The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) is the oldest patriotic lineage society in the United States. The heart of the UDC is its members, who work tirelessly to honor their Confederate ancestors through activities that fulfill the historical, educational, benevolent, memorial, and patriotic objectives of the Organization. The information provided in this section of our website briefly describes these objectives and gives explanations of key UDC terms.
- Historical- The UDC works to preserve, restore, and mark Confederate historic sites, monuments, and markers. Members collect and donate publications and various works of art on the Confederate period to museums and libraries. Many Chapters and Divisions raise and donate funds for the preservation of Confederate items. Programs on historical topics are presented at Chapter meetings. Many members give speeches or present programs on Confederate history to outside groups. Members read books and write essays on Confederate subjects. The UDC presents awards to adults and children to promote interest in and knowledge of the Confederate period. Some Chapters maintain historic Confederate collections of artifacts and make these available to the public for viewing and research.
- Educational- Scholarships are a UDC priority, with numerous endowed scholarships at the graduate and undergraduate levels for descendants of eligible Confederate ancestors. Recipients must meet and maintain eligibility and academic requirements. Additional information on specific scholarships is available from the UDC Web site, the UDC Education Circular; and the UDC Handbook (a reference guide for members). The UDC presents academic achievement awards annually at each of our nation’s service academies and other selected schools to recognize individual excellence in education. Many Chapters have Confederate educational programs, essay contests, exhibits, and classroom participation (often in “living history” format) at elementary and high schools.
- Benevolent- The UDC is tireless in its devotion to charitable works and projects. Members support a wide range of charitable organizations and efforts at the local, national, and international levels by donating time, funds, and needed supplies. Of special importance is the Mrs. Norman V. Randolph Relief Fund, established in 1910 to aid needy widows, sisters, and daughters of Confederate veterans.
- Memorial- In the early days of the Organization, the UDC became known as the “builder” of monuments,” and continues today in building, restoring, and preserving Confederate monuments. Activities that remember our Confederate dead and those who died in any war in the service of our country as well as deceased UDC members are an integral part of UDC work. Chapters conduct annual Confederate Memorial Day services, placing flowers and flags on Confederate graves. Wreaths are placed each year at the statutes of President Jefferson Davis and General Robert E. Lee in Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol, and at the Tomb of the Unknowns and Confederate monument in Arlington National Cemetery.
As an ongoing project, the UDC not only locates, records, marks, and cares for the graves of Confederate soldiers and sailors but also marks with special UDC markers the graves of UDC members, Real Daughters, and non-UDC daughters of Confederate veterans. Many Chapters participate in caring for Confederate cemeteries, as well as individual graves.
- Patriotic- The UDC is among the first in aiding our country during times of crisis and maintains unwavering American patriotism. Members fly the U.S. flag, honor the veterans of all wars by volunteering and contributing funds and items to VA Hospitals, and send cards and needed items to active-duty service personnel overseas. The UDC has a wide range of patriotic awards that are presented to Confederate descendants. Included in these are Military Service Awards and Meritorious Service Awards to current or former U.S. military who meet certain criteria and Pioneers in Space Awards to those who flew in space or made significant contributions to the U.S. space program.
The UDC is a nonprofit organization and meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service Code 501(c)(3) as a tax-exempt organization.