The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America- Pennsylvania

In celebration of International Women & Girls in Science Day we’d like to share the inspiring story of Ruth Patrick a woman who was a pioneer in studying the ...health of freshwater streams and rivers and whose work laid the scientific groundwork for modern pollution control efforts. After getting her Ph.D in botany from University of Virginia in 1934, she found work at The Academy of Natural Sciences although she was only taken as a volunteer for eight years. But her dedication, scholarship, and fieldwork landed her on the payroll in 1945 and she was appointed Chair of the Academy’s Board of Trustees in 1972. Her pioneering breakthrough came in 1948. While studying diatoms (a type of single-celled algae) she discovered that biological diversity holds the key to understanding environmental problems in an ecosystem. This fundamental principle of environmental science was dubbed the Patrick Principle. She authored over 200 scientific papers, invented the diatometer, discovered that The Great Salt Lake was once a freshwater basin, and became the first woman and first environmentalist to serve on the DuPont board of directors. She helped Congress draft the Clean Water Act of 1972, and Presidents Johnson and Reagan sought her counsel on water pollution and acid rain. In 1996 Dr. Patrick was awarded the National Medal of Science. She lived to the age of 105, passing away in 2013, and was a member of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America- Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

Looking for something fun to do from home this July 4th? Take a "trip" to our website and meet all of the historic destinations of Great American Treasures! Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July! https://www.greatamericantreasures.org/destinations/

A Message from Stenton Museum: Out of respect for this difficult moment and all Black lives, past and present, Stenton is POSTPONING the Yellow Lodging Room Virtual Tour on FACEBOOK LIVE this afternoon. Stenton stands in solidarity with our neighbors and communities of color. We are committed to creating a safe, open, and courageous space, where we compassionately explore real challenges of the past, solicit and generate knowledge and understanding in the present, and togethe...r lay a foundation for a just and equitable America. Although we remain closed to public visitation, Stenton’s ‘Inequality in Bronze’ Dinah Memorial project team continues working to make the monument a reality. Conceived by artist Karyn Olivier, the Memorial will be a sheltering place of light and shadow and a questioning place of contemplation, connection, and reflection. We look forward to the day when we can gather together in and around it. See more

Starting today, there is a remarkable collection of more than 60 historical properties for your discover known as Great American Treasures! These treasures are ...spread from one corner of America to the other, and together and individually, tell the stories of how America became America. These properties offer an intimate, authentic glimpse into how Americans lived, loved, worked, cooked, decorated, and socialized while creating a brand-new country. Visit our new website, www.GreatAmericanTreasures.org, today to learn more!

Have you registered for Stenton's Virtual Garden Party? Visit www.stenton.org/gardenparty for more info.

Did you know about the NSCDA/PA's preservation of the Log House at Stenton? On this day of giving, we would like to thank all of our supporters who make our preservation work possible. #GivingTuesday gifts go twice as far today thanks to a $5,500 matching gift challenge. For more information, please visit www.stenton.org/givingtuesday

Join us on November 13th for tea and a talk about the fascinating detective work behind the Museum of the American Revolution’s first international loan exhibition, Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier, with the exhibit's lead curator, Matthew Skic.

It's Week 16 of #19ForThe19th a campaign from US National Archives highlighting inspirational woman in history! The theme this week is: Outspoken Women Henrie...tta (Tenny) Marshall was a dedicated leader and an outspoken advocate for women’s rights who spent the entirety of her adult life championing women’s equality and access to reproductive health care. She was also a force within our organization, serving on the boards of our Pennsylvania Society and of Sulgrave Manor, ancestral home to George Washington in Northhamptonshire, England. Born in 1924 in Philadelphia, Tenny’s family strongly supported the advancement of women in society and her grandfather was a founding member of Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania (PPSP) in 1929. Once she completed her education, Tenny was determined to continue the family legacy and served on the Board of Directors of PPSP for over 30 years, acting as chairman in the early 1970's. She served as the board chair of Planned Parenthood Federation of America from 1975-1978, and as the Acting President for a year during the search for a national leader. She was the Executive Director of WOMEN'S WAY in Philadelphia, a nonprofit that empowers organizations and individuals to take action in support of equal opportunity for women, girls, and gender equality for all. Tenny also served on the boards of the Guttmacher Institute, The Population Institute, The Marriage Council of Philadelphia, the International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region, Advocates for Youth, and The Shipley School. In 1976, she was the recipient of The Human Rights Award from the city of Philadelphia. She lived until the age of 89, never wavering in her commitment to the advancement of women's rights. She passed away in 2013 and was a member of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America- Pennsylvania, serving as President from 1984-1987.

Did you know that Dr. Ruth Patrick, the first woman and first environmentalist to serve on the DuPont board of directors, was a PA Dame? Learn more about her STEM accomplishments below.

Please join us next Tuesday, June 18th for a series of lightening talks and a book signing with Margaretta Markle Lovell, George Boudreau, Laura Keim, and Stephen Hague, authors of the newly released volume of essays, A Material World: Culture, Society, and the Life of Things in Early Anglo-America.

NSCDA/PA Members presenting the Parade of Flags for the Naturalization Ceremony at the federal courthouse.

Join us June 6th at Stenton for a fun evening of wine, cheese, and needlepoint! All levels welcome- from beginner to expert. Tickets available below or at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-design-needlepoint-worksh

If you are interested in attending The Stenton Garden Party, this Friday is the last day to purchase tickets!

#OnThisDayinHistory April 8, 1891 The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was founded by a group of Philadelphia women who, as descendants of colonial ancestors, wished to form a women’s organization dedicated to honoring the colonial history of the United States. The foudning meeting was held at The Arnold House, 1301 Locust Street. Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.

Congrats to the National History Day Philadelphia winners!