Advisory Council | The Hereditary Society Community

Laurie Ann Cornwell Aldinger

HSC Council || HSC 2019 Honorary Member

Laurie Ann Cornwell Aldinger is a native of Wisconsin born to Donald and Joyce Cornwell. She is married to Thomas Lee Aldinger and they have three sons: Tony, Michael and Steven. Laurie holds a B.A. in Accounting from North Central College, and a M.B.A. in Financial Accounting from Illinois Benedictine University. She is currently the Treasurer for Epiphany Formation. Laurie and her husband Tom remain active in a variety of civic and historical groups, and Laurie is currently enrolled at the College of Charleston, studying the Classics.

Past employers include Zodiac Boats (SC), Carolina Speech and Language (SC), McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd (London), and Chicago Bridge & Iron (IL).

Laurie’s contributions to the lineage society community are extensive, and she has provided primary leadership in a number of organizations.

Membership

Hereditary Order of Descendants of Colonial Governors (Honorary Governor General)
National Americans of Royal Descent (Third Vice President)
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne of the USA (Treasurer)
Baronial Order of Magna Charta (Treasurer)
Military Order of the Crusades (Treasurer)
Order of Medieval Women: Women of Consequence (Recording Secretary)
Colonial Dames of America (Chapter XXXI President)
One Hundred Living Descendants of Blood Royal
Order of the Merovingian Dynasty
Order of the Three Crusades
National Society of Saints and Sinners
Ancient Heraldic and Chivalric Order of Albion
National Society of Dames of the Court of Honor (South Carolina Chapter President)
National Society Colonial Dames of 17th Century (South Carolina State Treasurer)
National Society Daughters of American Colonists (Chapter President)
National Society Daughters of Colonial Wars, Chapter Treasurer
National Society of the Daughters of American Revolution
National Society Daughters of 1812
Daughters of Colonial Wars

Barry Christopher Howard

HSC Council

Barry Christopher Howard was born at Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Dale Harley and Margaret Catherine Howard.  He was married on September 7, 1991, to the former Amie Joan Palumbo, a native of Illinois, and the daughter of the late Anthony Joseph Palumbo and Joanne Kaye Sibigtroth MacDonald. Barry and Amie reside in northern Maryland, and have four children and a growing number of grandchildren.

Barry studied at Regis University, graduating summa cum laude with a B.S in Business in 2000. He completed his graduate work at Johns Hopkins University earning an M.B.A., in 2012. 

Barry is chief operating officer (COO) at the New America Foundation, a non-partisan think tank in Washington, D.C. focused on the future of war; artificial intelligence; international security; the future of automation and work; planetary politics and several other strategic initiatives.  Previously, Barry was chief financial officer (CFO), and a senior vice president, at World Relief, an international relief and development agency working directly in over 30 countries.

Barry has traveled to over 60 countries during his career, and has held numerous board roles on international microfinance institutions, including Beselidhja Zavet Microfinance (Kosovo); KREDIT Microfinance Institution (Cambodia); URWEGO National Bank (Rwanda), and others. He has successfully monetized several at capital inflection points, reinvesting equity back into local communities in developing countries. In 2020 and 2022, he was recognized by DCA Live as one of Washington, D.C. 's top non-profit CFO’s.

Memberships

Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut (Delegate)

General Society of Colonial Wars (former Deputy Governor General of the Colorado Society; member, NY and MD Societies)

Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York (Chaplain; life member)
National Gavel Society (former Vice President)

National Society Americans of Royal Descent (First Vice President General; Order of Saint Louis)

Order of Three Crusades 1096-1192 (Honorary President General)
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the USA (Honorary President General)
National Order of Knights of the Golden Horseshoe (Honorary President General; Knight)
Hereditary Order of Descendants of Colonial Governors (Honorary Governor General)
Baronial Order of Magna Charta (Historiographer)
Order of Descendants of Colonial Cavaliers (Honorary Governor General)
Order of the Merovingian Dynasty (First Vice President General)
Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry (Honorary President General)
Presidential Families of America (Honorary President General)

Order of Descendants of the Justiciars (Honorary Chief Justiciar)
Winthrop Society (Past President General)
Son of a Witch (Honorary President General)
National Order of the Blue and Gray (Past Commander General)
Order of the Norman Conquest (First Vice President General)

Jamestowne Society (former Auditor General; former Member of the Council; founding Governor of the First Colorado Company; founding member of the Richmond Company)
Sons and Daughters of the Colonial & Antebellum Bench & Bar 1565-1861 (Treasurer General)
National Society Sons and Daughters of Antebellum Planters 1607-1861 (Treasurer General)
Hereditary Order of the Descendants of Loyalists and Patriots of the American Revolution (Treasurer General)

Hereditary Order of the First Families of Massachusetts (Treasurer)
Society of Descendants of the Colonial Clergy (Corresponding Secretary General)
Order of First Families of Virginia 1607-1624/25
One Hundred Living Descendants of Blood Royal
Ancient Heraldic and Chivalric Order of Albion (Knight; Chaplain)
Society of Descendants of Knights of the Garter (Board Member)
Aztec Club of 1847
Colonial Society of Pennsylvania
Order of the Monarchs of Rheims (Member of the Council)
Descendants of the Illegitimate Sons and Daughters of the Kings of Britain
General Society Sons of the Revolution (life member, New York Society)

General Society of Mayflower Descendants (former Colorado Society Treasurer)
Society of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick in City of New York
Saint Andrew's Society in the State of New York (life member)
Huguenot Society of America (life member)
Military Order of the Crusades 
Veteran Corps of Artillery in the State of New York (Corporal)
Saint George's Society of New York
Saint George's Society of Baltimore (life member)
Military Society of the War of 1812
General Society of the War of 1812
Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Maryland (former First Vice President)
Descendants of Colonial Mothers (Treasurer)
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
Order of the Founders and Patriots of America (former Councilor General)
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts
Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen 1607-1783 (Master Guilder; Charter Member)
Order of the Crown in America

National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims (former Chaplain General; former Colorado Governor)

Dutch Settlers Society of Albany
Dutch Colonial Society of Delaware (former Patroon)

Piscataqua Pioneers
Netherlands Society of Philadelphia
National Society of Sons of American Colonists
Welsh Society of Philadelphia
Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States
Military Order of the Carabao
National Huguenot Society
Order of Descendants of Colonial Physicians and Chirurgiens

National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (former Colorado Society Chaplain)

