What does 'heraldry' mean to CDXVIIC?
We are 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.
In heraldry, an armiger is a person entitled to use a heraldic achievement (e.g., bear arms, an "armor-bearer") either by hereditary right, grant, matriculation, or assumption of arms. Such a person is armigerous. They're also passed down through generations and carry the history of the family with them. A coat of arms is a special pattern of symbols and colors that a person had painted on their shield. It can be worn on a surcoat over their armor. Coats of arms were originally used to make people easily recognizable in battle and later a COA was intended to recognize achievements and family heritage. Colonial Dames XVII Century encourages members whose direct descent from an ancestor has been approved to investigate whether this ancestor may have descended from an armiger ancestor who was granted a coat of arms. |
Members, have you joined the Heraldry Interest Group FB page? If not, please do! For our newest members, heraldry research is one of the facets of our national society which makes us unique from other societies. I think you will find the postings interesting. -Lori King FB Heraldry link |