The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Oregon
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Oregon
Women opening doors to America’s history through preservation, education, and service to inspire a shared love of country.
The NSCDA-OR is one of 43 Corporate Societies within The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America. Our organization, made up of approximately 110 members, is dedicated to preserving history and fostering education. We proudly own and operate the Hoover-Minthorn House Museum in Newberg, Oregon, offering a variety of educational programs, social events, and community engagement opportunities. Additionally, we support patriotic service initiatives, and educational opportunities, including the nationwide Congressional Essay Contest.
Our society is a lineage-based organization. Membership is open to individuals who can trace their ancestry to men and women who served the American colonies before July 5, 1776. The Register of Ancestors (ROA) lists eligible ancestors from the 13 Colonial State Societies. If you believe you may be descended from an eligible individual, we can assist you in exploring your family history. If you can identify the last three generations in your lineage, we have resources to help determine potential eligibility. We would be delighted to welcome you!
A significant portion of Americans can trace their lineage back to the original thirteen colonies. According to Ancestry.com, about 60% of Americans have ancestors who lived in the U.S. during the Revolutionary War, which directly followed the colonial period. Additionally, millions are descended from Mayflower passengers and other early colonial settlers.
We are a non-profit organization with no political affiliations, dedicated to our mission of preserving and sharing history in a way that is inclusive and enriching for all. Our focus remains on providing valuable resources and fostering a deeper connection to the past for current and future generations.
Connect, Contribute, and Celebrate Our Heritage
Hoover-Minthorn House Museum
Newberg, Oregon
The only presidential house museum in the Pacific Northwest. The Hoover-Minthorn House Museum strives to preserve and interpret the childhood home of the 31st U.S. President, Herbert Hoover and the Minthorn family who took him in as an orphan.
The Hoover-Minthorn House Museum’s collection boasts original artifacts owned by the Hoover-Minthorn family and other 1880s items that represent Newberg at the end of the nineteenth century.
Could You Be a Dame? Discover Your Ancestry
At our heart, we’re a community bound by a shared love of history—and we’re always on the lookout for kindred spirits who might be walking around with colonial roots and not even know it! Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just curious about your family’s past, you might be surprised to learn how many Americans have deep ties to the earliest chapters of our nation’s story.
