

Dear Daughters,
This year has been full of momentum as we have made progress in all of our mission areas of historic preservation, education and patriotism! As we cap of 2024 and look forward to 2025, the National Society is grateful for all that you contribute and for the sustained health and vibrancy of our organization.
This November, please join DAR in honoring Veterans Day on November 11. The United States began commemorating Veterans Day in 1938 as “Armistice Day” to mark the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Congress later amended the Act of 1938 to commemorate “Veterans Day” to honor American Veterans of all wars. As Daughters, we are committed to acknowledging and publicly recognizing our Veterans’ service and sacrifice across the country, including those DAR members who have served. Please take time this month to thank our Veterans for their service.
250! Patriots Marker. We will share more about our travels via the President General’s Blog!
As we approach the holiday season, we hope chapters will consider undertaking service projects that spread gratitude in their communities. Consider raising funds for a local classroom, purchasing gift cards for local Veterans, or hosting cookie decorating parties to deliver goodies to local servicemembers or first responders. If you are able, please also participate in Wreaths Across America on December 14 in honor of those who have served. These activities are tokens of our love of country and make a diference, no matter how small.
Also, in November, your Executive Ofcers are thrilled to have the opportunity to sparkle with Daughters in Paris, France, as we travel to celebrate the 90th birthday of Rochambeau Chapter. What a remarkable milestone! In Paris, we will also place a DAR America 250! Patriots Marker at the tomb of the Marquis de Lafayette and a wreath at the Lafayette-Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, which commemorates the birthplace of American combat aviation. These events will echo those stateside that celebrate our special Franco-American ties. We will then proceed to Spain and Italy, where we will present DAR America 250! Commendation Medals and place a respective DAR America
As always, we hope that you will plan to join us for the DAR Holiday Open House in Washington, D.C., on December 11, 2024, at our House Beautiful. This time-honored tradition has always been one of my favorite DAR events, where we can celebrate together with music, refreshments and festivities. All are welcome!
We celebrate with you this holiday season and wish you health and happiness as you reunite with family and friends. Let us Rejoice in Our DAR Ties of Service and Friendship!
Beverly Sceery, a 103-year-old member of Colorado Chapter, Denver, Colo., was delighted to join Colorado Daughters, led by State Regent Leslie Brinkley, in celebrating her 80 years and seven months of DAR service.
Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright President General
National Society
Daughters of the American Revolution
Volume 24, No. 6 November/December 2024
www.dar.org www.dar.org/members
President General Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright
DAR Magazine National Chair and Editor-in-Chief Lisa Christensen Melland magazineeditor@dar.org
DAR Magazine National Vice Chairs
Barbara Carpenter (Proofing Chair), Linda Aguirre, Lynn Alexander, Catherine Ball, Bonnie Butler, Marion Lane, Leslie Richards, Vicki Tyler
Director of Printing and Publications Edith Rianzares
Publications Coordinator Dominique Giuffrida
Subscriptions Coordinator LaVonne Chappell
Production/Design Hammock Inc.
Daughters of the American Revolution newsletter is a supplement publication of American Spirit Magazine published by National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006-5303; tel: (202) 628–1776. Issued bi-monthly by Hammock Inc., PO Box 331518, Nashville, TN 37203, (615) 690–3400.
© 2024 by NSDAR, all rights reserved. Editorial inquiries, email: newsletter@dar.org. Find more on NSDAR at www.dar.org
Subscription orders can be placed online or by mail or phone. Single copies may be purchased only by mail or phone. Subscribe online: www.dar.org/subscribe. Via toll-free phone: (866) 327–6242. Via mail: DAR Magazine Office, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006-5303. MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express accepted or checks payable to Treasurer General, NSDAR. Single copies $4.99 ea. American Spirit Magazine/Daughters Newsletter subscription rate: one year, $24; two years, $48. Subscriptions including shipping to Canada and Mexico: one year, $29; two years, $58. All other foreign subscriptions (incl. shipping): one year, $36; two years, $72. If you prefer shipping via Air Mail outside the U.S., please add an additional $20 to the subscription rate for one year; $40 for two years. No refunds will be issued.
The National Society reserves the right to accept, reject or edit content of any copy. Signed articles reflect the personal views of the author and are not necessarily a statement of DAR policy. Advertised products and services do not carry DAR endorsement. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DAR, American Spirit Magazine, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006-5303.
Periodical postage paid at Washington, D.C., and additional mailing offices.
The National Society regrets to report the death of the following: Darley Von Callicott Vandegrif, on July 22, 2024. Mrs. Vandegrif served as Vice President General from 2003–2006, Idaho State Regent from 2001–2003, Idaho State First Vice Regent from 1999–2001, Idaho State Organizing Secretary from 2009–2011 and Idaho State Treasurer from 2007–2008. She was a member of Wyeth Chapter, Pocatello, Idaho.
Virginia Grace Lingelbach Chaplain General
Is your chapter preparing to celebrate the upcoming holidays? Think of your chapter as a holiday tree, with each twinkling light representing a chapter member. If a bulb grows dim or goes out, consider it a member needing attention. Determine how to brighten her sparkle and make necessary adjustments. Does your tree have clusters of lights or single, unattached bulbs? Ensure that all your members feel connected and part of the strand of lights and that you help them light the tree. You can also brighten your tree by adding more lights. Now, step back and look at your tree. Are the lights and ornaments well-balanced?
Maybe your tree needs more ornaments; consider that each represents a community service or DAR project. Do they need replacing or updating, representing
fresher ideas and goals to accomplish for your chapter? Encourage your members to bring in new ornaments or even add some sparkles to the tree. Let us welcome the new year with bright, sparkling trees full of lights and ornaments, which is a sure way to attract new members.
Does your state need to plant new trees? Are you in a growing area? Do you have members who cannot attend chapter meetings because of inconvenient meeting days, times, distances or locations? Do your interests difer from those of your current chapter? If so, this could be an exciting time to consider starting a new chapter. The Wright Administration has set a goal to organize 55 new chapters by June 2025, and your participation is crucial.
Speak with your State Regent or State Organizing Secretary about starting a new chapter. Visit the Organizing Secretary General’s webpage on the DAR Members’ Website to download the revised “Stepby-Step Instructions to Organize a New Chapter” manual, which is now easier to understand and follow. The staf in the Ofce of the Organizing Secretary General is ready to assist you, along with your state leaders.
The DAR family looks forward to welcoming you as a new sparkling star. Join us as we Rejoice in our DAR Ties of Service and Friendship!
Organize! Recruit! Retain!
Nancy Schirm Wright Organizing Secretary General
Chapter Treasurers are in the home stretch of receiving membership renewal payments (dues) and donations from chapter members. They have reached out to every chapter member by email, letter, telephone or text (or all four). They enlisted the aid of other members to contact the hard-to-reach member. Hopefully, in the process, the chapter learned more about what connects members to the chapter to help structure future activities and programs and, when learning of a member facing life’s challenges, discovered ways to support her in whatever ways were feasible.
December 1 is the deadline by which our Chapter Treasurers must remit to NSDAR the national portion of membership renewal payments (dues) and their chapter’s contributions for Chapter Achievement Awards (CAA) Section 8, which supports the historical, educational, patriotic and membership/administrative programs and initiatives of the National Society. Renewal payments are remitted using the Dues Invoicer, and donations for CAA Section 8 are made using the Chapter Donation Remittance Function, which both are accessible through the “Updates” section of e-Membership.
Chapters are encouraged (but not required) to donate the remaining amount to earn a Wright Administration President General’s Project 100% Participation Certificate by December 1. These donations can be made at the same time and on the same screen as the chapter’s CAA Section 8 donation. (For more information, consult the Chapter Donation Remittance Function section in the State & Chapter Finances webpage on the DAR Members’ Website.)
As Thanksgiving and the holiday season near, please thank your Chapter Treasurer for all she has done for your chapter. I send my special thanks not only to each Chapter Treasurer but to each State Treasurer as well. These dedicated women not only
manage the finances for their State Societies and Organizations but also train and mentor the Chapter Treasurers in their states. It is a delight to work with each of them!
I extend to every reader of this column my best wishes for another fulfilling year of DAR service, fun and friendship in 2025.
