March 28, 2024

About Us

Tanney

Miss Florence Tanney

Miss Mary Florence Taney founded The National Society Dames of the Court of Honor in 1921, in Campbell County, Newport, Kentucky. The Society has been Incorporated in the State of Ohio, since 1928 and as a nonprofit corporation since 1985 and is also registered with the IRS as a 501 (c)(3) organization. Women of good character, not less than sixteen years of age, who have the endorsement of two members and can qualify for lineal descent from a commissioned officer of one or more of the earlier American wars between the years 1607 through 1865, including any of the following periods: Colonial Wars 1607-1775, The American Revolution 1775-1783, The War of 1812 1784-1815, Mexican War 1845-1848, and the War Between the States 1861-1865 or from a Colonial Governor who has served in the Colonial Period of 1607 to 1775 will be considered for membership.

The Dames of the Court of Honor:
* presents an award each year to an outstanding graduating commissioned officer at each of the Military Academies. The Academies are:

U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY
U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT

* established a National Scholarship Fund in 1954. Bacone College, Muskogee, OK, School of Nursing was added to this fund in 1969. The school is for Native Americans who plan to use their education for the betterment of other Native Americans.

* published seven National Yearbooks between the years of 1957-2013. These yearbooks contain names of all members approved during those years, including the ancestor of the member.

* publishes and mails a national newsletter, The “Noblesse Oblige” to every member twice a year. The first newsletter was published in 1979-1981 during the administration of President General Mrs. Donald Douglas Duncan. The newsletter of today contains important dates of the April Board meeting and the Fellowship Breakfast and information about the annual National Conference. Articles about State’s news is published in the newsletter.

* holds an annual National Conference in the Fall at a host State each year. Conferences have been held since 1946. The Society also holds an annual Fellowship Breakfast during Hereditary Week in April in Washington, DC.

The Dames of the Court of Honor is not about change, new rules and bylaws but about tradition, policies and practices which have been in effect since the founding of the Society in 1921. The principles of the Society are based upon HONOR. The Citation of HONOR is read at all meetings by the First Vice President General. The “Noblesse Oblige” is a quote from the book “Maximes et Reflexions” written in 1812 by Gaston Pierre Marc, Duc de Levis (1764-1830), who was a French soldier and writer.

The Society is governed by a National Executive Board consisting of twelve Officers and twelve Trustees slated by a nominating committee and elected by Delegates who were elected in their respective states or declared by virtue of office. The National election takes place at conference on odd number years. Officers serve a two year term. A Parliamentarian is appointed by the President General. Each individual organized State Society elects State Officers who govern at that level.

Ann Moore
Historian General, 2013-2015