Who we are The Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving the efficiency and elegance of our historic headquarters and library in Washington, DC – a testament to our enduring legacy. Our commitment to maintaining and enhancing these facilities ensures that future generations will have access to both our rich historical collections and the professional services that support our mission of preserving American history. Learn More About Our Purpose The President General Yvonne Hiteshue The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century unites over 10,000 members in friendship and service based on their interest in American history, their love and respect for this nation and a mutual desire to work together in fellowship to achieve the goals of the Society. It is one of the few societies of today which has heraldry at the core of its objectives and additionally holds one of the largest collections of Coats of Arms in the country. The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century requires that potential applicants must be able to prove their ancestry in the country prior to 1701. View Our Headquarters The headquarters of the National Society Colonial Dames of the 17 th Century is located in the Dupont Circle Neighborhood of Washington, DC. The house is known as the Brigadier General George P. Scrivens House on the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1884. In 1901 Scrivens added a 2-story addition including a basement to the house which included a ballroom and also the basement level which houses the library and offices of the Society. Immediately prior to the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century acquiring the property at 1300 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington DC in 1957, the Workshop Center of the Arts was located in this building from 1952 to 1956. The Center featured courses in the fine arts including painting, writing, poetry, ceramics, music, dance, and sculpture. The Center also served as a theater for the Center’s film classics program and a gallery for artists to showcase their works. Our History We were founded on July 15, 1915, by Miss Mary Florence Taney and five other women during the International Genealogical Congress at the Panama Exposition in San Francisco. United by their shared passion for genealogy, they established the organization, which quickly grew into a national lineage society. Our Founder Mary Florence Taney (May 15, 1856 – October 6, 1936) founded our society. The Founders of CDXVIIC are Mary Florence Taney, Kentucky Alice Hardeman Dulaney, New York Anna Taylor Hodge, Kentucky Georgena Hodge Bailey, Kentucky Florence May Washington, Kentucky Grace Marie Cheever, Ohio Community Service Our scholarship programs recognize and reward outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to preserving American heritage. By investing in tomorrow’s leaders, we ensure the ideals of our founding fathers continue to shape future generations, creating a lasting legacy of educational excellence and patriotic service. View Available Scholarships Our Vision We are working hard to fulfill the mandate of the founders to perpetuate the memory of the colonists and their lasting legacy of virtue, courage and patriotism that are the foundations of the character of this great nation. Learn More Apply for Membership Join us in preserving history, fostering education, and building a community dedicated to honoring our nation’s legacy. Become A Member