Sherry Edwards Treasurer General
As we near the end of 2024, it is important to thank the staff and member volunteers of the Genealogy Department and related committees for their hard work and commitment to DAR. The Genealogy Department and RG-Data Entry received more New Member and Supplemental applications in the last two years than most other administrations received in three. That is excellent news, but it also presents DAR with challenges in terms of efciently accommodating and processing the continual increase in submissions.
What has changed? The RG-Data Entry Department now reviews all New Member and Supplemental applications upon
arrival and immediately returns those, with payments, that do not meet the basic requirements. DAR now limits the number of pending Supplemental submissions to a maximum of six at a time per member. Next, our member volunteers pre-index all scanned Application documentation into the OnBase system to prepare submissions for final staf review. And speaking of our wonderful staf, they are now completing reviews both in-house and remotely and with assistance from trained DAR member volunteers.
The backlog of Supplemental applications has decreased, but DAR continues to work on ways to reduce the turnaround time between submission and verification. How can you help? Lower the chance of receiving Additional Information Requested (AIR) letters by ensuring that at least two knowledgeable members review each New Member and Supplemental application for adherence to DAR Genealogy Guidelines before mailing submissions to DAR. This will save a great deal of review time, and waiting time, for all.
Cynthia Moody Parnell Registrar General
Experience the elegance and holiday splendor of Memorial Continental Hall, a Registered National Historic Landmark.
Bring your family and friends to view the Christmas and holiday decorations at DAR Headquarters!
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 5:30–8:00 p.m.
DAR Memorial Continental Hall, 17th and D Streets NW, Washington, DC Free to the public.
The DAR History Award Medal is the highest award bestowed by the Ofce of the Historian General. This recognition honors an individual or group whose study and/or promotion of some aspect of American history—on the regional or national level—has significantly advanced the understanding of America’s past. Projects concerning local history will only be considered if a connection to a wider influence on American regional or national history can be proved. Eligible contributions to the study of American history may include, but are not limited to:
• Work with archives, manuscript collections, historical societies, libraries, museums or other organizations
• Writing and/or editing significant historical publications
• Historical research and preservation eforts related to historical buildings, artifacts or records
• Work in history-related disciplines (e.g., genealogy, museum studies, anthropology, archaeology and political science)
• The primary goal and final result of the project must have been promoting some aspect of American history.
The award is not a contest, and nominations are not compared with other nominations. The nomination dossier must be submitted electronically to the Office of the Historian General at historian@dar.org.
The sponsoring chapter, State Society or National Society may inform the nominee of their nomination.
Absolutely no personal photographs of the nominee may be submitted, including images incorporated in newspaper articles.
The award may be given to a recipient once per lifetime and may not be initiated or approved posthumously.
No past recipient of a Tier 1 award— including the DAR Medal of Honor, DAR Americanism Medal and Founders Medals—is eligible to be considered for another Tier 1 or Tier 2 award.
Form HG-4002, accessible via the National Information Packet (NIP), contains the application instructions and materials required to submit the nominee dossier electronically.
Suzanne Marie Heske Historian General
The Reporter General recently received a thank you message for awarding a Founders Medal to a nominee submitted by a chapter. Although appreciated, the true thank you belonged to the chapter and its members who dedicated time and efort to recognize and acknowledge a community member’s extraordinary accomplishments worthy of the award. The Ofce of the Reporter General manages the Founders
Medals process, but the real work is done by you—the chapters and members.
Creating a nomination package that will be judged by the trustees and found worthy of this honor and recognition is no easy feat. The nomination form, RPG-FM-3000, includes information on the package contents, format, where and how to submit, deadlines and more. As you prepare a nomination, be sure to review the DAR Handbook for additional information about Founders Medals.
While the composition of the nomination package matters, the more critical factor is how well you tell the story of why this community member deserves the honor. The facts of their extraordinary accomplishments should be clear and concise. Consider the five W’s—who, what, when, where and why—and how. Nomination letters and letters of recommendation providing specific details about what the nominee has done that makes their accomplishments extraordinary— and truly above and beyond—are far more efective than letters filled with general statements of praise and broad statements of their accomplishments.
So, thank you to the DAR members and chapters who recognize their community members for their extraordinary work.
Celebrate Stars & Stripes Forever!
Junelle Linke Mongno Reporter General
If the walls of Memorial Continental Hall could talk, they would tell you about DAR’s role in welcoming new citizens to the United States of America, including the occasion when then-President George W. Bush joined a naturalization ceremony at DAR’s historic National Headquarters.
Since 1919, DAR has welcomed new citizens to the United States of America and helped them assimilate into American culture. From the rehabilitation centers it established on Ellis Island in the 1920s to the DAR Manual for Citizenship, which has been distributed to more than 10 million immigrant families, to its citizenship preparation classes, DAR has served as an important resource for civic education and the attainment of U.S. citizenship.
personally attended one of these ceremonies, giving the keynote address. He acknowledged how appropriate it was to be hosting such a ceremony at Memorial Continental Hall and then praised DAR for the work it has done to help immigrants.
Our House Beautiful plays a pivotal role in these responsibilities, hosting naturalization ceremonies where new citizens take their Oath of Allegiance to the United States for the very first time. On March 27, 2006, then-President George W. Bush
Our House Beautiful With Your #GivingTuesday Contribution
It’s that time of year again when Daughters welcome family and friends into their homes to celebrate the holiday season and the many blessings we all enjoy. In that spirit, DAR has made home and hospitality a focus of its #GivingTuesday campaign, which runs through December 3, 2024. Proceeds from #GivingTuesday will support the President General’s Project to restore Memorial
well.
“Those of us who have been citizens for many years have responsibilities as well. Helping new citizens assimilate is a mission that unites Americans by choice and by birth,” said President Bush. “I appreciate the work of patriotic organizations like the Daughters of the American Revolution. Some of the new Americans here today might have used the DAR Manual for Citizenship to prepare you for the citizenship test.”
President General Pamela Rouse Wright has made the restoration of Memorial Continental Hall the centerpiece of her President General’s Project to restore the building to its former glory and safeguard the treasures and stories it holds, stories like the one you have just read. Learn more about this initiative at www.dar.org/restoration
Continental Hall. This once-in-a-generation restoration is already underway, and we are seeing tremendous progress. DAR intends to keep the momentum rolling through the end of this year and into 2025.
The President General entitled this restoration project “If These Walls Could Talk” to highlight the fact that our House Beautiful is more than a building. It is a home. Our home. This #GivingTuesday, please consider making a donation to DAR to help preserve our home in time for the America 250! celebrations and for generations to come.
Visit www.dar.org/itsourhome to make a secure online donation and for more details on this year’s campaign.
For the first time in its history, DAR is an ofcial participant in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the federal workforce’s charitable giving program, which runs from September 2024 through mid-January 2025.
The CFC has raised more than $8 billion (over $70 million in 2023 alone). Now, DAR can benefit from the generosity of the tens of thousands of federal employees, retirees and military personnel who participate in the program annually.
Every federal employee, DAR members and non-members alike, may support DAR through their CFC contributions.
The theme for DAR’s CFC is “Celebrate Stars and Stripes Forever.” All donations will help DAR fulfill its mission to preserve American ideals by protecting historic sites and artifacts, fostering education in American history through scholarships and events, inspiring Patriotism by caring for active duty servicemembers and Veterans, and connecting people to their Patriot ancestors through DAR’s world-glass genealogy library.
Daughters who are federal employees or retirees can support DAR’s CFC by making a donation (see right sidebar). All Daughters can help by spreading the word about DAR’s campaign (see below).
If you are a federal employee, retiree or military family, you can give to DAR through the CFC for the first time. Here is how:
1. Make an online pledge. Visit www.cfcgiving.opm.gov and search for DAR. This is the easiest way for federal employees to give through the CFC.
2. The CFC has an ofcial app which allows you to search for charities and make donations. Download the app for Apple or Android devices by searching “CFC Giving” in the app store.
3. Text “Donate” to (978) 487–5678 to receive the link to the quick pledge page. Complete the form, search for DAR on the charity list and submit payment information.
4. Submit a paper pledge form. If online, app or text giving is not for you, you may download and submit a pledge form. (For instructions, see www.givecfc.org/pledgeform.)