Flagon & Trencher: Descendants of Colonial Tavern Keepers
National Society Descendants of Early Quakers
National Society Sons of Colonial New England
National Society of Old Plymouth Colony Descendants
Order of New England
Order of the First Families of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (former Chaplain)
Order of the First Families of Maine (former First Vice President General)
Order of the First Families of New Hampshire (former Director)
Order of the First Families of Connecticut (Founder Member)
Order of the First Families of First Families of Vermont
Order of the First Families of Maryland

Descendants of the Founders of Ancient Windsor
Descendants of the Knights of Bath
Order of the Second World War
Order of the First World War
Military Order of the World Wars
Order of Descendants of Colonial and Continental Officers
International Military Order of the Southern Cross
Descendants of Mexican War Veterans
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers
Pioneer Association of the State of Washington
Plymouth Hereditary Society
Order of Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company
Descendants of Sheriffs and Constables of Colonial and Antebellum America
Society of Mareen Duvall Descendants
National Society of Saints and Sinners 
National Guild of Saint Margaret of Scotland
Hereditary Society of Teachers
Order of the Honorable Artillery Company Inc.
Noble Society of Celts

Descendants of Whaling Masters
National Society of Descendants of Textile Workers of America
Noble Company of the Court of Saint Mary of Walsingham (Honorary Member)

Chivalric Orders

Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (OStJ; bestowed by Elizabeth II, Queen of England)

Other Notes

Barry is a resident member of Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C. He actively serves on the boards of several relief and development agencies, historical, and non-political civic organizations, including the board of the Blue Haven Children’s Home in Uttar Pradesh India; the North India Fund in Varanasi, India; and is a founding board member of the Justice Conference.  Barry is an Eagle Scout, classical guitarist, competitive chess player, and his interests include philosophy, theology, psychometrics, and astronomy.  

Hardwick Smith Johnson

HSC Council

Dr. Hardwick Smith Johnson, Jr., the son of Hardwick Smith Johnson, Sr. and Louise Johnson, was born in Millen, Georgia. Dr. Johnson received his B.A. from Atlanta Christian College, and completed his M.Ed. at Georgia Southern University. He then received his Ed.S. from Georgia State University and his Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University.

Society Memberships

Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut (Member of the Standing Committee 2012 – present, Chairman Historical Education Committee, Chaplain 2022 – 2025)
General Society of Colonial Wars (Member of the Georgia, North Carolina, and District of Columbia Societies)
National Gavel Society (former Secretary)
National Society Americans of Royal Descent (President General; member of the Most Venerable Order of Saint Louis)
Order of Three Crusades 1096-1192 (Honorary President General)
One Hundred Living Descendants of Blood Royal
Ancient Heraldic and Chivalric Order of Albion (Captain General; Knight of Albion of the Conversion of the Twenty-Three Kings)
National Order of the Knights of the Golden Horseshoe (Knight; First Vice President General)
Hereditary Order of Descendants of Colonial Governors (Honorary Governor General)
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America (Honorary President General)
Order of the Merovingian Dynasty (Honorary President General; Founding Member)
National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims (Honorary Governor General)
National Society Sons of the American Colonists (Honorary Governor General)
Order of the Crown in America (Councilor for Georgia)
Hereditary Order of the Descendants of the Loyalists and Patriots of the American Revolution (Honorary Governor General)
Order of First Families of Virginia 1607-1624/25
Colonial Order of the Acorn
Order of Colonial Lords of Manors in America
Descendants of the Illegitimate Sons and Daughters of the Kings of Britain (Royal Scribe)
Order of Scions of Colonial Cavaliers (First Vice President General)
Continental Society Sons of Indian Wars (Honorary Governor General)
Order of Indian Wars of the United States (Honorary Commander)
First Families of Georgia 1733-1797 (Honorary Governor General)
General Society Sons of the Revolution (member of the Pennsylvania Society)
National Society Sons of the American Revolution (former Vice President General-South Atlantic District; former National Trustee-Georgia; former President of the Georgia Society; Recipient of the Minute Man Award)
General Society of the War of 1812 (former Vice-President General for Georgia; former President of the Georgia Society)
Aztec Club of 1847 (former Vice President)
Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry (former Secretary General; former Council Member)
Jamestowne Society (Honorary Governor of the First Georgia Company)
Son of a Witch (Honorary President General)
National Huguenot Society (life member)
Georgia Huguenot Society (life member)
Baronial Order of Magna Charta (Justiciar)
Military Order of the Crusades
National Guild of Saint Margaret of Scotland
National Order of the Blue and Gray (life member)
Royal Society of Saint George
Order of Descendants of Pirates and Privateers

Authorships

A History of the Johnson Family and the Johnson Church, Printed Privately, 1974
Some Descendants of James and Rachel Oglesby, Printed Privately, 1991
Improving Middle School Students' Participation and Academic Achievement in a Gifted Education Program, Proquest, 2002

Chivalric Orders

* The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (Knight, bestowed by warrant of its Sovereign Head Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II)

Listed In

Marquis Who's Who in America

Other Notes

Dr. Johnson is active in multiple civic, historical and cultural organizations. He serves on the Harpers Ferry Historic Landmarks Commission, the Board of the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundation, and is a member of The Pilgrims of the United States, and the Beresford Family Society.

Dr. Johnson has been named a Kentucky Colonel, an Honorary Citizen of the City of Los Angeles, an Honorary Admiral of the Texas Navy, and an Honorary Member of the Coweta Tribal Town of the Creek Indian Nation. Dr. Johnson is a recipient of the Medal of Honor from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the Honor Medal of the National Society Daughters of American Colonists and the Outstanding Young Men of America Award. He was presented the 9th Annual C. Sims Bray Literary Award of the Atlanta Chapter (Georgia Society) of Colonial Wars.

Dr. Johnson’s interests include medieval history and genealogy, heraldry, international travel, Theatre Pipe Organ Music, and collecting antique Southern Folk Pottery (jugs, churns, jars, crocks).

Brantley Carter Bolling Knowles

HSC Council

Brantley Carter Bolling Knowles, a native Virginian, is the daughter of Albert Stuart Bolling, Jr. and Brantley Carter Lamberd Bolling. She is married to Peter I.C. Knowles, II, Captain USAR (Ret.); they have two sons, three granddaughters, and one grandson. She and her husband maintain residences in Virginia and Palm Beach. Mrs. Knowles’ early education was in Portsmouth, VA, and she was later graduated from St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, VA. She was a 2009 Attingham Trust Summer Scholar (UK), and participated in decorative arts programs at West Dean College (Sussex), the University of Nottingham, and the University of York, all in England. A retired appraiser of antiquities and personal property, she was the founder and former owner of Chadwick Antiques, LTD. Mrs. Knowles, a museum management and decorative arts consultant, is former Virginia Regent of Gunston Hall Plantation (1755). She is a past President General of The Colonial Dames of America, 2018-2021, which operates the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum (1799, the eighth oldest structure in Manhattan). Mrs. Knowles is a frequent lecturer on historical, decorative arts, and genealogical subjects. In 2017, Mrs. Knowles was one of 30 international, residential scholars at Windsor (UK) who were privileged to study the collection of HM, the Queen, under the aegis of Attingham Royal Collection Studies.

