Associated Organizations

National Society of The Colonial Dames of America
in The State of Illinois

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Illinois (NSCDA-IL) has maintained its headquarters at the Bryan Lathrop House since the late 1920s. Its membership is composed entirely of women who are descended in their own right from an ancestor who resided in an American colony prior to 1750. This ancestor must have provided distinguished service to their country during the colonial period, and contributed to the founding of our nation.

The purpose of the organization is to preserve manuscripts, materials and buildings connected with the early history of the United States, to generate interest in American history, to stimulate a spirit of patriotism and love of country, and to honor the memory of its heroic ancestors.

The NSCDA offers patriotic programs for schools, holds an annual Essay Contest, and offers scholarship programs. The NSCDA-IL also works with the USO at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. In 1980 the NSCDA-IL furnished the Clarke House Museum in Chicago. It continues to care for and upgrade the collection and to support the museum’s educational programs. Its members also disseminate information and raise funds for the preservation and maintenance of other historic properties throughout the country.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation presented its Trustee Emeritus Award for Excellence in the Stewardship of Historic Sites in 2000 to The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America "for acquiring, restoring, and interpreting a collection of historic properties that offer invaluable opportunities to experience the rich variety of America's heritage." Further information about the national society is available at www.dames-il.org.

Chicago Literary Club

The Chicago Literary Club was founded in 1874, one year after The Fortnightly, as a club for men of literary ability and character who were interested in writing and listening to original essays on a variety of topics. Today its members, now both men and women, meet every Monday evening from early October through mid-May. Its first meeting every year is held at Bryan Lathrop House, and subsequent meetings are held at The Cliff Dwellers Club.

From the beginning, many married couples have been members of the Chicago Literary Club and The Fortnightly. In October 1876 the Literary Club planned a “Ladies Night,” which was attended by a contingent of Fortnightly members. At about the same time ladies of The Fortnightly helped to furnish the Literary Club’s rooms.

Centennial celebrations with papers read by members of both organizations took place at Bryan Lathrop House in 1973 and 1974. In the mid-1990s this joint evening was re-established. On the first Friday of March each year two members of the Chicago Literary Club and two members of The Fortnightly present short papers on a single topic they have selected. Recent topics have included “Crossroads,” “Location, Location, Location,” and “One Thing Leads to Another.” Further information about the Chicago Literary Club is available at www.chilit.org.

Reciprocal Clubs

The Fortnightly enjoys relationships with women’s clubs throughout the United States. Members of these organizations are invited to entertain two to two hundred people in the elegance of historic Bryan Lathrop House. They can savor the cuisine of our superb chef served by an incomparable staff. There are no overnight accommodations at the House, but there are many excellent hotels nearby. Email office@fortnightlychicago.org for further details and guidelines.