By
Marla Suter - DAR’s first CFC is underway, and there are many ways you can support this campaign. As soon as I heard about it, I knew that I had to share it with my military unit. I copied the links and emailed them right away.
Of course, if you are a federal employee, retiree, active duty servicemember or Veteran, you can make a donation through the CFC program. Just scan the QR code below. However, you can also help by encouraging people within your federal agency to make a donation to DAR through the CFC. All Daughters, federal employees and non-federal employees alike, can help spread the word about DAR’s campaign through their various social media channels.
For those interested in becoming a champion for DAR’s CFC within their federal agency or via social media, please visit www.dar.org/cfc for more information, and be sure to follow and share all of DAR’s CFC-related social media promotions with your friends and colleagues.
1. CFC is one of the most successful workplace giving programs in the world.
2. All federal employees, retirees and active duty military can participate.
3. Visit www.dar.org/cfc for more information.
4. Visit www.cfcgiving.opm.gov and search for DAR to make a donation.
5. DAR’s CFC number is 15918
Chapter and Every State Eligible to Participate
Sustainer Challenge Award Categories
Awards for the 10,000 Sustainers in Year 10 Challenge will include:
1. All chapters with 10% or more Sustainer participation.
That’s right, every DAR chapter and every State Society has an opportunity to be recognized in the “10,000 Sustainers in Year 10 Challenge,” culminating in ceremonies at the 134th Continental Congress in June 2025. With DAR ofering a wide variety of award categories, all chapters, both big and small, have the chance to make their mark in this head-to-head competition.
For as little as $5 per month, members can sign up to support any one of 30 diferent funds, including the DAR General Fund or the President General’s Project, which supports the vital renovation work in Memorial Continental Hall. Your monthly contribution can be made by credit card or through EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) directly from your bank account. To become a Sustainer, visit www.dar.secure donor.com/sustainer.
For members already making monthly contributions, increasing your monthly gift—even by just 10% per month—will help increase the total amount contributed by both your chapter and State Society. Even a small increase in your monthly gifts can have a huge impact for both the National Society and your chapter. To make changes to your monthly account, visit www.dar.org/SustainerPortal.
Getting more members of your chapter signed up means more Sustainers for your State Society, too. More Sustainers in your chapter also means more Chapter Achievement Award (CAA) points (Section 9A). Visit www.dar.org/StateStats to check out the latest Sustainer figures, view all the Year 10 Challenge award categories and order Sustainer materials for your chapter or State Society.
For assistance call the Ofce of Development at (800) 449–1776.
2. The top five chapters with the highest total percentage of Sustainers per chapter membership.
3. The top five chapters with the highest total dollar contributions per month.
4. The top five chapters with the largest total number of Sustainers.
STATE SOCIETY AWARDS
1. The top five State Societies with the highest total percentage of Sustainers per State Society membership count.
2. The top five State Societies with the highest total dollar contributions per month.
3. The top five State Societies with the largest total number of Sustainers.
4. The top five State Societies with the largest increase in total number of Sustainers.
(From January 1, 2024, to June 3, 2025)
Make Your Donation a Monthly Gift!
Sign up today to become a Sustaining Supporter and be counted in Fiscal Year 2024 for Chapter Achievement Awards credit (Section 9A) for your chapter! Your chapter earns 10 points for every active Sustainer—this year and every year!
The Race for the State with the Highest Percentage of Sustainers is On!
AR, CT, DE, KS, MA, ME, OH, OK, RI, VA, WI, WV
California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming
The following are the State Societies with the highest percentages of members who are also Sustaining Supporters as of September 1, 2024.
IN, LA, MN, MO, NY, PA, SC, VT
Alabama, Florida, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas
IL, IA, MS & Units Overseas
Remember This Photo from the “5,000 Sustainers in 5-Year Challenge?” This Time We’re Going to Need a Bigger Ladder! In 2019, DAR celebrated signing up 5,000 Sustaining Supporters for the program’s 5th anniversary with a group photo and made plans to celebrate again in year 10!
DAR donor Jacqueline Leahy recently discussed her reasons for supporting the 1890 Annual Giving Circle and General Fund:
“I chose the General Fund to be my primary method of giving because I felt the organization … may have greater insight into the current needs of the organization or the current mission areas or particular opportunities that come up in the community to support…. I trust my leadership, and by giving to that fund, I’m giving them that flexibility.”
Visit www.dar.org/giving for more information.
Now is the time to join the ranks of over 2,000 Daughters who will join the DAR 1890 Annual Giving Circle, Class of 2024! By contributing $500 or more to the DAR General Fund during a fiscal year—January 1 through December 31—you will be recognized in this vital giving circle, joining a distinguished group of women committed to preserving our nation’s history and inspiring future generations.
Your support is vital to DAR’s mission, and your generous gift fuels the heart of our work, powering essential programs and initiatives, including:
• Maintaining our two National Historic Landmarks,
• Providing around-the-clock security for our building and treasures,
• Tending to our beautiful grounds,
• Supporting educational opportunities and patriotic endeavors,
• And so much more!
As a member of the 1890 Annual Giving Circle, you will receive special recognition for your dedication to our shared mission while investing in a future where the spirit of patriotism and service continues to thrive.
Conclude this year with a powerful statement of support for DAR. Join the 1890 Annual Giving Circle so that together, we can ensure the spirit of our National Society and the service of its Daughters lives on for generations to come.
You will want to be on the lookout in early December for your copy of the 2025 DAR Wall Calendar, a one-of-a-kind keepsake that is truly for Daughters and by Daughters.
This year’s calendar features tantalizing tablescapes created by Daughters around the country, showcasing the diverse ways we celebrate events, extend hospitality and share stories with those who gather at our tables all year round.
As all Daughters know, even when the fork and knife are not in the right place, we are always in the right place when we are with family and friends. This is where historic preservation happens, whether we are swapping family stories, engaging in robust conversation about our shared values or appreciating the many blessings we receive as citizens of our great country.
All donations made online or through the mail will support the General Fund, which enables DAR to extend hospitality to guests who visit our shared home in Washington, D.C. Please visit www.dar.org/tantalizingtablescapes or scan the QR code on the right to make a secure online donation.
The DAR Magazine Committee congratulates the winning chapter of the 2023 Spread the American Spirit Contest! For the third time, Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter, Folsom, Calif., achieved the highest percentage of magazine subscriptions within the chapter with 180%, based on the ratio of total subscriptions to total membership as of January 1, 2023. Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter was recognized for its hard work by DAR Magazine Committee National Chair and Editor-in-Chief Lisa Christensen Melland in her presentation during the 133rd Continental Congress.
Congratulations to our 2023 President General’s Special Recognition Award Winners! (Chapters with the largest number of subscriptions based on membership count categories.)
• Lady Washington (6056TX) 151+ members
• Sarah Polk (3130TN) 101-150 members
• Battle Born (8012NV) 51-100 members (Tie)
• King’s Gap (3143GA) 51-100 members (Tie)
• Charlotte Parkhurst (8214CA) ...................................................................... 0-50 members
the 133rd Continental Congress
Let the Spirit Sparkle in Your Chapter in the 2024 Share the Spirit Subscription Contest! Remember: any new, renewal and gift subscription orders received by the DAR Magazine Ofce by December 31, 2024, will contribute to your chapter’s subscription percentage. For more information, visit the DAR Magazine Committee’s webpage on the DAR Members’ Website.
The 2024 Chapter Achievement Award year for magazine/ newsletter subscriptions and newsletter advertising covers the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Payment for contributions for newsletter advertising credit for CAA 2024 must be postmarked by December 31, 2024 (even though ads may appear after the December 31 deadline).
Subscriptions that are active on December 31, 2024, and submitted through your chapter, including subscriptions to schools, libraries, professional ofces, etc., also count
toward Chapter Achievement Award Credit. This includes all subscriptions on the November/December 2024 mailing list, and any subscriptions processed between the November/ December 2024 magazine mailing and December 31, 2024. Make sure you get those subscriptions in by the deadline and check the DAR Magazine/Newsletter 2024 Chapter Achievement Awards Planning Guide Points System found in the “Contests” section of the DAR Magazine Committee’s webpage on the DAR Members’ Website! Make sure your chapter receives 2024 Chapter Achievement Award Credit for newsletter advertising and subscriptions!