Mrs. Knowles is a former member of the Lincoln Cathedral Foundation board of directors. Additionally, she is a Board Member of the American Friends of St. George’s Chapel (UK) and the Hereditary Descendants of the Knights of the Garter (UK). Mrs. Knowles serves on the Council of American Ancestors / New England Historic Genealogical Society NEHGS, a 250,000-member organization. She is on the Advisory Board of the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA. Mrs. Knowles is an active member of the Towton Battlefield Society (UK), which preserves the site of the bloodiest battle in the history of England, fought March 23, 1461, during the Wars of the Roses. Mrs. Knowles is a Board Member of the College of Arms Foundation USA, and serves on the Advisory Board for the National Trust for Scotland USA.

Memberships

Colonial Dames of America (Past President General, term 2018-2021)
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (Former Virginia President)
Hereditary Order of Descendants of Colonial Governors (Honorary Governor General)
National Order of the Knights of the Golden Horseshoe (Honorary President General)
National Society Americans of Royal Descent (Honorary President General; member of Saint Louis)
Order of Three Crusades 1096-1192 (President General)
Ancient Heraldic and Chivalric Order of Albion (Secretary General)
Order of Descendants of Colonial Cavaliers (Honorary Governor General)
Order of the First Families of Virginia
Jamestowne Society (National Lt. Governor; Founding Governor Richmond, VA Company)
General Society of Mayflower Descendants (board member GSMD-NY; Mayflower Ball Executive Committee)
Daughters of the Cincinnati (Board of Managers)
One Hundred Living Descendants of Blood Royal (Founding Regent)
Descendants of the Knights of the Garter (UK) (Board Member GSMD-NY)
Order of the Merovingian Dynasty (Honorary President General)
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America (President General)
Order of the Crown in America (Virginia Councilor)
Baronial Order of the Magna Charta (Surety)
Military Order of the Crusades
National Gavel Society

Chivalric Orders

The Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem (Bestowed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, II) - Commander, North America Priory

Other Notes

In Virginia, Mrs. Knowles is or has been a trustee of: The Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA Preservation VA), The Historic Prestwould Foundation, Gunston Hall Plantation, and the Historic Petersburg Museums Foundation. Mrs. Knowles’ Florida activities have included: The Flagler Museum, The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, and the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. An accomplished flower show judge, Mrs. Knowles is a Judge Emerita in Floral Design for both the Garden Club of Virginia and the Garden Club of America. Mrs. Knowles serves on the Advisory Council of Hillwood Museum, the former Washington D.C. home of the cereal heiress and collector, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

Charles Clement Lucas

HSC Council

Charles Clement Lucas, Jr., MD, ABFP, son of Charles Clement Lucas, Sr., and Sallie Elizabeth Williams was born in Wilson, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received an A.B. in Chemistry and History, and the Doctor of Medicine. He completed his medical training at Duke University where he was Chief Resident of Family Practice. He was elected to membership in the Order of the Old Well at the University of North Carolina. For his medical leadership activities in North Carolina he received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award given by the State of North Carolina.

Dr. Lucas served in the United States Public Health Service from 1970-1972 and was commissioned as Senior Assistant Surgeon. Dr. Lucas moved to New York City in 1979 where he lived until 1988 when he moved to Greenwich, Connecticut. He maintains a private practice of internal medicine in Larchmont, New York, and is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. He is the father of Christina Cady Lucas and Ryan Clare Lucas.

Memberships

National Gavel Society
Order of First Families of Virginia 1607-1624/25
Order of Founders and Patriots in America (Governor General; former Governor of Connecticut Society)
Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry (Honorary President General)
Order of the Indian Wars of the United States (Senior Vice Commander)
Order of the Merovingian Dynasty (Honorary President General; Founder Member)
Veteran Corps of Artillery State of New York (Past Commandant; Past President of the Council of Administration)
Military Society of the War of 1812 (Past President)
Order of Descendants of Ancient Planters (Past President)
National Society Sons of American Colonists (President General)
General Society of Colonial Wars (Member of the New York, Florida and North Carolina Societies; former Steward of the New York Society)
Order of Three Crusades 1096-1192 (Corresponding Secretary)
National Society Americans of Royal Descent (Curator General)
Order of the Norman Conquest (Second Vice President General)
Ancient Heraldic and Chivalric Order of Albion (Knight)
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States (Surgeon General)
Order of the Crown in America (Third Vice President General)
Baronial Order of Magna Charta (Justiciar)
Military Order of the Crusades
One Hundred Living Descendants of Blood Royal
National Order of Knights of the Golden Horseshoe
Aztec Club of 1847
Order of Descendants of Colonial Cavaliers (former Secretary General)
Colonial Society of Pennsylvania
La Société Française de Bienfaisance
General Society Sons of the Revolution (former Surgeon General; former President and life member of the New York Society; member of North Carolina Society)
General Society War of 1812 (former Council Member)
Military Order of Loyal Legion in the United States
Jamestowne Society (former National Councilor; former Governor of the New England Company)
Order of First Families of North Carolina
Order of Alba (Third Vice President General)
Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York (former Physician)
Saint George’s Society of New York
Saint David’s Society of New York
New England Society of the City of New York
Saint Andrews Society of North Carolina, Inc.
Founders Society of South Carolina
Society of the Second War with Great Britain in the State of New York
Huguenot Society of America
National Huguenot Society
Society of Descendants of Knights of the Garter (Descendant Member)
Military Order of World Wars
National Society Sons of the American Revolution (First New York Continental Chapter; Member of the North Carolina Society; former President of the Captain Matthew Mead Branch #11 in Connecticut)
Military Order of Foreign Wars in the United States
Naval Order of the United States (New York Commandery)
Welsh Society of Philadelphia
Royal Society of Saint George
Society of Descendants of Colonial Clergy
National Society Sons of Colonial New England 1620-1776
Flagon and Trencher: Descendants of Colonial Tavern Keepers
Huguenot Society of South Carolina
National Society Descendants of Early Quakers
National Society Sons and Daughters of Antebellum Planters 1607-1861 (former Council Member)
Sons and Daughters of the Colonial & Antebellum Bench and Bar 1565-1861
National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims
Order of First Families of North America 1492-1692 (Surgeon General)
Order of Descendants of Pirates and Privateers (Surgeon)
Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen 1607-1783
National Society Old Plymouth Colony Descendants
National Guild of Saint Margaret of Scotland
National Society of Saints and Sinners
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Clans McFarland, Stewart, Galbraith
Order of First Families of Maryland
The Augustan Society
Chivalric Orders
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (Officer, bestowed by Elizabeth II, Queen of England)
Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (Chirurgeon, Priory of Saint Michael and Saint George of New York City)

Notes

COL Lucas was granted a Coat of Arms and a Letter Patent by William David Hamilton Sellar, Lord Lyon of Scotland in the name of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 27 October 2009. The arms have been registered with all accrediting bodies.

