The Early Years 1896-1927

1896 - Helen Abia Gilman Noyes convened the first meeting

The first meeting of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the state of Minnesota was held at the home of Helen Gilman Noyes at 366 Summit in St. Paul. (See “Our Founders” section.)

1898- USS Solace hospital ship

The first gift on record from the NSCDA-MN was a gift to the Hospital Ship Solace in 1898.

1909 - Marion Furness at dedication of plaque at Fort Snelling

One of the first actions undertaken by the Minnesota society to recognize local history, the Dames placed a tablet on the Round Tower at Fort Snelling honoring Lt. Zebulon Pike, wo acquired Fort Snelling for the US government in 1805.

1914-1918- Dames during the Great War

The Minnesota Society supported the American Hospital in Paris, France, American ambulances, Liberty Loans and comfort bags. It also gave to the Red Cross and War Relief Funds. Over half of our membership was involved with red Cross Work.

1923- Itasca plaque

In 1923, the Minnesota Dames placed a tablet at Itasca State Park to commemorate Henry Schoolcraft’s trip to the headwaters of the Mississippi.

The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America was formed in 1891 in Pennsylvania. National President Mrs. Howard Townsend appointed Helen Abia Gilman Noyes as chair for Minnesota, and Helen called the first meeting of the Minnesota Dames in March 1896. Articles of Incorporation were adopted in October of that year, and dues were set at $1 annually. In the early days, members wrote papers on Colonial history and landmarks, eventually settling on an interest in Minnesota history--relations with the Dakota nation, the importance of Fort Snelling and the Mississippi River, fur traders, explorers and early settlers. In recognition of this emerging focus on Minnesota history, the Minnesota Dames placed a commemorative tablet to Lieutenant Zebulon Pike at Historic Fort Snelling in 1909.

Throughout the years members contributed generously to the projects of the National Society: the War Memorial in Arlington Cemetery for all members of the Armed Forces, the restoration of the church at Jamestown, the George Washington memorial, Sulgrave Manor and “Bellevue,” now called Dumbarton House. Members have been particularly generous in support of Gunston Hall. The first gift on record from the Society’s treasury was $100 sent to the hospital ship “Solace” in 1898.

During World War I, the Minnesota Society supported the American Hospital in Paris, France, American ambulances, Liberty Loans and comfort bags, as well as giving to the Red Cross and war relief funds. Over half of the membership was involved with Red Cross work..

In 1923 we placed a tablet at Itasca State Park to commemorate Henry Schoolcraft’s trip to the headwaters of the Mississippi. In 1927 we erected a bronze tablet in Governor Alexander Ramsey’s memory at the State Capitol.