The National Society Daughters of Colonial Wars Inc is a women's hereditary organization in the United States dedicated to preserving and honoring the history of the American Colonial period from 1607 to 1775. Membership is open to women who can prove direct descent from ancestors who lived in the American Colonies during this time frame.

History

The society was initially organized on May 14, 1917, in Massachusetts at the Hotel Brunswick in Boston, with Mrs. Frank Dexter Ellison serving as its first president. It was officially incorporated on May 27, 1921, to formalize its mission and activities. The National Society was established in Washington, D.C., on April 18, 1932, again under the leadership of Mrs. Ellison. Subsequent incorporation took place in New Jersey on November 22, 1935[1][2][5].

Mission and Objectives

The organization's core objectives include honoring the memory and spirit of those who contributed to the establishment, defense, and preservation of the American Colonies. It places a strong emphasis on:

• Collecting and preserving historical records related to the colonial period.

• Promoting historical research and education about the era between Jamestown Colony (1607) and the Battle of Lexington (1775).

• Inspiring patriotism and loyalty to the United States.

• Fostering fellowship and camaraderie among its members[2][5].

Symbols and Traditions

The official flower of the society is the Tudor rose, a historic emblem symbolizing unity, composed of a larger red rose representing the House of Lancaster and a smaller white rose for the House of York, reflecting the end of the War of the Roses in England. The society's official colors are red, white, and blue, mirroring the national colors of the United States. The Tudor rose also commemorates the founding of the first English colony in North America in 1584 under Queen Elizabeth I, the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty[2][5].

Notable Members

The society has included prominent members such as:

• Karen Batchelor, lawyer and genealogist

• Ruth Coltrane Cannon, preservationist and historian

• Marion Moncure Duncan, lineage society leader

• Sarah Corbin Robert, lineage society leader

• Kathryn Slaughter Wittichen, lineage society leader[3]

Affiliated Societies

The National Society Daughters of Colonial Wars is part of a wider network of lineage-based organizations interested in American historical preservation, such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, and Daughters of the American Colonists[3].

This organization actively maintains historical records and encourages membership from women who value the colonial heritage of the United States and are committed to its historical preservation and patriotic ideals[4][5].