The National Society Magna Charta Dames is a hereditary society, based on baronial lineage tracing back to 1215 that was founded in Washington, D.C. on March 1, 1909 with five primary goals: To perpetuate the memory of the Barons of England who in or before the year 1215 rendered actual service toward securing, and who, after many defeats, finally did secure the articles of constitutional liberty, property called Magna Charta, from their sovereign, John, King of England, which he ratified and delivered to them "in the meadow which is called Runnemede between Windsor and Staines," on the Thames, above London, on the 15th day of June, A.D. 1215; To promote good fellowship among the descendants of those who compelled King John to grant Magna Charta; To keep ever in mind the events connected with this most celebrated episode in the annals of the English race; To inspire the members of the society and others with admiration and respect for the principles of constitutional government, first established by the statutes of the Great Charter granted by King John; and to observe the anniversary of the date of this the most famous charter of rights and liberties.