What do we do in the Texas Society?
The NSCDA-TX is one of 44 Corporate Societies of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America. The Texas Society maintains a current membership of approximately 650 members. We preserve, own and operate the Neill-Cochran House Museum, an 1855-56 Greek Revival house museum in Austin, Texas. We offer a full schedule of educational programs, social events, and community engagement opportunities; we also sponsor or host projects relating to patriotic service, such as the nationwide Congressional Essay Contest.
Members enjoy meeting and working with like-minded women who share a strong interest in historic preservation, American history, and patriotism. This can involve actively supporting our historic house, serving on a committee, or simply supporting our activities through membership dues and attendance at events. If these projects interest you, we hope you will consider joining us.
What is the Membership Process?
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Texas membership is by invitation only and is managed at the state level. It is based on lineage and dedication to the Society’s mission. Our members are direct descendants of an ancestor who lived in an American colony and who rendered service to the colonies before July 5, 1776. An applicant first needs to identify an appropriate ancestor who gave significant service to the colony before July 4, 1776. A good place to identify a potential ancestor is to look on the Ancestor Bibliography Register on the NSCDA website. Resources relating to an ancestor may be found by clicking on the name of the ancestor in the index.
Once a colonial ancestor has been identified, an application to become a candidate must be voted on by the Board of Managers. This requires the support of two current members – a proposer and seconder. After being invited to become a candidate, a genealogist is assigned to work with the individual to help her acquire the proper documents to prove blood relationship, i.e. birth certificates, marriage license, etc. Upon completion of her lineage papers, signed by the genealogist and the registrar, a formal invitation is mailed to the candidate.
Where Can I Find More Information?
Please contact the, contact the Texas Registrar for more information if you are interested. If you are related to a Dame in the NSCDA, please provide her name and the Corporate Society to which she belongs.