He is a member of the Pilgrims of the United States; the Church Club of New New York; Squadron A Association of New York; Northeast Harbor Fleet; The University Club of Chicago; Soldiers Sailors Marines Airmen Club; American Philosophical Society; Youth Foundation of the City of New York; Christ Episcopal Church, Greenwich; New York Academy of Sciences; North Carolina Society of the City of New York; The Dinner Dancers of the City of New York.

COL Lucas a Board member of the Lincoln Cathedral Foundation and member of the Holland Lodge #8, F &AM; Ancient Chapter No.1, Royal Arch Masons; Morton Commandery No. 4, New York City, Knights Templar; Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of New York, 32nd degree. In addition, Dr. Lucas is a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

DeEtte DuPré Nesbitt*

HSC Former Council Member || HSC Sponsor || HSC 2003 Inaugural Honorary Member|| Inaugural Recipient of Texas Genealogical Hall of Fame || Lifetime Achievement Award (2017 Inaugural Recipient from Albert Nelson's Marquis Who's Who)

DeEtte DuPré Nesbitt, a fourth generation Houstonian, and fourteenth generation American, is the daughter of Raymond Benjamin DuPré and Alice L. Cade DuPré Foster. She was married to the late Ernest V. Nesbitt. Mrs. Nesbitt has a son, Charles Scott Massey Nesbitt, and a granddaughter, Miss Luna J. Nesbitt. Her beloved daughter, Alice L. Massey Nesbitt, passed away from complications of a stroke on March 24, 2013.

In the Jamestowne Society Fall 2014 publication, it was announced that their Scholarship/Fellowship Fund will be named, in perpetuity, the "Alice Massey-Nesbitt Fellowship Fund" which will provide fellowships for graduate students doing research for master's and doctoral theses on approved topics relating to the Jamestown Colony.

In February 2015, the Executive Committee of the Jamestowne Society was unanimous in its recommendation that former Governor DeEtte DuPré Nesbitt of Houston, Texas become the only Governor Emeritus/Emeriti of the Jamestowne Society. On May 16, 2015, the Governing Council of the Jamestowne Society accepted the Executive Committee's recommendation and unanimously elected Mrs. Nesbitt the only Emeritus/Emeriti in the Jamestowne Society's history, of nearly a century. This will be a stand-alone title on the Governing Board of the Jamestowne Society, in perpetuity.

Mrs. Nesbitt attended Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston, where she majored in Business Administration, and also was approved as a Certified Professional Secretary (CPS). In 1976, she was one of the founders of an oil field service company in the State of Texas. After thirty-five years of ownership, Mrs. Nesbitt and her son sold their company to a publicly traded corporation. She is currently a partner in a South Texas Oil Exploration Company. Her primary residence is in Houston, Texas.

On May 5, 2017 Mrs. Nesbitt organized the Order of the Monarchs of Rheims. All Monarchs coroneted at Rheims Cathedral represent the most elegant and greatest kings in the history of Europe, as well as the nation that helped to bring about our American Revolution. It was one of the greatest dynasties in Europe. Please reference the complete listing on the HSC site for further details.

Honorary Memberships

Jamestowne Society (unanimously elected Governor Emeriti, February 20, 2015, inaugural recipient)
Ancient Heraldic and Chivalric Order of Albion (The very special rank of "Dame" was bestowed upon Mrs. DeEtte DuPré Nesbitt. This special rank was bestowed upon Mrs. Nesbitt on December 25, 2013.)
Hereditary Society Community of the United States of America (Mrs. Nesbitt was awarded Honorary Membership in the inaugural HSC Class of 2003; served as an HSC Consultant 2007-2009; and has served as a member of the Advisory Council from 2009-present.)
Order of Three Crusades 1096-1192 (Honorary Life Member, 2012 - life)
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America (Honorary Member, 2009 - life)
Dames of Colonial Cavaliers 1640-1660 (Governor Emeriti, 2005)
Order of Descendants of Colonial Cavaliers (Governor Emeriti, 2008)
Order of Dames of Colonial Cavaliers (Founding Board Member)
Order of Descendants of Justiciars (Honorary Life Member, 2015 - life)
Order of Kings and Queens of the Holy Lands (Honorary Life Member, 2018 - life)
Founders Fellowship (Founding Chief of Protocol, 2018)

Memberships

Jamestowne Society (past Governor General, 1998-2000; recipient of Resolution of Appreciation, 2000; Lt. Governor General 1997-1998; Auditor General 1995-1997; Councilor 1993-1995; First Texas Company Jamestowne Society (Honorary Governor Emeriti; Honorary Member)
Order of Descendants of Colonial Cavaliers (Founding Governor General, 2007-2008; Honorary Governor General Emeriti)
Dames of Colonial Cavaliers 1640-1660 (Honorary Past Governor General; served as Governor General 2003-2005; Founding Deputy Governor General, 2000-2003)
The Society of the First Families of South Carolina 1670-1700 (Honorary President for Life; National President, 2007-2009; Third Vice President, 2005-2007; Recording Secretary, 2003-2005)
Order of First Families of Virginia 1607-1624/25 (Recording Secretary 2005-2015; Councilor 2001-2005)
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Texas (Courtesy Member; Houston Town Committee)
Colonial Dames of America (past President of Houston Chapter VIII, 1995-1997; Advisor to Houston Chapter VIII, 1997-1999)
Huguenot Society of America
Huguenot Society of South Carolina (life member)
Daughters of the Cincinnati (life member)
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry (life member)
National Gavel Society
Order of the First Families of Mississippi 1699-1817 (life member)
National Society Sons and Daughters of Antebellum Planters l607-l86l (life member)
Society of the Descendants of Colonial Clergy (life member)
Daughters of the Republic of Texas (recipient of Appreciation Award; life member of the San Jacinto Chapter)
The Pilgrims of the United States of America (life member)
The National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons (former Historian, Houston Colony) Recipient of Jefferson Davis Historical Award, Winnie Davis Medal and Special Recognition Award

The Texas Genealogical College named Mrs. Nesbitt a recipient of the Hall of Fame Award on October 21st, 2016. To view, click here.