2 0 2 3 C O N T E S T W I N N E R S
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Grand Prize Winner
2023 “Spread the American Spirit” Subscription Contest
Charlotte Parkhurst, California 180%
Bobbi Bennett, Regent
PRESIDENT GENERAL’S SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Chapters with the largest number of subscriptions based on membership count in each category:
Category 151+ members
Lady Washington, Texas
167 subscriptions 654 members
Category 101-150 members
Sarah Polk, Tennessee
118 subscriptions 114 members
Category 51-100 members (Tie)
Battle Born, Nevada
69 subscriptions 64 members
King’s Gap, Georgia
69 subscriptions 70 members
Category 0-50 members
Charlotte Parkhurst, California
76 subscriptions 42 members
Chapters with the greatest percentage of subscriptions based on the ratio of total subscriptions to total membership in each geographical division:
NE: Norwalk-Village Green, Connecticut
E: Harmony Hall, Maryland
SE: Sarah Polk, Tennessee
EC: Captain John Lillard, Kentucky
NC: David City, Nebraska
SC: Eagle Mountain, Texas
NW: Emma Edwards Green, Idaho
SW: Charlotte Parkhurst, California
UO: Mariana Islands, Guam
States with the greatest percentage increase in subscriptions in each membership category:
Over 10,000: Florida
7,501–10,000: California
5,001–7,500: Missouri
3,001–5,000: South Carolina
2,001–3,000 Connecticut
500–2,000: Idaho
Under 500: Hawaii
Units Overseas: Italy
The chapter with the highest number of chapter and commercial ads: (Tie)
Isaac Garrison, Missouri Tombstone, Arizona
The chapter in each geographical division with the highest total advertising revenue (including chapter and commercial ads):
Northeastern (CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT) Rhode Island Independence, Rhode Island
Eastern (DE, DC, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
Matochshoning-Rebecca Cornell New Jersey
Southeastern (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN) Pelican Island, Florida
East Central (IN, KY, MI, OH, WV) Stoney Creek, Michigan
North Central (IL, IA, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI) Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota
South Central (AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX) Isaac Garrison, Missouri
Northwestern (Tie) (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY) Alaska, Alaska
Colonel John Mitchell, Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska
Natalia Shelikof, Alaska Sleeping Lady, Alaska
Southwestern (AZ, CA, CO, HI, NV, NM, UT) Tombstone, Arizona
Overall Winner (Tie)
Isaac Garrison, Missouri Tombstone, Arizona
The state in each of the geographical division with the highest total advertising revenue (including chapter and commercial ads):
NE: New York
E: Virginia
SE: Florida
EC: Michigan
NC: Illinois
SC: Texas
NW (Tie): Oregon & Washington
SW: California
UO: Canada
Overall Winner: Texas
The state in each membership division with the highest advertising revenue (including chapter and commercial ads):
Over 10,000: Texas
7,501–10,000: Illinois
5,001–7,500: New York
3,001–5,000: Michigan
2,001–3,000: Louisiana
500–2,000: Iowa
Under 500: Rhode Island
UO: Canada
The states with 100% participation in the Chapter Achievement Awards contributions in newsletter advertising:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Hawaii
Kansas
Maryland
Michigan
Montana
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma Oregon
South Carolina
South Dakota
Utah
Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wyoming
Units Overseas Chapters
100% participation in newsletter advertising:
Captain James Cook, Australia Bytown, Canada
New Caledonia, Canada
Pacific Dogwood, Canada
Upper Canada, Canada Rochambeau, France
Palatinate, Germany
Mariana Islands, Guam
Pax Romana, Italy
Sasebo, Japan
España, Spain
St. James, United Kingdom
Walter Hines Page, United Kingdom
DAR is proud to announce Lois MacMillan as the 2023 Outstanding Teacher of American History. This prestigious honor was presented to MacMillan during the Education Awards Night Ceremony on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the 133rd Continental Congress in Washington, D.C. The evening highlighted excellence in education, with MacMillan being one of the standout recipients for her dedication to the teaching of American history.
MacMillan’s impressive career as a high school educator in Grants Pass, Ore., spans over 30 years. During this time, she has taught at every educational level from kindergarten through high school. Currently, she teaches American and world history at Grants Pass High School, where her passion for history and her commitment to student engagement are evident in every lesson. Over her illustrious career, MacMillan has also taught AP Government and Politics and developed innovative ways to make history come alive for her students.
Beyond her work in the classroom, MacMillan has made significant contributions to the broader field of history education. She facilitated a Founding Era curriculum for over 750 Title I high schools in 14 cities across the United States, demonstrating her commitment to making history accessible to all students. In 2021, she was honored as Oregon’s James Madison Fellow, a recognition that underscores her expertise and dedication to civic education.
MacMillan’s involvement with prestigious organizations further highlights her influence in the field of history education. She is a Master Teacher for the Gilder Lehrman Institute, where she has led more than 30 summer seminars in collaboration with renowned American historians. Her role as a Teacher Advisor for the Gilder Lehrman Institute, the National Council of History Education and the National Constitution Center speaks to her leadership and commitment to advancing history education nationwide.
Ms. Mac, as she is afectionately known by her students, is renowned for her ability to connect the past with the present. She brings diverse stories, personal emotions and community connections into her lessons, making history relevant and engaging for her students. Her innovative approach to teaching history has earned her accolades, including Oregon’s Civic Teacher Award for a student project that honored Oregon’s fallen soldiers since 9/11.
MacMillan’s accolades are numerous. In 2006, she earned Oregon’s History Teacher of the Year title, and in 2018, she received the Grammy Museum’s Jane Ortner Education Award. This award recognized her creation of a unique six-lesson history unit for 8th graders, inspired by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway phenomenon, “Hamilton.” Her curriculum used the music and story of “Hamilton” to engage students with American history in a new and exciting way, earning her national recognition.
In 2018, MacMillan took a one-year sabbatical in New York City, where she worked closely with Title I high school teachers and students across the country on the Founding Era curriculum. This unique experience culminated in students attending a live performance of “Hamilton” on Broadway, a moment that brought history to life in an unforgettable way.
Lois MacMillan’s passion for history and dedication to her students have made her a truly deserving recipient of DAR’s 2023 Outstanding Teacher of American History Award. Her work continues to inspire both her students and her fellow educators, and DAR is honored to recognize her contributions to the field of history education.
DAR Fabric Snowglobe Christmas Ornament
This circular velvet Christmas ornament displays the DAR Memorial Continental Hall building adorned with beads and pearls, which simulate Christmas lights and snow on the ground. The name “Daughters of the American Revolution” is written in silver string beads on flared red velvet at the bottom of the ornament. The back of the ornament is navy blue velvet. Size: 3.63" x 4.25" 2223F – $20
SHIPPING: Amount of Sale (Shipping & Handling): Less than $9.99 ($5); $10–$24.99 ($7); $25–$39.99 ($9); $40–$59.99 ($11); $60–$79.99 ($13); $80–$99.99 ($15); $100–$149.99 ($20); $150–$199.99 ($25); $200 or more ($35). Orders outside the United States (add $40)
Administrative Committees
PROPERTY BEAUTIFICATION AND HOSPITALITY
Sparkle and shine; it is once again holiday time at DAR Headquarters! The PB&H team is busy decorating the hall to welcome you as we celebrate the holiday season with a new look for a winter wonderland experience. Once again, this committee has transformed our beautiful home to celebrate our President General’s love of the holiday season. On December 9, 2024, we open our doors to DAR members, their families and the local public for a festive evening. Visitors are welcome to wander around and enjoy the many holiday trees that will be on display throughout. There will be docents available to provide information to visitors at various locations as you walk through and enjoy the many trees. Our younger visitors will have an opportunity to visit with Santa where they can share their holiday wish lists. If you are interested, we are asking for a donation of a children’s book for our yearly charity drive.
As you stroll through the hall of this winter wonderland you will find those yummy cookies, hot chocolate and hot cider that are always a treat. This is always a wonderful evening to just wander through DAR Headquarters with the most beautiful decorations, take pictures with friends that will last a lifetime, have a sweet or two and enjoy joy and friendship with others. Our DAR Store will be available for some holiday shopping, so look for those wonderful gifts for your friends and family.
