A Growing Community of Welsh Historians and Genealogists
An invitation to apply may be extended to persons who are descended from Welsh monarchs who can be verified from (1) the Ancient Welsh Kings and Princes of Deheubarth, Gwent, Glamorgan, Gwynedd, and Powys, prior to December 11, 1282, the date of death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, also known as Llywelyn the Last or (2) a verified Welsh immigrant in America prior to July 4th, 1776. Membership is open to eligible persons, eighteen years of age or older, who are in support of the Constitution of the United States, and the Order’s Constitution and Bylaws.
Life Membership is available for eligible persons eighteen years of age or older. Members who have reached the age of majority have the privilege of voice, vote, and eligibility for appointment to the Executive Council, also known as the Cymry. Membership is available in the following categories.
Founding Vision
Three close friends were enjoying lunch together in July 2018 when their conversation turned to all things historical and genealogical, as they so often did. It was here that the Hereditary Order of the Red Dragon was conceived and adopted. The founding date was Friday, July 6, 2018. Bylaws were approved on August 20, 2018, and the Order was incorporated on August 24, 2018. Our 501(c)(3) was approved on September 9, 2018.
The Hereditary Order of the Red Dragon chose two paths to membership. The first would be a Royal line, for descendants of the ancient Welsh Kings and Princes. The second would be a Colonial line, for descendants of Welsh ancestors in the United States. At its founding, the Order was unique in offering these two types of membership.
Inaugural Governor and Founder Lila Burner Housden presided at the First Inaugural Convocation held on Monday, April 8, 2019 at the Army and Navy Club, in Washington, D.C in conjunction with Order of Descendants of El Cid. In 2020 the meeting was cancelled due to the International Pandemic Covid.
The Order was recognized by the Founders Fellowship. Governor Sharon Stine presided at a Zoom meeting April 12, 2021 with six other orders affectionately named “The Royal Seven”. Inaugural Genealogist Jane Power was the program speaker.
Governor Carla Odom presided at the Zoom meetings March 21, 2022 and March 29, 2023. The Order met with the Royal Seven for a Gala with First Deputy Governor Melissa Fischer bringing greetings on April 10, 2023 at The Army and Navy Club. On November 23, 2023 the Order was recognized by The National Gavel Society. The Cymry supported Tunnels to Towers with three annual contribution. Six issues of The Dragon’s Tale were distributed. Governor Retired Stine edited a full copy of the Order’s directory.
Governor Barry Christopher Howard hosted the 2024, 2025 and 2026 Zoom Business Meetings. During Governor Howard’s tenure the Order became fully engaged in participations with the “Medieval Evening” , joined by seven other Medieval organizations each April in Washington, D.C. at the outset of the hereditary fortnight.
Symbols of Honor
Official Regalia of the Order
CityPride, Ltd. serves as the official jeweler of the Order. All insignia, including chest ribbons, neck ribbons, and tailored bows and tails, must be purchased exclusively from the authorized jeweler.
- Insignia are available in regular and miniature sizes
- Insignia are suspended on a white grosgrain ribbon
- Officers and Councilors may purchase a wide gold bar, engraved with their respective title
Each element reflects the dignity, rank, and responsibility of service within the Order.
Words That Guide Us
Timeless Wisdom
“Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.”
— Last words of Saint David, Patron Saint of Wales
(Died: 1 March 589)
This motto embodies the spiritual and moral foundation of the Order.
Symbols of Wales
The Order recognizes the following as its official flowers:
- Yellow Daffodil
- Leek
Both are enduring national symbols of Wales and its proud legacy.