Mrs. Nesbitt is a recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. She is listed in all Marquis Who's Who editions.

The Bexar County Court of Commissioners at San Antonio, Texas conferred the title of Hidalgo (a member of the lower nobility of Spain), upon Mrs. Nesbitt. She is also the National Recipient of the Silver Good Citizenship Medal from the National Society Sons of the American Revolution, the Varina Howell Davis Medal, and the Honor Award for Historic Preservation.

Authorships

A Dedication of Confederate Markers: Evergreen Cemetery, February 8, 1992;

Privately Published, 1994

Memorial to DeAnna DuPre Walker;

Huguenot Society of South Carolina; Transaction #98, 1993

Hall and Fuller Families;

Nacogdoches County Families, 1985

Television Appearances

Mrs. Nesbitt appeared on NBC television during the 1990's. She was interviewed several times about the restoration of the historic Evergreen Cemetery. To view, click here.

Mrs. Nesbitt appeared in the television pilot, Positively Houston, Houston's positive local news program by the University of Saint Thomas and Christina R. Maxwell, executive producers on PBS. To view, click video one video two or video three. Mrs. Nesbitt continues to support PBS.

For over 35 years, Mrs. Nesbitt has been a member of Harris County Historical Commission, (appointments made by the county judge). Mrs. Nesbitt, along with the Commission, researched Mrs. Nesbitt's great grandfather, James Robert Cade. On February 2, 2016, Mrs. Nesbitt was notified by the State of Texas that Mr. Cade was selected to be honored with an Official Texas State Historical Marker. He was the only individual selected to receive this prestigious honor during 2015-2016. The marker was placed in Glenwood Cemetery - the Victorian Section, in Houston, Texas along with other notables such as Howard Hughes, Jr., awarding film star Gene Tierney, Wild-Cater and celebrity, Glenn McCarthy, Sr. and others. Mr. Cade is considered to be the Howard Hughes of innovation in the design and manufacture of steel-fabricated private and public rail cars in the United States, circa 1885-1912. The dedication ceremony was held on May 6, 2017. For information on the dedication please .click here

A number of Commendations were presented during the ceremony. They include one from the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, the Governor of Texas, the Texas State Senate, the Texas State House, and the Mayor of Houston. As part of the dedication ceremony, Mrs. Nesbitt was presented a Certificate of Commendation for her work in historic preservation, in recognition of James Robert Cade, by the United States Senate.

Other Notes

Mrs. Nesbitt was elected to life membership in The Pilgrims of the United States (in alliance with The Pilgrims of Great Britain.)

For decades Mrs. Nesbitt has been a supporter of Houston's Theatre Under the Stars and she is recognized for her efforts in the VIP category.

Mrs. Nesbitt served on the Southern Heritage and Debutante Ball for 35 years, as Chairman, and later as the Advisor for three Chairmen.

She was elected the National Recipient of the George Washington Honor Medal in the category of Individual Achievement which was awarded by the Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. She was appointed a Kentucky Colonel for life for her historic preservation in that State. Additionally, she served as Director for the Dad's Club for over a decade. Also, she served as a member of Larry Casey's Highwater Rescue Team during Hurricane Harvey.

Mrs. Nesbitt has been a 30+ year member of the Petroleum Club of Houston. She is a member of the Junior League of Houston, and a family member of the West Side Tennis Club of Houston. Following in the footsteps of her Anglican forebears, she is a devout and lifelong Episcopalian.

Ross Gamble Perry

HSC Council || HSC 2016 Honorary Member

Ross Gamble Perry, a native of Nashville, Tennessee is the son of John Edward and Sally Granger Perry. He is married to Diane Hanretty Perry, and has two daughters: Kathryn Patterson Perry and Sarah Ross Perry

Mr. Perry was graduated from the University of Virginia, with a B.A. Economics. He retired in 2013 from a 40-year career in banking; the last 30 years with SunTrust Bank in Richmond, VA and Washington, DC. Upon retirement, Mr. Perry was Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Private Wealth Management Division.

Memberships

Society of the Cincinnati (President General)
Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
General Society Sons of the Revolution
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
General Society of Colonial Wars
General Society of the War of 1812
Order of the Founders and Patriots of America
General Society of Mayflower Descendants
Society of the Founders of Norwich, CT
Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Washington, DC
Society of the Descendants of the Founders of Hartford
Society of the Descendants of the Colonial Clergy
Jamestowne Society
Flagon & Trencher
Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge
Descendants of the Founders of New Jersey
Descendants of the Founders of Ancient Windsor
Society of the Descendants of the Founders of the New Haven Colony
Society of Middletown First Settlers Descendants
Clan Ross Association USA
Hereditary Order of Descendants of Colonial Governors
National Society of Americans of Royal Descent
Order of the First Families of Virginia

Listed In (Publications)

University of Virginia Lawn Resident Directory 1895-1995
Social Register 2013
The Social List of Washington, DC 2013

Authorships

The Descendants of John Perry of Roxbury, MA 1999

Other Notes

Mr. Perry is a member of Christ Church Alexandria, Virginia. He served on the Lab School of Washington Board of Trustees from 1995-99 and the Virginia Opera Board of Directors from 1996-2008. Mr. Perry is a lifelong hunter and target shooter.

Dianne Alley Robinson

(Mrs. Charles Corbett Robinson)

HSC Council || HSC Sponsor

Nancy Dianne Alley Robinson, a native of North Carolina lives in Mooresville, North Carolina after having lived in Virginia for 25 years. She is the daughter of Robert Moore Alley and Florence Lucinda Isenhour. She is the widow of Charles Corbett Robinson who served this country in the Navy in World War II and has one son, John Luther Boyter, III married to Melissa Knight Boyter, one adopted grandson, Edward Lee Boyter and one granddaughter, Katherine Dianne Boyter. She attended Western Carolina University and is currently a business woman, a mother, grandmother and “Domestic Engineer" (as fondly called by her husband). Mrs. Robinson and her husband were owners of Burton and Robinson, Inc., a concrete construction firm founded by her husband. She is a member of The Trump National Golf and Country Club, a member of the South Lake Norman Garden Club, a Life Member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and a member of Mt. Zion Methodist Church.