May your holiday sparkle with moments of love, laughter and goodwill, and may the year ahead be full of happiness, good health and joy.
Maureen Tipton National Chair
Genealogy Committees
DAR GENEALOGY COMMISSION
Bah Humbug! Is that how you feel sometimes when you are stuck on a genealogy research issue? No holiday spirit at all?
Well, let the DAR genealogy-related committees cheer you up with their help.
Do you have a proven line to an ancestor but cannot find service for him or her? When was the last time you checked the Patriot Records Index in the GRS? This National Chair recently found service there for an ancestor of a prospective member who had very limited viable lineage to work with. The Patriot Records Committee is indexing new sources of service constantly. Sources of service tied up with a red bow!
How about the GRC? This National Chair proved a parent/child link using the GRC for one of her own Patriots. Have you checked out the Bible Record Index? Bible transcriptions that were submitted in GRC volumes have their own heading in the GRS, and the DAR Genealogy Preservation Committee is currently updating the index. Another great present!
Do you have a DAR Application ready to submit but you are not sure about the lineage or service? Run it by the Peer Review team in the Lineage Research Committee. Two trained members will review the paper and give you their opinion on any issues that might lead to an AIR.
What about your own Supplemental application? Did you get an AIR and are you flummoxed as to how to solve the problem? Contact the Volunteer Genealogists Supplemental AIRS team for suggestions.
These are just a few of the ways that you can personally utilize some of the wonderful resources provided by the genealogy-related committees. Their members are truly a gift to us all!
Jeannine Dobbins National Chair
As we reflect on 2024, the DAR Genealogy Preservation Committee would like to thank our many volunteers who have given freely of their time and talent to keep our projects moving forward. We are truly blessed to have such dedicated Daughters working to index DAR organizational, genealogical
and membership records into searchable databases.
The Historian General’s Marker Card Project is our newest project, and our volunteers have enjoyed learning about our Patriot ancestors and sharing interesting information from the cards on our DOC page. Nancy Russell, an Indexer from Florida, wrote “When I was doing data entry, I came across a Patriot buried in Brewster, MA. As I was headed there on vacation, I wrote down his information. With the help of a local historian, I located the gravestone for Kenelm Winslow who was buried in 1833. This event brought the project full circle for me!” In this project volunteers are indexing over 177,000 cards that were stored in the Ofce of the Historian General. These cards contain information about DAR markers including those for Revolutionary War soldiers, Real Daughters, members and historical markers. The committee is excited to share that the indexed information is now available on the GRS by clicking on the Rev War tab and selecting the DAR Revolutionary War Grave Marker Index.
For almost 20 years the Descendant’s Project has indexed new member applications and supplementals for the Descendants Database. Our outstanding volunteers have been diligently closing the lag time between when an application is approved and when it is uploaded to the GRS to better serve our members.
The Supporting Documentation team continues their work ensuring that the many documents that accompany our applications are identified by type and categorized correctly. Once the records are categorized, locating a specific document becomes quicker and easier for those who use these records throughout the application process.
It is with great thanksgiving that the DAR Genealogy Preservation Committee takes this moment to acknowledge the generosity of our sparkling volunteers!
Susan Lovell Cook National Vice Chair - Communications
It’s a busy time of year, but please take time to save the dates of Monday, May 5 through Wednesday, May 7, 2025 for the fourth annual DAR Genealogy Research Institute [GRI]. Registration packets will be available for pickup at the Welcome Reception scheduled for Sunday, May 4 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Those arriving in D.C. too late for the Sunday event will be able to pick up their registration packets on Monday, May 5 at 8 a.m.
Concurrent sessions focused on DARoriented topics will be held each morning, with industry experts presenting master class sessions in Constitution Hall in the afternoon. The afternoon lectures will focus on research techniques designed to assist you in polishing your genealogy research skills. Speakers and topics will be announced on the GRI committee webpage of the DAR members website, so check there frequently for updates!
There will again be a discounted room block for attendees at a D.C. hotel within walking distance of the DAR building complex. Be sure to note these important dates; the GRI room block will open on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Registration for the Institute is scheduled to open on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. GRI registration is limited to the first 200 participants. The registration fee [minus Eventbrite fees] will be refunded for cancellations received by Wednesday, April 1, 2025.
Pre-event Zoom sessions for all registered attendees are planned for February, March, and April, to ensure attendees are prepared to maximize their GRI participation. There will also be a private community on the DAR Daughters Online Community [DOC] for attendees to facilitate exchange of ideas. If you don’t have a friend or family member attending GRI with whom you can share hotel expenses, the pre-event Zoom meetings and the GRI DOC group may assist you in making a roommate connection.
Hope you can join us for the 2025 DAR Genealogy Research Institute!
Marcy Carter-Lovick National Chair
The Genealogical Records Committee is so thankful for all our volunteers. We want to highlight a special group who makes it possible for researchers to see if a record in the collection will answer their question.
Our indexers take the information from the volumes submitted to the DAR Library and make them searchable on the GRS. These dedicated ladies work from home with a volume matching names with page numbers.
To celebrate their hard work, we are relaunching the Bookworm Pin. This adorable pin can be earned by entering names. It is a perfect winter project.
Please reach out to grc@dar.org to volunteer.
Catherine Medich National Chair
We have all been told that every cloud has a silver lining, although sometimes they are hard to find. The huge backlog of Supplemental applications that led to processing times in excess of two years for some papers was certainly a dark cloud for all Daughters waiting to see that cherished word “verified” pop into eMembership. And yet, that too has resulted in some good things.
First, the best news is that working with the Genealogy Department, Registrar General Cindy Parnell identified ways that carefully selected and trained Daughters could take some of the workload of the staf. This has resulted in a decrease in the backlog, a streamlined review process, and more verified Supplemental applications. YEA!
The involvement of Daughters in the process also cast a spotlight on the fact that MANY of us were submitted
poorly prepared applications—both for Supplementals and prospective Member applications. Armed with this information, state registrars across the nation have embraced the job of better training for chapter registrars and others preparing applications. Many have also formed state level review teams stafed with DAR trained volunteers who peer review applications, thus decreasing the likelihood of a letter asking for additional information (AIR). Well prepared applications result in faster review times—a win/win for everyone!
For states without a team to review applications before they are submitted, the national Lineage Research Committee stands ready to assist. To learn how to obtain a peer review of an application for a new member, see the Lineage Research Committee webpage or contact Diana Kading at LR.virtualsupport@nsdar.org. Susan Johnston National Chair
Everyone learns in different ways. We have done Zoom training sessions, recorded videos about indexing in our project as well as having a 20+ page instruction document. We have recently created a Help Document for our current Group 1141 with screen shots of images from the group showing exactly how they would be indexed. This visual graph matching the image to the index entries is another way to help our volunteers learn.
Our ‘rules’ about not taking, saving, or sharing screen shots of our project is still in efect. We received special permission from the DAR Library Director, Stephanie Tusczynski, to do this for this one group only.
This Help Document has been well received by our volunteers and has even been updated with additional examples. You can locate this document in the Daughters Online Community (DOC) in the Patriot Records Project Community in our Library. Check it out to see if our project may be a fit for you.
If you are interested in volunteering for our project, volunteer now by emailing us at patriotrecords@nsdar.org
To query our index at dar.org/grs and click on the Rev War tab. Check us out!
Judy Halter National Chair
During this year’s 133rd Continental Congress your Specialty Research Committee had the most exciting and memorable exhibit during Sparkle in Service Night. The energy and enthusiasm for this committee was simply over the top! National Vice Chairs Debbie Duay, Kristin Petersen, Molly Long Fernandez de Mesa and Louise Ganucheau answered tons of questions along with several team members. As last year, our pop-up banner drew great attention as people stopped by to have their photos taken. Members came by to share their own specialty research stories or the story of someone in their chapter. Many asked for ideas on how to reach out to women from more diverse backgrounds and for research resources. One of the questions that we had to clarify was that Dutch Research is not the Dutch who settled in New York or New Jersey, rather the Dutch bankers and merchants in the Netherlands who aided and financed the American Revolution. We are always here to explain and clarify what we do and what specialty research is. Being a new committee there are lots of questions. Most questions can be answered on the Specialty Research Committee landing page on the members’ website, by reading past threads on the DOC or looking under the specific research tab on the DOC Library.
