Established in 1915, the organization holds one of the largest collections of coats of arms in the United States.

The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century was founded by Mary Florence Taney of Kentucky during the meeting of the International Genealogical Congress at the Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, California.

[2][4] The headquarters was established in the 1884 Victorian home of Brigadier General George P. Scriven, the Brigadier General George P. Scriven House, in Dupont Circle located at 1300 New Hampshire Avenue, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

[5][6] The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century purchased the home from the Veterans of Foreign Wars on May 15, 1957, for their headquarters, meeting place, library, and repository.

[1] The national executive board, which is headed by the president general, is composed of thirteen elected members.