Brunswick DAR

By Joan Leotta

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) is more than just another ladies’ club. Founded nationally circa 1890, the organization applies the commitment of their ancestors, who formed a country, to maintaining and continuing that heritage through historic conservation and community good works.

The Brunswick Town Chapter, founded in 1976, has 160 members who come from all over the United States, says Martha Koletar, regent of the chapter.

Koletar says, “I joined the DAR because I am interested in genealogy and how my ancestors contributed to the freedom I enjoy today. I believe strongly in historical preservation and in honoring those who served in this country.”

Koletar notes that last year, local chapter members completed 6,400 hours of community service even with all of the Covid-19 restrictions.

“We buy and sell wreaths through the Wreaths Across America Program and place them on veteran graves. We support veterans in a wide range of activities including donating clothing. The chapter sends coupons to military base stores and donates to programs to assist disabled veterans, as well as donating special head markers for all veterans,” Koletar says. Members also act as poll workers, tutors in schools, participate in cemetery cleaning, give to food pantries, and more.

The chapter’s work in schools includes supporting local schools in many ways, including by offering DAR scholarships, giving Good Citizen awards, and setting up displays and offering talks during the annual September Constitution Week events. The Brunswick Chapter also donates books for adults and children to the local Literary Council.

Chapter member Teresa McLamb adds, “We sponsor speakers on local history, annually recognize first responders, and donate to the community through some fundraising events.” She notes that chapter members also made hundreds of masks during Covid.

Members participate in parades (often in costume), contribute to celebrations at Bells Across America in the area’s fire stations, and conduct school programs during Constitution Week in September. At naturalization ceremonies the DAR gives out American flags and small copies of the Constitution.

Photo by Phyllis Wilson Martha Koletar, regent of the Brunswick Town Chapter of the Na onal Society of the Daughters of the American Revolu on, wears her Betsy Ross ou"it at a recep on for newly-sworn-in American ci zens and their families a&er their naturaliza on ceremony in Southport.

In addition, the chapter holds genealogy workshops. Those workshops have special relevance for people who might want to join the group. While there are no restrictions of age, race, or religion, applicants must be nominated by a current member and be able to trace their direct blood lineage back to a patriot of the Revolutionary War period. The chapter registrar and other members help applicants find the appropriate documentation.

Find out more about the DAR on the chapter’s website at darbrunswicktownchapter. blogspot.com .