Memberships

National Gavel Society
National Society Daughters of the Cincinnati
Order of the Crown in America
National Society Americans of Royal Descent (member of the Most Venerable Order of Saint Louis)
Ancient Heraldic and Chivalric Order of Albion (Dame of the Order of Albion of the Conversion of the Twenty-Three Kings)
Order of the Merovingian Dynasty (Honorary President General, Founder of the Scholarship)
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America
One Hundred Living Descendants of Royal Blood
National Society Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of VA
Colonial Dames of America 1890 (NC Chapter President)
National Order of the Knights of the Golden Horseshoe
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
National Society United States Daughters of 1812 (Honorary NC State President)
Baronial Order of Magna Charta (Chairman Emeritus of the Baronial Order Magna Charta- Magna Carta Trust American Law School Scholarship)
Military Order of the Crusades
Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry (Honorary President General)
Order of Descendants of Colonial Cavaliers (Honorary Governor General)
National Society Daughters of American Colonists
National Society Dames of the Court of Honor
Descendant Member of the Friends of St. Georges’ Chapel and the Knights of the Garter (Descendant Member) UK
National Society Daughters of Colonial Wars (Honorary State President)
Jamestowne Society (Central NC Chapter)
Order of the Three Crusades 1096-1192
First Families of North Carolina
National Guild of Saint Margaret of Scotland (Honorary President General)
Presidential Families of America (Honorary President National)
Order of the Norman Conquest (Honorary President General)

Chivalric Orders

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem(bestowed by Elizabeth II, Queen of England)

Notes

Mrs. Robinson is an avid Genealogist with twenty-eight proven Confederate Ancestors, eighteen DAR Patriots, three Jamestowne lines, and fifteen Colonial Dames lines. She does cross stitch, reads and loves traveling, collects antiques and has an extensive and reputable collection of René Lalique glass (over 600 pieces). A lover of football, she is an avid fan of the Washington Redskins.

Mrs. Robinson has been a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Children’s Charities of Greater Washington D.C. for twenty years. Additionally, Mrs. Robinson served as Chairman of “Rally Round the Redskins” auction for five years, raising over $750,000.00 for the charity. She served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2002-2007 and has been a member of the Board since 1989. She is still an active participant in raising money for the Houses and the families. With her move to North Carolina where she grew up she will also support the new Charlotte Ronald House.

Mrs. Robinson is a fundraiser for many charities some of which are the Ada Jenkins House, in Davidson, NC for families in need, The Peninsula Community Foundation, The Wounded Warriors Fund, the Veterans Hospital in Salisbury, NC. and the USO room, Charlotte Douglas Airport and Lincoln Cathedral, UK.

Mrs. Robinson received the Judah P. Benjamin Award from United Daughters of the Confederacy for civic work with Ronald McDonald House. She also received the Winnie Davis Award from United Daughters of Confederacy for work preserving the Virginia Division Minutes.

Michael Perry Schenk

HSC Council || 2022 Honorary Member

President National Gavel Society

Michael P. Schenk, eldest son of the late Dr. and Mrs. C. Perry Schenk (Lola Margaret Gleason) was born and raised in Minnesota. He is married to the former Laura Ann Kearney and together they have three children; Michael (Virginia Neill Dean), John (Susan Elaine Allmon) and Meaghan (Jonathan Johnson), as well as grandparents to five grandsons. His interests in genealogy began in junior high school as a result of his mother’s involvement in NSDAR, he joined the National Society of Sons of the American Revolution his senior of college.

Michael received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, his BSMI and MSMI from the Medical College of Georgia in 1973/1974. He is a Board-Certified Medical Illustrator. He has received numerous awards for his illustrations and photography and was inducted as a Fellow in the Association of Medical Illustrators in 2002. Mike has held positions at the University of Virginia; the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, where he started a department; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas as an Assistant Professor in the Medical Illustration Track; and retired in 2015 as Director of Biomedical Illustration Services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Over the course of his career, he has created thousands of illustrations in all scientific disciplines and has been published by every major publisher. He is credited with over six authored/co-authored anatomical/zoological atlases and textbooks in multiple editions, as well as contributor to numerous article/book chapters in various medical subspecialties. He has presented scientific material and exhibited scientific/medical visuals at various national and international venues.

Memberships

National Society Sons of the American Revolution (VPG Southern District)
Baronial Order of the Magna Charta (Justiciar)
Order of the Merovingian Dynasty (Secretary General)
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the U.S.A. (Archivist General)
National Society Americans of Royal Descent (Custodian General)
Ancient Heraldic and Chivalric Order of Albion (Knight)
Order of the Norman Conquest (Co-Founder, President General)
Order of the Three Crusades (Curator General)
National Gavel Society (Vice President)
National Society Sons of the American Colonists (Governor General)
Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry (President General)
National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims (Governor, MS Branch)
Order of the Founders and Patriots of America (Deputy Genealogist General)
Society of Descendants of Colonial Clergy (Councilor)
General Society of the War of 1812 (Public Relations General)
National Guild of Saint Margaret of Scotland, Inc. (President General)
Order of Medieval Women of Consequence (3rd Vice President General)
Descendants of Templar Knights (Co-Founder)
Presidential Families of America (1st President General)
National Society Sons of Colonial New England
Military Order of the Crusades
Sons of the Revolution
Order of the Descendants of Colonial Physicians and Chirurgiens
National Society of Saints and Sinners
Sons and Daughters of the Colonial and Antebellum Bench and Bar
The Order of the Crown in America
General Society of Colonial Wars
Order of the First Families of New Hampshire
Order of Indian Wars in the United States
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts
First Families of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
First Families of Massachusetts
Descendants of the Knights of the Garter
Order of the Monarchs of Rheims
Order of the Descendants of the Justiciars

Publications

Publications include numerous medical/zoological/scientific books, chapters and articles.

Other Notes

Through his gateway ancestors Reverend Peter Bulkeley, William Torrey and Audrey Barlow, all of Massachusetts, Michael is a member of over forty lineage societies and orders and has served as an officer to many of them. His pride and joy are assisting societies with designing their regalia and graphic and branding needs.
Michael is a BSA-Eagle Scout and National Order of the Arrow-Vigil Honor member; he continues to volunteer in Scouting activities as well as other youth-based organizations and educational programs as he has for the past fifty years.

Michael’s interests besides genealogical research of family members includes: topical stamp and coin collecting of ancestors, places they occupied and events they participated in, Celtic and Medieval art/architecture/sculpture, international travel, participation in illustration, scientific and fine art societies.

