26 April 1893
Objectives:
“Whereas It is desirable that there should be adequate celebrations commemorative of the events of Colonial History which took place within the period beginning with the settlement of Jamestown, Va., May 13, 1607, and preceding the battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775.
The purpose for which the corporation is organized is to perpetuate the memory of those events, and of the men who, in military, naval, and civil positions of high trust and responsibility, by their acts or counsel, assisted in the establishment, defense, and preservation of the American Colonies, and who were in truth founders of this nation. To this end, it seeks to collect and preserve manuscripts, rolls, relics, and records; to hold suitable commemorations, and to erect memorials relating to the American Colonial period; to inspire in its members the fraternal and patriotic spirit of their forefathers, and inspire in the community respect and reverence for those whose public services made our freedom and unity possible.”
Requirements:
“Any male person above the age of eighteen years of good moral character and reputation, shall be eligible to membership in the Society of Colonial Wars, provided he be lineally descended in the male or female line from an ancestor:
- Who served as a military or naval officer, or as a soldier, sailor, or marine, or as a privateersman, under authority of any of the Colonies which afterward formed the United States, or in the forces of Great Britain which participated with those of the said Colonies which afterward formed the United States, or in the forces of Great Britain which participated with those of the said Colonies in any wars in the which the said Colonies were engaged, or in which they enrolled men, during the period from the settlement of Jamestown, May 13, 1607 to the battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775; or
- Who held office in any of the colonies between the dates mentioned above, as
- Director General, Vice-Director General, or member of the Council or legislative body in the Colony of New Netherland;
- Governor, Lieutenant or Deputy Governor, Lord Proprietor, member of the King’s or Governor’s Council, or of the legislative body, in the Colony of New York, the Jerseys, Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Delaware;
- Lord Proprietor, Governor, deputy Governor, or member of the Council, or the legislative body in Maryland, the Carolinas, or Georgia;
- Governor, Deputy Governor, Governor’s Assistant, or Commissioner to the United Colonies of New England, or member of the Council, body of Assistants, or legislative body, in any of the New England Colonies.
- A Justice, Judge, Justice of the Peace, or other Judicial officer.