Mary Anthony Startz National Chair
It is the final year of the Wright Administration, and there is so much about which to be thankful and joyful. It’s time to celebrate and take stock of our members’ and chapters’ accomplishments. Has your chapter worked to revitalize and develop itself? Have you spread joy in your communities by welcoming new citizens, honoring Veterans, supporting active-duty military personnel, adopting a teacher, classroom or school, presenting awards to deserving individuals in the community, participated in community and local historic preservation projects, organized or took part in a community clean-up project, had a booth at the local fair or farmers’ market or rode in parades, gave a historic program at a local school, or worked on a project with another chapter?
Did you welcome new members? Did you make your current and new members feel excited about being a part of your chapter? Be sure to share with everyone all the chapter’s successes, so that they understand how their continued membership and support contributes to the success of your chapter.
If your members and chapter participated in any of the aforementioned activities or in any of the myriads of other projects in which the DAR is involved, you should be joyful and feeling blessed by the service that you and your chapter members have provided for members of your community. If your chapter wasn’t as active, make a resolution for the coming year to get involved. Invite your friends and neighbors to join and become involved so that they too may “Rejoice in our DAR Ties of Service and Friendship.” If you need some guidance and assistance, please be sure to contact your State Organizing Secretary or your Chapter Development and Revitalization Chair. We are here to assist you in any way that we can.
Nancy Schirm Wright National Chair
The 133rd Continental Congress, Celebrate Stars & Stripes Forever!, was a fabulous success! We conducted the annual business of our National Society and honored many outstanding individuals and groups for their service and achievements. The Executive Ofcers, State Regents and National Committee Chairs presented their reports and acknowledged the wonderful achievements of our Daughters, chapters and State Societies. Numerous medals and awards were recognized; our Outstanding Juniors were presented; club and association meetings were held; the “Sparkle in Service” Committee showcase and presentations updated our membership about our committees; and there were shopping and donation opportunities for all. Daughters navigated the Cvent app to keep them on schedule to attend and participate in the many aspects of our Congress. These business sessions, evening events, forums, reports, photos and other information are available through our DAR Members’ Website for you to enjoy!
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our President General Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright; the Executive Committee and the hard-working DAR staf who prepared this memorable Continental Congress; the Information Systems Department, Victor Kunze; and especially the Ofce of the President General, Executive Assistant Liz Partridge, Executive Assistant MaryGrace Arlotto, Operations Ofcer Wendy DavisBushey and General Counsel Lesley Benn; the Public Relations Department, Bren Landon, Amanda DeFrancesco, Winnie Litchfield, Emily Whittaker; Veronica La Du and notably the Congress Coordinator, Candace Mosely.
We recognize the 24 Congress Committee Chairs, who assisted in the countless details for our every success. Special thanks to the DAR volunteers who made your experience sparkle, especially the
Congress Communications Committee and the Pages! Please plan to attend the 134th Continental Congress next year, June 25–29, 2025
Cornelia Olde, Melissa Wetzel
National Co-Chairs
The DAR Tours & Events Committee continues to sparkle in service for the Wright Administration. In October, our committee was honored to organize a celebration of the remarkable relationship between France and the United States with a special series of events in conjunction with the FrancoAmerican Committee. National Board of Management attendees had the opportunity to visit the historic Anderson House to explore the Society of the Cincinnati headquarters, tour the research library, and experience their Fete Lafayette: A French Hero’s Tour of the American Republic exhibition. We wish to express our deep appreciation to the Society of the Cincinnati and the Anderson House staf for their hospitality and generosity! Following the visit, board members traveled to Meridian Hill park in northwest D.C. to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Joan of Arc. This statue was gifted to the United States by Le Lyceum Societe de Femmes de France in 1923. NSDAR President General Anne Rogers Minor was chosen to unveil the statue at its dedication ceremony on behalf of all women of America. It was an honor to pay tribute both to President General Minor and the women of France by placing a wreath at one of the few statues in D.C. honoring a female historical figure.
These French-inspired events served as a little preview of the Wright Administration’s Paris When It Sparkles tour in November. As you are reading this newsletter, more than 130 Daughters, spouses, and guests are traveling to Paris to honor the unbreakable bond that was forged almost 250 years ago between France and the United States. More will be shared about these special
experiences on the President General’s blog and in the next Daughters Newsletter.
Rebecca
Grawl
National Chair
NSDAR is now an ofcial charity for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)! Federal employees, retirees, and military personnel may designate NSDAR as a recipient of charitable contributions made through a payroll deduction, recurring credit card charge, or a one-time donation through the CFC website or mobile app. Federal employees have additional opportunities to support this campaign—you can champion DAR CFC in your workplace, reach out to local CFC coordinators in federal agencies in your community, or participate in local CFC events. Your contributions also qualify for DAR giving societies! Our CFC number is 15918. The article on page 470 of this issue, and www.dar.org/cfc, has more information about this exciting new opportunity.
Giving Tuesday, created in 2012 as a global initiative unleashing the power of generosity, is just around the corner on December 3. Our goal is to raise $250,000 to restore DAR’s first National Historic Landmark, Memorial Continental Hall, for our nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Watch your email and the President General’s Blog for more information, to participate, or to become part of the DAR Philanthropy Network team!
Please join us as we march toward our goal of 10,000 Sustaining Supporters in time for the 134th Continental Congress. As a Sustaining Supporter, you support the funds of your choice, up to a maximum of eight diferent funds, with a minimum contribution of $5 per fund, per month. Giving $42 a month to the General Fund, the area of greatest need, for 12 months in a calendar year qualifies you for recognition in the 1890 Annual Giving Circle There’s a pin for that! We encourage Sustaining Supporters to increase their
monthly donations by 10 percent before Congress. We will recognize those who do so and the state societies with the highest percentage of Sustaining Supporters! Questions? Please call the Of ce of Development at (800) 449–1776, M – F, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., or schedule a convenient time to speak with our staf at https:// dar.10to8.com
Our best wishes for a safe and sparkling holiday season!
Leigh Haislip Spencer National Vice Chair
- Development
Thank you, Daughters, for warmly welcoming our Insignia Volunteers and DAR Insignia Store staf at our traveling Insignia Pop-Up Shops this fall! They are glad for the opportunity to bring pin and ofcial ribbon sales directly to our members at state events and Continental Congress. As we approach the holiday season, consider giving the gift of sparkle from the DAR Insignia Store http://dar.org/insignia
Expansion of Pin Requirements for the French Alliance Spanish Alliance and Patriots Abroad Pins
In June 2024, the NSDAR Executive Committee approved expanding the pin requirements for the French Alliance Pin, Spanish Alliance Pin and Patriots Abroad Pin. Daughters may continue to wear these three pins as a commemorative, and Daughters who descend from a Patriot with qualifying service may also wear the applicable pin in the State Pin for Ancestor’s Service category.
The pin may be worn as a commemorative pin with no pin requirements. It may also be worn as a State Pin for Patriot Ancestor’s Service. Members with an approved DAR Patriot with a state of service listed as Spain, Spanish America, Mexico, Cuba, California, Florida, Louisiana or Texas. Approval required.
French Alliance 1778-1794 Pin
The pin may be worn as a commemorative pin with no pin requirements. It may also be worn as a State Pin for Patriot Ancestor’s Service. Members with an approved DAR Patriot with a state of service listed as France may wear this pin in recognition of that service. Approval required.
Patriots Abroad Pin
The pin may be worn as a commemorative pin with no pin requirements. It may also be worn as a State Pin for Patriot Ancestor’s Service. Members with an approved DAR Patriot with a state of service that is not part of the French Alliance, Spanish Alliance or one of the thirteen original colonies. Approval required.
Join us as we celebrate Patriots from all backgrounds on our ofcial ribbons for America 250!
Thank you for celebrating Stars & Stripes Forever with DAR Insignia.
Mary M. Tedesco National Chair
How do we get members to become engaged? This is a common question posed. The importance of this question extends beyond member engagement to member retention.