Dr. Brenton Simons

HSC Council || HSC 2020 Honorary Member

D. Brenton Simons OBE was born in New Haven, Connecticut to Elwyn Simons and Mary Hoyt Fitch. He attended private schools in Connecticut, South Carolina and Switzerland; graduated from Aiken Preparatory School, Aiken, SC; Hamden Hall Country Day School, Hamden, CT; Bachelor of Science, College of Communication, Boston University; Master’s Degree, School of Education, Boston University.

In the 2023 Special Honours, His Majesty King Charles III appointed Mr. Simons an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for his longtime services to Anglo-American history.

Brenton Simons has changed the face of nonprofit-based genealogy in America and beyond by bringing the best scholarship to millions of users as President and CEO (2005-2024), and President Emeritus and Chief Stewardship Officer (2024-present), of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the founding genealogical society in the world (established 1845). Otherwise known as American Ancestors, it is the anchor location of the long-running PBS television series Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. He orchestrated an historic expansion of the institution, now serving almost 450,000 members and millions of online users with 1.4 billion records in 139 countries. See www.AmericanAncestors.org

An award-winning author, he has been widely featured on television, radio, and in print and online media in the United States, United Kingdom, and elsewhere. His most recent book, Boston Beheld, was hailed as “the book Jane Austen might have written had she run into Dickens after his return from his Boston visit of 1842.”

Society Memberships

New England Historic Genealogical Society / American Ancestors (President & CEO, 2005-2024; President Emeritus & Chief Stewardship Officer, 2024-present)
American Patrons of St. George’s and The Descendants of The Knights of the Order of the Garter (President, 2022-present)
Ancient Heraldic and Chivalric Order of Albion (Knight)
National Order of the Knights of the Golden Horseshoe (Honorary)
Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut
Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York
Aztec Club of 1847
General Society of the War of 1812
General Society of the Sons of the Revolution
Huguenot Society of America
Holland Society of New York
General Society of Colonial Wars (MA and FL)
Colonial Society of Pennsylvania
Hereditary Order of the Descendants of Colonial Governors
Order of the Founders and Patriots of America
General Society of Mayflower Descendants
Baronial Order of the Magna Charta
Order of the Crown in America
Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry
Welcome Society of Pennsylvania
National Society of Americans of Royal Descent
Order of Colonial Cavaliers (Honorary)
Order of Colonial Lords of Manors in America (Honorary)
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America
Son of a Witch (Honorary)
One Hundred Living Descendants of Blood Royal

Chivalry, Heraldry, Military, and Freemen

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Officer) OBE
The Venerable Order of Saint John, American Priory (Member)
International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences (President)
Armiger, granted by College of Arms (2019) quartered with inherited arms (1588)
Committee on Heraldry, New England Historic Genealogical Society (1864)
Gold’s Dragoons, Fairfield, Connecticut (1657)
Squadron A Association, New York Hussars, New City (1889)
The Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America

Awards

Washington Irving Medal for Literary Excellence (Saint Nicholas Society)
Bradford Award (Pilgrim Hall Museum)
Frances Wister Award (Colonial Dames of America, PA)
Award of Recognition (Colonial Wars, IL)
John Adams Medal (Sons of the Revolution, MA)
History Medal (Daughters of the American Revolution, MA)
Spirit of 1812 Award (National Society United States Daughters of 1812, MA)
Award of Merit (American Association for State and Local History)

Authorships

Boston Beheld (2008); Witches, Rakes, and Rogues (2005); The Art of Family (co-editor, 2002); The Langhornes of Langhorne Park (1997); and numerous articles, essays, and introductions.

Public Offices

Vice Chair, Plymouth 400th Anniversary State Commission, by appointment of His Excellency, Charles D. Baker, Governor of Massachusetts, 2019-2022
Member, State Commission to Review the Seal and Motto of Massachusetts, by appointment of His Excellency, Charles D. Baker, Governor of Massachusetts, 2021-2023.

Listed In (Publications)

Who’s Who in America; Social Register (Advisory Committee and Consulting Editor)

Other Notes

Other memberships and offices: The New England Quarterly (former Secretary of the Board of Directors); Plymouth 400 Inc. (former Board of Directors member); The Colonial Society of Massachusetts (former Council member); Massachusetts Historical Society (Fellow); American Antiquarian Society (elected Member); Boston Athenaeum (Proprietor); Somerset Club; Club of Odd Volumes, French Heritage Society (Honorary). Episcopalian.

Michael Scott Swisher

HSC Council || HSC Sponsor || HSC 2014 Honorary Member

Michael Scott Swisher was born in Stillwater, Minnesota. He attended Vanderbilt University and the University of Minnesota.

He has worked as the Director of the First State Bank & Trust since 1999, the Director of Universal Financial Services since 1991 and as the Director of the Valley Agencies, Inc., since 1991. He currently serves as their Chairman.

Memberships

National Society Sons of the American Revolution (past President, MN Society)
General Society, Sons of the Revolution (past President, MN Society)
General Society of the War of 1812 (past President, MN Society)
National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims (Honorary Governor General)
Sons of Colonial New England (Honorary Governor General)
Hereditary Order of Descendants of Loyalists and Patriots of the American Revolution (Honorary Governor General)
National Society Sons of American Colonists (Governor General)
Order of Indian Wars of the United States (Commander)
National Gavel Society
General Society of Colonial Wars
Order of Founders and Patriots of America
Colonial Order of the Acorn
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Military Order of the Stars and Bars
National Order of the Blue and Gray
National Society Sons and Daughters of Antebellum Planters
Sons and Daughters of the Colonial and Antebellum Bench and Bar
Descendants of Sheriffs and Constables of Colonial and Antebellum America
Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York
National Order of Knights of the Golden Horseshoe
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne
National Society of Americans of Royal Descent
One Hundred Living Descendants of Blood Royal
Military Order of the Crusades
Baronial Order of Magna Charta
Descendants of Templar Knights
Order of Three Crusades
Order of the Merovingian Dynasty
Order of the Norman Conquest
National Guild of St. Margaret
Ancient Heraldic and Chivalric Order of Albion
Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry
Society of Descendants of Lady Godiva
Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen
Registry of Infamous and Famous Relatives in American Families
National Society of Saints and Sinners
Hereditary Society of Teachers
Order of the House of Wessex
Order of Alba
Order of the First Families of Maine
Order of the First Families of New Hampshire
Order of the First Families of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Society of Descendants of Colonial Clergy

Chivalric

Officer of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem
Knight Commander, Ordo Sancti Constantini Magni
Grand Cross, Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem

