The National Society Southern Dames of America (often abbreviated as SDA or NSSDA) is an American lineage society and charitable organization for women of Southern heritage that supports ophthalmic research and promotes patriotic, educational, and benevolent endeavors. The society built and maintains the Helen Keller Memorial Gazebo at Ivy Green, the birthplace and childhood home of Helen Keller in Tuscumbia, Alabama.
History In November 1962, a group of women decided to form an organization for women of Southern ancestry to promote education, patriotic and literary causes, and fund scholarships. The society, whose membership is by invitation only, is for women whose families helped shape the cultural, civic, and historical landscape of the American South.
The society's first national assembly was held at the Atlanta Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta between June 2 and June 6, 1963. The chartering officers of the national society were Kathryn Slaughter Wittichen, honorary president and founder; Doris Walker Lyle, national president; Ms. Henry Frost Chadeayne, national vice president at large; Mrs. Allen D. O'Brian, national secretary; Mrs. Richard B. Redwood, national treasurer; Mrs. Thomas W. Huey, national historian; and Mrs. George T. Winn, national chaplain. The name "Southern Dames" was suggested by charter member Adylise Sherrod Grimsley of Fayette, Alabama.
The second national assembly was held at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. from April 22 to April 26, 1964.
In January 1965, the Georgia Society of the Southern Dames of America held a luncheon at the Capital City Club in Atlanta, where national vice president Mrs. Hiram Mozley discussed plans for the national society's European tour. The national president, Mrs. Lee H. Lyle, was also in attendance and gave updates on two of the national society's major projects, the Thomas Jefferson Political Science and History Award and the Eye Bank Program.
The society's main goals are to support ophthalmic research and promote patriotic, educational, and benevolent endeavors. Members of the society financially support various eye care centers, hospitals, and schools for the blind. On May 10, 1981, the Southern Dames dedicated the Helen Keller Memorial Gazebo at Ivy Green, the birthplace and childhood home of Helen Keller, who was an honorary member of the society, in Tuscumbia, Alabama. A historic marker was unveiled at the gazebo by National President Margaret Boatright. The Southern Dames continues to provide funds for maintenance of the gazebo at Ivy Green.
Notable members Dianne Cannestra, President National of the U.S. Daughters of 1812 Julie Noegel Hardaway, President General of the United Daughters of the Confederacy Helen Keller (honorary member), author, disability rights advocate, and political activist Virginie de Pusy Lafayette, French aristocrat Cher Sesma, President National of the U.S. Daughters of 1812 Sheryl Sims, quilter and arts commissioner Ginnie Sebastian Storage, President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution Kathryn Slaughter Wittichen, founder of Southern Dames of America, President General of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and President of the Miami Women's Club
List of national presidents The presidents of the National Society Southern Dames of America have been:
+ Number President Years in office State of membership 1 Kathryn Slaughter Wittichen (Mrs. Murray F.) 1962–1963 Florida 2 Doris Walker Lyle (Mrs. Lee H.) 1963–1966 Georgia 3 Winifred Simpson Yarrington (Mrs. R. Grayson) 1968–1970 Maryland 4 Emily Vance (Mrs. Herbert O.) 1970–1972 Florida 5 Lillian Everhart (Mrs. Edgar Jr.) 1972–1974 Georgia 6 Kathleen Plaster (Mrs. Dan Sr.) 1974–1976 Florida 7 Martha Jo Wallace (Mrs. William G.) 1978–1980 Florida 8 Margaret Boatright (Mrs. L. T. Jr.) 1980–1982 New Mexico 9 Melva M. Koonce (Mrs. James A.) 1982–1984 Alabama 10 Kay Milton (Mrs. John) 1984–1986 Florida 11 Ann Seay Briglia (Mrs. Arnold E.) 1986–1988 Alabama 12 Fritzi K. Martin (Mrs. Jack L.) 1988–1990 Louisiana13 Hannah Jones (Mrs. Richard M.) 1990–1992 Florida 14 Anne B. Bradford 1992–1994 Tennessee 15 Shirley Spuhler (Mrs. Shelby) 1994–1996 Texas 16 Carolyn N. Godwin 1996–1998 Alabama 17 Polly Hutson (Mrs. William H.) 1998–2000 Florida 18 Frances W. Hawkins (Mrs. D.S.) 2000–2002 Maryland 19 Catherine F. Brister 2002–2004 Florida 20 Carolee P. McKinstry (Mrs. Sam W.) 2004–2006 Tennessee 21 Mary F. Rever (Mrs. William B. Jr.) 2006–2008 Maryland 22 Nelly G. Shearer (Mrs. William O.) 2008–2010 Tennessee 23 Dorothy Lee 2010–2012 Louisiana 24 Robin R. Towns (Mrs. Robert) 2012–2014 Georgia 25 L. Sue Comerford (Mrs. Richard J. Jr.) 2014–2016 Florida 26 Gabrielle "Gaby" Hadyka (Mrs. Joseph) 2016–2018 Texas 27 Camille Lowery (Mrs. Clifford) 2018–2018 Died in office Georgia 28 Brenda Hamilton 2018–2020 North Carolina 29 Bonnell "Bonnie" Wheeler Lashley 2020–2022 Georgia 30 Melissa Harrison Fisher 2022–2024 Maryland 31 Jessieanne Wells 2024–2026 Kentucky 32 Patricia E. Gallagher 2026–present Georgia
See also Colonial Dames of America National Society of the Colonial Dames of America National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century National Society of New England Women Society of Daughters of Holland Dames United Daughters of the Confederacy
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