Fundamental to a member’s engagement is her connection to the chapter and her relationship to her fellow chapter members. It is natural that when a person feels included
Show your support by contributing to the Friends of American Spirit program. Eligibility to purchase the Friends of American Spirit pin is based on the following criteria:
and part of the group, she will be more likely to participate. Fostering a chapter climate which is welcoming and inclusive is imperative. Take a moment to look for what can be done to ensure that members feel included and valued. When surveyed, members who have not renewed their membership often cite not feeling connected to the chapter as their reason.
Members are more likely to engage when the event is meaningful, and they feel like their time is well used. Activities become meaningful if they are aligned to interests. When planning, get input from members to see what they might like to do. This makes them part of the process and feel connected. Their willingness to help with implementation increases when it is of interest.
1. The donor must simultaneously make a NEW $100 contribution to the Friends of American Spirit Fund via the Donations and Contributions form (DEV-1003) available in the National Information Packet and on the DAR Members’ Website at www.dar.org/sites/default/files/members/darnet/forms/DEV-1003-DON.pdf.
2. The donor must also purchase five 1-year NEW gift subscriptions all at one time at a cost of $120 (five 1-year subscriptions at $24 each) using the Friends of American Spirit Gift Subscription form (MAG-2000), which is also available from the DAR Members’ Website at www.dar.org/sites/default/files/members/darnet/forms/MAG-2000.pdf
NOTE: Do not use the Chapter Subscription form (MAG-1003) or any other subscription form for this purpose.
Please note that only NEW subscriptions count toward the five gift subscriptions required for eligibility to purchase the pin. Gift renewals are not eligible. The five NEW gift subscriptions must be sent in as a group and not submitted individually throughout the year. Both forms (DEV-1003 and MAG-2000), plus two separate checks made payable to the Treasurer General, NSDAR (one $100 check and one $120 check,) must be submitted to the DAR Magazine Office in one package in order to qualify to purchase the Friends of American Spirit pin. Credit card payments are also acceptable. For more information about this program, please contact the DAR Magazine Office at (202) 879–3248
On the flipside, sometimes an activity that a chapter has done for several years has run its course and interest has waned. It is time to do something diferent. Do not be afraid to change but recognize that change can be hard for some.
DAR is an organization which has members who just ofcially became adults and members who are centenarians. A member’s ability to engage ebbs and flows with her life circumstances. It is important to recognize this. Ofering varied activities which take into account factors such as cost, location and transportation, to name a few, is important. Be sure to share the many ways a member can contribute from home.
Publicity is key. A singular mode of communication is not enough. A multifaceted approach must be taken. Asking members personally to participate is very efective. When asked, the person is more likely to feel wanted and valued.
Member connection is the essential thread. It ties together the elements which support engagement, which in turn supports member retention.
Laura Druker National Chair
Have you started working on your Chapter Master Report (CMR)? It’s tempting to procrastinate until January, but the more time you devote to your CMR, the more chance your chapter’s eforts will be recognized. It takes time to remember all of your chapter’s incredible work and the many ways you promoted it to your current members, prospective members and the public at large.
When it comes to Public Relations & Media, submitting supplementary materials and samples to your State Chair is a must for recognition! Without samples of your chapter brochures, newsletters, social media, electronic media, print coverage, broadcast coverage coverage and commemorative events publicity, we can’t see how much you are sparkling! One tip
is to think about your Public Relations & Media Committee report alongside all of the other committee reports. Each of your chapter projects should have a PR component. For instance, if your chapter members met for an afternoon social to stuf backpacks for your neighborhood school, you should report that to the Community Classroom Committee—and you should share your chapter newsletter articles and social media posts about the event with your State Public Relations & Media Chair! Please note that your State Chair does not need physical samples, just digital copies and links.
If you want to learn more about award-winning examples of chapter public relations, please join the Public Relations & Media Committee’s group on the Daughters Online Community. Each of our national award winners for 2023 found incredible ways to tell their stories of DAR service and friendship in attainable ways.
And if you haven’t spent much time on PR during 2024, you still have some time to work on spreading your sparkle before the reporting period ends! The “Share Your Story of Service” webinar available in the DAR Leadership Training webinar library ofers many ideas.
We look forward to seeing and potentially recognizing your amazing work and creativity!
Katherine Johanns National Chair Service
Please join this committee in welcoming its newest National Vice Chair, Pam Smith-Gondek from Florida, who succeeded Pam Dover as National Vice Chair of Literature and Drama. This committee thanks Mrs. Dover for her service over the past two years and wishes her all the best. Also, this past year, Lindy Betts-Heath from Indiana did an outstanding job seamlessly taking over as National Vice Chair of
Crafts, succeeding Margaret Russo. Thank you to Mrs. Betts-Heath and Mrs. Russo for their service to this committee as well.
This committee also wishes all Daughters a very happy holiday season! How is your chapter celebrating this special time of year? Are you presenting programs about how our Patriot ancestors enjoyed holiday traditions? You may download chapter meeting programs from the Reporter General’s webpage on the DAR Members’ Website. Are you creating Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah crafts or handmade cards? Consider mailing them to troops to help them feel more connected to home and earn Chapter Master Report (CMR) points for the DAR Project Patriot and American Heritage Committees. You may also decorate wreaths and gift them to local Veterans Afairs (VA) facilities to earn points for the DAR Service to Veterans Committee.
Speaking of the CMR, has your chapter started on theirs? Do not wait until the last minute to document your 2024 American Heritage Committee activities. You may include projects completed or exhibits visited in the comments section. Please send any photos of your activities to your State Chair, who will forward the best examples to your National Division Vice Chair.
You should also be wrapping up your projects for the 2024–2025 contest, “Memorial Continental Hall: Our Monument to the Patriots of the American Revolution.” Fiber Arts category entries are due to your State Chair; be sure to contact yours for her specific deadline. All other contest category entries are due to the appropriate National Vice Chair from January 2–February 15, 2025. This committee is excited to see how your piece showcases our first building as a tribute to our Patriot ancestors.
May your holiday season sparkle in service and friendship!
Kimberly
Zeman National Chair
“To appreciate others is to unveil the hidden gems within the tapestry of humanity.”
–ANONYMOUS
Committee Contests and Awards
Excitement is in the air as students will soon turn in their essays and videos for this committee’s contests! Now is the time for chapters to reacquaint themselves with the proper forms to submit with their essays and videos to their District Chairs and State Chairs. It is such a joy to read and watch these students showcasing their creativity and talents! If you have any questions, please contact the respective National Vice Chair for each contest:
• American History Essay Contest: Helen Ditto amhist.essaycontest@nsdar.org
• American History Video Contest: Amy Lawson amhist.videocontest@nsdar.org
• Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest: Cathy Hyer amhist.patriotsessay@nsdar.org
There are also opportunities for chapters to recognize students who go above and beyond their study of American history. Chapters may set the criteria for presenting students with an Excellence in American History Award! By recognizing outstanding students, you will encourage their love of American history!
Since the American History Essay and Video Contest questions focus on the Edenton and Wilmington, N.C., tea parties, please share with this committee how your chapter celebrated these events! This committee will feature your photos and articles in the Stars & Stripes Newsletter. Please send your submission to Debbie Cannon, National Vice Chair of Communication/Newsletter, at dfcannon61@gmail.com
Daughters Online Community (DOC)
Have you checked out the items this committee has shared from the DAR
Museum on the DOC? You will surely enjoy these items, which tell the story of American history! It is fascinating to see how our ancestors lived during Colonial times while fighting for independence.
The American History Committee DOC also highlights amazing women in American history. Each week, chapters recognize women and their accomplishments. Look around and see who you can recognize and honor!
Janet Westbrook National Chair
Rejoice in Our DAR Ties of Service and Friendship! as this committee continues honoring and serving the First Americans during the Wright Administration.
This committee offers a beautiful, sparkling pin for sale through the DAR Store. Its colors and design reflect items most meaningful to Native Americans. Purchasing this pin will demonstrate your enthusiasm and dedication to supporting this committee. Daughters may wear this right-side-only pin appropriately everywhere.
November is National American Indian Heritage Month! Plan each chapter meeting with an American Indian Minute, which you may download from this committee’s webpage on the DAR Members’ Website. You may also tailor an American Indian Minute to guest speakers. Throughout November, visit the Daughters Online Community (DOC) daily to discover interesting facts committee members have spent the past year uncovering. Feel free to contribute to the list!
