The Joseph Royall Chapter of Colonial Dames 17th Century in Gainesville was chartered last month with 33 charter members. The event took place at a luncheon at the Chattahoochee
Country Club.

Any woman 18 years or older is eligible for membership if she is the direct lineal descendant of an ancestor who lived and served in one of the original 13 colonies prior to 1701. Proof of the ancestor’s service is required. Colonial Dames XVII Century identifies and marks historic sites, donates books to libraries, maintains the grave site of Pocahontas and has a scholarship for Native American Indian youths interested in pursuing the medical professions, volunteers hours at VA hospitals and assists veterans with clothing and household goods.

The nonprofit was formed in 1915. For more information, email marciefletcher@charter.net.