Who We Are

The NSCDA-WV works to preserve historic sites and educate future generations about our nation’s founding and the people who shaped it. Through preservation efforts, educational programs, and community engagement, we strive to keep our shared history alive for all.

Our Three Pillars

Historic Preservation

This furnished historic house with close ties to George Washington portrays the life and experience of the 1830s in America as our nation was founded. The West Virginia Colonial Dames saved and reconstructed the home in Daniel Boone Park on the banks of the Great Kanawha River.

Craik-Patton House

Educational Activities

Dames support the Craik-Patton Museum House through financial support and as volunteers for School Days and Christmas or Spring historical tours. Additional activities preserve the unique stories of West Virginia Dames who have helped keep history alive in the State.

Patriotic
Engagements

The West Virginia Colonial Dames sponsor a high school essay contest and a college scholarship to promote the love of freedom and a love of the democratic way of life. They also welcome and educate new citizens in ceremonies at the Robert C. Byrd Courthouse in Charleston, West Virginia.

A Note from NSCDA-WV President, Dixie Wilson

“In 2025, the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in West Virginia proudly celebrates its 125th anniversary, marking more than a century of dedication to historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The milestone was honored with special events reflecting on our shared history and the enduring legacy of those who came before us. Through the stewardship of historic properties such as the Craik-Patton House and support for national sites including Dumbarton House, Gunston Hall, and Sulgrave Manor, the Society continues to preserve and share the American story. Looking ahead, we are advancing accessibility and restoration projects at the Craik-Patton House as part of the Master Site Plan, and we are pleased that the property will be featured in the upcoming 2025 edition of Great American Treasures. We invite all who value history and heritage to join us in supporting our mission and carrying forward the spirit of our founders for generations to come!”

DIXIE WILSON

Latest News

  • 2025 Roll of Honor

    The 2025 NSCDA-WV Roll of Honor recipient is Betty Scott Ireland. A native of Charleston, she graduated from the University of Cincinnati before becoming a pension trust banker and later a small business leader and executive in the pension profession. She then served as the Executive Director of the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board…

  • NSCDA-WV 125th Anniversary Celebration

    April 5, 2025 – Berry Hills Country Club WV Dames Jane Boylin and Lynn Cvechko presented the history of NSCDA and NSCDA-WV, respectively. Featured Speaker Britton Rogers, Executive Director of Yestermorrow Design/Build School, presented “The English Garden Landscape to the Present American Landscape Architecture,” followed by a champagne toast and lunch.

  • Mercer Dames Tour the Settlers Museum

    On July 1, 2025, Mercer Dames and guests toured this 67-acre open-air museum and 1890 farm. The tour features walking tours, wildlife viewing, and periodic reenactments. Admission is $5 for adults. Visitors learn about the remarkable people who settled the mountainous Southwest corner of Virginia. The tour includes a one-room schoolhouse. For more information, search:…

  • Mercer County Dames History Scholarship

    The 2025 History Scholarship was awarded to Miss Molly Kay Belton, a student at Bluefield University. Molly is an education major with a minor in history. Wendy Beavers, Assistant Professor of History at Bluefield University, selects the honoree from among women history students.

  • Uniforms of the Revolutionary War Field Trip

    The NSCDA-WV Cabell County Committee went on a field trip to Ashland, KY for their June Meeting. The Dames were treated to a docent-led tour of “Revolutionary Threads: Uniforms of Revolutionary War Patriot-Soldier Ancestors” sponsored by the Transylvania Chapter of NSDAR members at the Kentucky Highlands Museum. The reproduction uniforms were accompanied by stories of…

  • Jefferson County Committee Dames Participate in Wreath-Laying Ceremony

    On June 14, 2025, the Pack Horse Ford Chapter NSDAR had a 250th Anniversary wreath-laying ceremony at Elmwood Cemetery in Shepherdstown. The Beeline March was made up of a group of soldiers who traveled from Shepherdstown to Lexington/Concord to meet up with George Washington. It was one of the first armies organized in the colonies.…