The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century unites over 11,000 members in a communion based on their interest in American history, their love and respect for this nation and a mutual desire to work together in harmonious fellowship to achieve the goals of the Society. It is one of the few societies of today which has heraldry at the core of its objectives and additionally holds one of the largest collections of Coats of Arms in the country. Moreover, compared to other lineage societies, the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century requires that potential applicants must be able to prove their ancestry in the country prior to 1701.

The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century comprises 45 State Societies in the US and 1 international society based in Canada. Each of the state societies are further divided into chapters. The National Society is headed by the President General. The President General, elected for a term of 2 years by the members in attendance at the annual conference, is the only spokesperson and signer of contracts for the Society.

The President General is a member of and heads the National Executive Board, which is comprised of thirteen elected members who are elected every two years at the annual conference meeting in Washington, D.C.