Civic/Charitable

Chairman, Religion and Society Foundation
Director, the Lakeview Hospital Foundation
Secretary, the John Quincy Adams Foundation
Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Helen Keller Sight Award, Minnesota Lions Eye Bank
Member, Advisory Council of the Hereditary Society Community of the USA
Kentucky Colonel

Social and fraternal

University Club of Saint Paul, Minnesota
University Club of San Francisco, California
The Arts Club of Washington, D.C.
St. John’s Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M., Stillwater, Minnesota
St. Paul Lodge No. 3, A.F, & A.M., St. Paul, Minnesota
Prometheus Lodge No. 851, F. & A.M., California
The Morgan Lodge No. 9816, E.C., Malvern, Worcestershire
York Rite Bodies, St. Paul & Minneapolis
Scottish Rite (32º), Valley of Minneapolis
Stillwater, Minnesota Lions Club
Rolls Royce Owners’ Club
Morgan Sports Car Club

Listings

The Social Register, 1999 – present
Marquis Who’s Who in America, 2018

Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright

HSC Council

President General of the National Society

Daughters of the American Revolution

Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright is the 46th President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the second from Texas. A ninth-generation Georgian and a 40-year Texas resident, Pamela Wright is a multiple small business owner, community volunteer, philanthropist, wife, mother and grandmother. She and her husband are the co-founders and owners of a jewelry and luxury goods business in Houston. She has designed and created jewelry for First Ladies and wives of cabinet members, and her designs have been featured on a popular Netflix series. Members of Second Baptist Church, Pamela and Jack have two children and six grandchildren who are life members of the Children of the American Revolution. They are very proud that their daughter-in-law was selected as the 2022 NSDAR National Outstanding Junior.

Pamela graduated magna cum laude from Ouachita Baptist University, attended graduate school at the University of Arkansas and holds additional certification through the Gemological Institute of America and through the International Society of Appraisers.

Hereditary Society Awards

NSDAR Texas Outstanding Junior 1993
TXDAR Juniors Choice Chapter Regent 2000
TXDAR Texas Honorary Junior for Life 2005
TXDAR Texas Junior VIP Award 2009
NSDAR Community Service Award
NSDAR Women in the Arts Award
NSDAR Women in American History Award
SAR Martha Washington Medal 1997
SAR Medal of Appreciation 2001
SAR Bronze SAR-C.A.R. Medal 2004
SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal
SAR Daughters of Liberty Medal
Texas Genealogical College Hall of Fame 2017
Farmers President National Medal with Bee

Community Service & Awards

Commission of the Yellow Rose of Texas conferred by Texas Governor, 2022
Houston Woman Magazine Cover Girl 2022, 2008
Citizens for Animal Protection Hall of Fame 2020
Better Business Bureau Pinnacle Award for Jewelers 2019 and 2011
Houston’s 25 Most Beautiful 2018
Houston Treasure 2017
Texas Genealogical College Hall of Fame 2017
NPA National Community Outreach Award 2016
Honorary CAP Gala Chair 2016
Houston Children’s Charity Helping Hands Award 2016
Breakthrough Woman 2014
Houston Sweetheart 2013
ABC-Channel 13 Woman of Distinction 2013
STEM Role Model 2012
Houston Woman Magazine 50 Most Influential Women 2012
Houston Modern Luxury Dynamic Women of Houston 2021, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2009
Citizens for Animal Protection Cherished Companion 2010
Better Business Bureau Winner of Distinction 2006-2021
Houston Community Impact Award 2003
Citizen of the Year 2002
Citizens for Animal Protection Celebrity Pet Owner of the Year 2000
Houston Junior Forum
Better Business Bureau Board of Directors
Better Business Bureau Education Foundation Board
Green Team American Board of Directors
University of St. Thomas Nursing Advisory Council
Houston Children’s Charity Guild Life Member
Citizens for Animal Protection Advisory Board
International Society of Appraisers National Awards Chair
Ouachita Baptist University Houston Alumni President, Chi Delta Alumni

Lynn Forney Young

(Mrs. Larry Steven Young)

Honorary President General

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

HSC Council || HSC 2016 Honorary Member

Lynn Forney Young was born in Houston, Texas, the daughter of the late Byron Parish Forney and Patricia O’Tyson. She is married to Steve Young and they enjoy their two children, and three grandchildren.

She attended Stephen F. Austin State University and earned a B.S. from the University of Houston. She is currently a co-owner of the family cattle business, San Andres Cattle Co., LLC.

Highlights of her term as President General, NSDAR (2013-2016) included celebrating the 125th anniversary of the founding of NSDAR, the first DAR Day of Service and achieving the Guinness World RecordTM for patriotism during the 125th Continental Congress. Further, the generous support of members established a permanent endowment fund for the preservation, restoration and conservation of the historic DAR headquarters near the White House.

Memberships

Colonial Dames of America (Chapter VIII)
Daughters of the Republic of Texas
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (Honorary President General, Past Recording Secretary General, Honorary State Regent of Texas DAR, Honorary Chapter Regent of Tejas Chapter DAR, National Chair America 250! past National Chair Americanism Committee, former VAVS Volunteer, President Outstanding Junior Club, State Vice Regents Club, member Heritage Club, Founders Club, Sustaining Supporter, Established the Guardian Trust Endowment Fund
Founders Fellowship (Organizing Historian General)
Order of the Monarchs of Rheims (Organizing Member)
Hereditary Society Community (Honorary Advisory Council member, Class of 2016)
Jamestowne Society, Houston Colony
National Gavel Society
Baronial Order of Magna Charta
Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America
Texas Genealogical College (Co-Founder and Past President)
National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons
Children of the American Revolution (Past Senior State President, Past Vice President, South Central Region, Past Senior Society President, James Bates Society)
National Society Descendants of American Farmers

Other Notes

Mrs. Young is active in her church, currently serving as Chairman of the Board of Stewards.

She served as Chair of the Milam County Historical Commission for four years and serves on the Executive Board of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association.

Mrs. Young also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School.

Mrs. Young is one of sixteen private citizens appointed by the United States Congress to serve on the United States Semiquincentennial Commission (America 250). She serves on the executive board of America 250 and the America 250 Foundation. She also chairs the Governance Committee and serves on the Government Relations Committee. She is a frequent speaker on America 250.

Honors and Awards

Delta Zeta Sorority Woman of the Year 2014
Inspire Women Outstanding Community Leader 2007
Sons of the American Revolution Martha Washington Medal, Daughters of Liberty Medal, Medal of Appreciation