The Newbold-White House, is a Colonial Quaker homestead dating to 1730.

The Newbold-White House, in Hertford, NC, is a Colonial Quaker homestead dating to 1730. It is the oldest house in North Carolina that is open to the public and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo from NC Society archives)

Membership

Being a member of the North Carolina Society Colonial Dames XVII Century is fun, interesting and rewarding! Membership honors and preserves the legacy of your ancestors.

The National Bylaws state the following criteria of membership to the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century:

“Any woman eighteen years of age or over of good moral character is eligible for membership, provided she has been invited by the Society, is eligible through birth parents or adopted parents if there is a blood relationship to the applicant, and is the lineal descendant of an ancestor who lived and served prior to 1701 in one of the Original Colonies in the geographical area of the present United States of America. Lineal descendant shall mean direct legal blood descendant. No person may enter the Society under known false lineage records.”

An intending applicant/member needs to contact her respective state for what documentary proof is required for an ancestor’s service and residence prior to 1701. Step by step details are available to explain the process of becoming a member. An applicant shall agree, if admitted to membership, to carry out the purposes for which the Society was organized and to observe and comply with all of its Bylaws and Standing Rules.

A Junior Member is a woman under the age of thirty-six. Junior Members are an integral part of our Society and are especially welcomed and encouraged; daughters and grand-daughters, nieces and other appropriate and talented young women. These young ladies are the future of our Society. Many of us discovered the remarkable friendships and the shared purpose in Colonial Dames XVII Century later in life and wish we had joined sooner! Our Society offers so many opportunities and personal rewards to young eligible members between the ages of 18 to 36.

For more information go to the National Society CDXVIIC website at: www.colonialdames17c.org/.

Eligibility

Documentary proof of an ancestor’s service and residence prior to 1701 in one of the following is required.

  1. Historic Founder of Jamestown or Historic Founder of any of the Original Colonies.
  2. Member of the London, Plymouth or Virginia Companies who came to the colonies to live.
  3. Colonial Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Deputy Governor, or Colonial Officer.
  4. Member of the House of Burgesses.
  5. Member or Delegate to the Council of the Assembly.
  6. Deputy or Representative to the General Court.
  7. All civil and church officials and services.
  8. Founder or Trustee of any College or School.
  9. Minister of the Gospel or Commissary of the Bishops of London.
  10. Member of the Council of Safety of 1689.
  11. Signer of the Mayflower Compact.
  12. Member of the House of Deputies.
  13. All Professions, Trades and Crafts.
  14. All Military and Naval services of the Colonies.
  15. Any person who furnished funds or supplies.
  16. Member of Provincial Congress.
  17. Landowner or Planter
  18. Freeman
  19. Headright
  20. Transportee