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National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Georgia, Atlanta Town Committee lineage papers

 Collection
Collection number: ahc.MSS1045

Scope and Content

This collection contains copies of the genealogy papers, also known as "white papers," submitted by each Colonial Dame. White papers demonstrate the generational descendancy from a certified eligible ancestor and cite the specific resource supporting the information. In a few cases, documentation includes original records such as correspondence and pension records, but most files contain only copies of such materials. The collection is a resource for those conducting genealogical research, for locating other Atlanta Town Committee Dames sharing a common ancestor, and to provide a permanent, central repository for specific Atlanta Town Committee information.

Dates

  • 1896-2015, undated

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. All requests to publish, quote, or reproduce must be submitted through the Kenan Research Center.

Administrative/Biographical History

The National Society of Colonial Dames is an organization of women dedicated to furthering an appreciation of national heritage through historic preservation, patriotic service, and educational projects. Founded in Philadelphia in 1891, there are currently more than 15,000 members in 45 state societies. Georgia is one of the "Original Fourteen" which includes the thirteen original colonies and the District of Columbia. Each Colonial Dame is a direct descendent of a "true patriot" in the Colonial period who was dedicated to the success of the "struggle which gained for the country its liberty and Constitution."

The Atlanta Town Committee, one of seventeen Town Committees in Georgia, was organized on April 25, 1893, by Mrs. William Washington Gordon and incorporated on January 14, 1894. Many prominent Atlanta surnames are included in the membership roll of the Atlanta Town Committee, including Gordon, Lawton, Lamar, Bulloch, Low, Daughtry, Heard, Waring, Erwin, Stovall and Inman.

The Atlanta Town Committee is chaired by a President and includes a Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Registrar, Genealogist, Historian and Parliamentarian. In addition, the Atlanta Town Committee has an Historical Activities chair and a Patriotic Service chair. Town Committee representatives are appointed to support national historical properties such as the Andrew Low House in Savannah (Georgia headquarters), Dunbarton House in Washington, D.C., Gunston Hall Plantation in Virginia, and Sulgrave Manor in England.

Extent

1.67 linear ft. (four document cases)

Language

English

System of Arrangement

This collection is arranged in the order the papers were received by the Atlanta History Center. Each folder identifies the Colonial Dame by married name, first name, middle name, maiden name, and her Colonial Dames number. The name(s) of her eligible ancestor(s) are in parentheses. In the case of early files which include multiple ancestors, there is a guide included in the file showing where a particular ancestor fits into the family line.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, 2007, with subsequent additions

Description Control

This collection was processed in 2014.

Title
The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Georgia, Atlanta Town Committee lineage papers
Author
Sue VerHoef
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center Repository

Contact:
130 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta GA 30305
404-814-4040