Membership in the NSCDA-CT

To be considered for membership in the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Connecticut (NSCDA-CT), applicants must document direct descent from either:

  • A qualifying ancestor already listed in the Register of Ancestors (ROA), or
  • An ancestor who meets eligibility criteria and may be added to the ROA.

Applicants are proposed by a member in good standing. The NSCDA-CT Registrar plays a central role in guiding applicants through the process.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following to the NSCDA-CT Registrar to begin the process:

  • Completed Application for Admission
  • Notes from Proposer and Endorser (The Registrar can assist if the applicant does not know a member/Dame)
  • Fees: $150.00
Supplemental Applications

Current members may submit additional lineage proofs for supplemental ancestors. Please contact the Registrar for guidance.

Important Note on Genealogist Fees

Genealogist services are a separate cost and are paid directly to the genealogist. The genealogist reviews the lineage, evaluates all documentation and proofs, and prepares the official papers. The genealogist will invoice the applicant directly and will maintain communication with the applicant throughout the process. The NSCDA-CT Registrar does not participate in or oversee communications between the genealogist and the applicant.

For clarity, genealogist roles can be understood as follows:

  1. Research Genealogists – Independent professionals hired by applicants to conduct research, develop, and ultimately prove a line of descent.
  2. Verifying Genealogists – Genealogists engaged by NSCDA to review submitted materials, including documents and proofs, to ensure they meet Society standards.
  3. Applicant Situations Vary –
    • Some applicants already have a fully proven line with all necessary documentation.
    • Others may require limited assistance in obtaining missing proofs.
    • Still others may need a genealogist to conduct all research.

Because of these differences, fees will vary widely across applicants and across Societies.

Membership Categories
  • Associate States Members: NSCDA members who reside outside the 13 original colonies or the District of Columbia. Eligibility is based on descent from a qualifying ancestor from one of the 13 colonies. The Associate States Registrar will assist with applications.
  • Courtesy Members: Members in good standing from another state Society may request Courtesy Membership in NSCDA-CT, and Connecticut members may apply for Courtesy Membership in another state Society. Requests are made through the Registrar of the applicant’s current Society.
  • Friends of the Dames: Individuals related to a Dame by adoption or similar circumstance may be eligible. Please consult the Registrar for details.
Certificates of Membership

To obtain a certificate of membership, please complete the order form and return it to the NSCDA-CT Registrar.

Resources
  • Register of Ancestors (ROA): located at www.nscda.org ; top menu bar to “Ancestry”; “Register of Ancestors”.  Perform a broad search (all Societies).  If ancestor is not on the ROA, please contact the Registrar.
  • Connecticut Eligibility List: Outlines categories of qualifying service.
  • Line of Ascent Form (LOA), optional: Applicants complete this worksheet to document their lineage. Any missing information may be resolved either by the applicant or with the assistance of a genealogist.  This is a helpful form to determine gaps in the line but is optional.
  • Application for Admission (Revised 2025): Available through the Registrar.

For further information, please contact the NSCDA-CT Registrar or Associate States Registrar at [email protected].

(updated 9/22/2025)