in Baltimore), support scholarship and education, attend events, and connect through shared passions for heritage and community service. Some members are deeply involved; others participate occasionally. All are valued.
Q. /Is this just for older women?
Definitely not. While we’re proud of the wisdom and experience our longtime members bring, we’re actively growing our Young Dames program for women under 40. We’re building a vibrant intergenerational community that shares values and supports one another.
Q. /How much does it cost to join?
There is a modest application fee and annual dues that go directly toward supporting historic preservation and educational initiatives. We’re happy to share the exact costs and help you understand how membership works.
Q. /How do I get started?
The first step is easy: just fill out our interest form, We’ll follow up personally and help you explore the path toward membership.
Q. / What do you mean by historic preservation?
A. / The NSCDA in Maryland is charged with managing the collection of art, artifacts, and stories from the historic Mount Clare Museum house. We are deeply committed to telling the story of not just the Carroll family planter class, but the entire community of people who built, lived on, and managed the Mount Clare mansion, including Enslaved People, indentured Servants, and Transported Convicts. Please see the Mount Clare website
Q. / Why would I want to join NSCDAMD?
A./ It's fun and interesting to connect with others who share a love of history, patriotism, and service to our country.
Considering the small size of the colonies before The American Revolution,it is likely that the families who worked to establish our great nation are at least distantly connected. We consider ourselves one family with a shared purpose and mission, that enjoys working and socializing together.