Front row: Judith Arthur, Elizabeth Gillian and Halcyann Badham, middle row: Lucy Willis, Karen Shallenberg and Linda Joseph. Top row: Colleen Sanders, Carolyn Drennan and Mary Anne Kane- Garrett.(Above)
A national lineage society, The National Society, Colonial Dames XVII Century, was founded in 1915 by Miss Mary Florence Taney of Kentucky.
The heraldry society is devoted to patriotism, American history, education and historic preservation.
The national headquarters is located in Washington D. C.
The members are direct descendants of the colonists who lived in Colonial America prior to 1701.
Recently, The Alabama Society, Colonial Dames XVII Century, held their Fall Board of Management meeting at the Montgomery Country Club.
Kimberly Alexander of Madison, Ala., is the new state president.
Attending the meeting were 60 members representing the 12 chapters in the state.
Nine members from the George Maris Chapter in Birmingham attended the board meeting. The chapter was chartered in 1951 and meets at the Country Club of Birmingham.
Joining Chapter President Elizabeth Gillian of Wetumpka were Linda Joseph, Judith Arthur, Mary Anne Kane-Garrett, Halcyann Badham, Lucy Willis, Karen Shallenberg, Colleen Sanders and Carolyn Drennan.
The month of October is Colonial Heritage Month, and the Colonial Dames XVII Century is commemorating the occasion.
The organization is encouraging the citizens of the state of Alabama to observe Colonial Heritage Month by preserving and promoting our rich culture and heritage.
Also, the group is encouraging citizens to respect and honor the principles upon which our great country was founded and to continue advancing “love of our country, obeying its laws, respecting its flag and defending it against all enemies.”
Next, they want the people to remember the first courageous settlers who arrived in America and who determined the direction for the formation of our country.
Finally, the Colonial Dames organization believes it has an obligation to work to ensure the preservation of our Colonial ancestors’ legacy for all Americans.