Now is a great time to submit a committee grant application to support Native American organizations. Each grant is limited to $10,000, and last year, this committee presented four grants. You may download the grant application form from this committee’s webpage on the DAR Members’ Website. Please contact your State Chair or National Division Vice
Chair with any questions. The deadline for grant application submissions is January 15, 2025
The DAR Scholarship Committee Online Application Submission Portal opens on November 1, 2024. Encourage Native American students to apply for an American Indians Committee Scholarship. It is never too early to inspire students to apply! Remember that all applications must be completed online through the Academic Works portal.
Finally, please take a “virtual look” at the 2024 Education Luncheon, photos courtesy of Convention Photography at www. conventionphoto.photostockplus.com. During the event, hosted by this committee, the Chickasaw Princesses brought charm and grace with their invocation “signing” of “The Lord’s Prayer.” Consider gifting these photos to Daughters, family and friends this holiday season!
The 250th birthday of the United States will provide numerous opportunities for Native Nations to share their stories and for non-Natives to learn about the land they live on, as well as Native culture, history, arts and modern life.
Continue letting your spirit sparkle for this committee!
Beth Garner National Chair
“Sometimes just doing the first step is enough for you to be a role model for the others.”
The N.S.C.A.R. National Project raises funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free smart homes for first responders in need. DAR has shown overwhelming support for N.S.C.A.R.’s 2024–2025 “Courage, Service, Honor” administration, led by National President Emerson Sites-Byers and Senior National President Jefrey Voris.
Encourage your chapter members to attend C.A.R. events! C.A.R. members of all ages are active in their communities, special projects and leadership roles. They mentor each other through parliamentary procedure, volunteer work and public speaking.
DAR members can also serve as strong leaders and mentors for C.A.R. members! Consider inviting C.A.R. members to participate in Veterans Day parades or Wreaths Across America events with your chapter. Do not forget to fill out the entire C.A.R. Committee section of the Chapter Master Report (CMR) to showcase your chapter’s work!
As the end of 2024 approaches, please help ensure C.A.R. members and societies collect and submit dues on time. C.A.R. life memberships ofer discounted national dues and can be a great holiday gift for that special C.A.R. member in your life!
New and Updated C.A.R. Webpage Sections
The C.A.R. Committee has added more resources to its webpage on the DAR Members’ Website!
• The new “Forms” section contains information about the C.A.R. application process. State Chairs may now use the “State Chair Report Form” to submit reports to their National Division Vice Chairs.
• The “Calendar” section details the typical C.A.R. year, which Daughters may review to see how it aligns with DAR work.
• Updated sections, including the “Pins” section, are now available. Please use this information and consult the N.S.C.A.R. website (www.nscar.org) to help support your local C.A.R. societies and learn more about the N.S.C.A.R. National Project and Program. The C.A.R. Committee is excited to continue supporting our youth and building future leaders!
Vicki Voris National Chair
Looking back 125 years, DAR leaders have remained committed to thanking the people of France for supporting American Patriots during the Revolutionary War. DAR played a significant role in representing the U.S. at the 1900 Paris Exposition, a world’s fair that showcased global technological innovations and cultural achievements. DAR President General Mary Fryer Manning (1898–1901) represented U.S. President William McKinley at this prestigious event, and her presence underscored DAR’s importance in American cultural diplomacy at the turn of the century.
In February 1898, Daughters approved contributing to the purchase of a George Washington bronze equestrian statue, which would be presented to France at the 1900 Paris Exposition. DAR later approved contributing to the cost of erecting a Lafayette monument during the exposition on “United States Day,” July 4, 1900. The April 1899 American Monthly Magazine reported the state and chapter monetary contributions to these two statues.
The April 1900 magazine named a committee of 13 DAR representatives that would attend the Lafayette monument unveiling, as well as approval of a commemorative badge for the event. In March 1990, the National Society’s exhibit of books, magazines, photographs, insignia, china and other artifacts left for Paris. The exhibit received the “Grand Prix,” the highest award given; an artistic bronze medal; and a beautiful diploma.
At the monumental exposition, which attracted more than 50 million visitors and featured groundbreaking technological innovations, DAR demonstrated its commitment to engaging with modern developments while honoring historical ties. The National Society’s presence reflected the growing influence of women’s organizations in public afairs. Chapters are encouraged to research how their state participated in the exposition and share
their findings in programs, newsletters and special events during the 125th anniversary year.
Susan Thomas National Vice Chair 125th Anniversary of DAR Participation in the 1900 Paris Exposition
During this season of giving and gratefulness, this National Chair is honored to recognize and celebrate the leadership team of the Community Service Awards (CSA) Committee. Many thanks to National Vice Chair Linda Jones and National Vice Chair of Communications Nikki Sebastian. This National Chair also extends her gratitude to National Division Vice Chairs: Jacey Powers, Northeastern Division; Nastassia Taylor, Eastern Division; Connelly-Anne Ragley, Southeastern Division; Rachel Borchers, East Central Division; Elizabeth Owens, North Central Division; Ellen Lee, South Central Division; Peggy Salitros, Northwestern Division; and Suzanne Young, Southwestern Division. The CSA team could not have achieved all it has accomplished since the beginning of the Wright Administration without the unwavering dedication of its State Chairs. Many thanks to all State Chairs for their sparkling leadership as they continue to “Lead the Way With CSA” within their states.
As a reminder, the DAR calendar year concludes on December 31, 2024. The deadline for State Chairs to submit their reports to their National Division Vice Chairs is February 25, 2025. The State Chair Annual Report is accessible on this committee’s webpage on the DAR Members’ Website. The CSA Toolkit includes links to download the report as a PDF or an Excel spreadsheet. State Chairs are encouraged to contact their National Division Vice Chairs with any questions. There is still time for chapters to “Lead the Way With Two Community Service Awards.” Chapters will receive five Chapter
Achievement Awards (CAA) points for presenting two CSAs. If chapters present their awards as part of their holiday festivities, they will receive an additional 25 CAA points. Chapters should consider taking advantage of this opportunity by incorporating CSA presentations into their planned events, making them sparkle even more!
You will find that an amazing number of Acts of Random Kindness (ARK) occur throughout the next two months. Please take photos of ARKs and submit them with narratives to communityserviceawards@ nsdar.org. Your ARK submission might be eligible for receiving a $25 donation to the President General’s Project in your chapter’s name.
The CSA team wishes you and your families the best of a wonderful season of giving and gratitude.
Michelle Wherry National Chair
The holiday season is upon us, and there are several ways that you can promote conservation while enjoying these special days. When you plan your holiday meals, try to avoid overbuying and make plans for your leftovers so that you don’t throw food away. Use recycled or reusable giftwrapping materials, such as fabric wraps or reusable gift bags.
When it comes time to choose your Christmas tree, if you prefer a live tree rather than an artificial one, consider getting a tree that is potted, rather than cutting one down. After the holidays, you can plant your tree and enjoy it for years to come. And if you are like me and like to add sparkle to your home by displaying Christmas lights, make sure you are using LED lights. They use much less energy.
If you enjoy the outdoors, and want something meaningful to do around Christmas, consider participating in the Christmas Bird Count. It is the nation’s longest-running community science bird project. The Bird Count is an
early-winter bird census, where thousands of volunteers across the U.S., Canada, and many other countries in the Western Hemisphere, go out over a 24-hour period on one calendar day to count birds. The Bird Count occurs December 14th to January 5th every year. You can learn the details and how to participate on the Audubon Society’s website, www.audubon.org
And if you are looking for a little luck in 2025, there is a Scandinavian tradition of encouraging the kind treatment of birds at Christmas time. They believe that if you spread birdseed outside your doorstep on Christmas morning, thus including the birds in the feasting that takes place inside your home, you will have good luck in the coming year.
Lynne Stallcop National Chair
In November, U.S. citizens will select a new President, Vice President and members of Congress through the general election process. What does the Constitution specifically say about this process?
• Article I, Section 4: The process for electing “Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature.”
• Article II, Section 1: The Electoral College process for selecting the President and Vice President is outlined, including provisions for when there is no clear majority.
However, the Constitution, delivered to the states for ratification in September 1787, did not mention voting as a “right of citizenship.” When did this become explicit?
Perhaps in the Bill of Rights, ratified on December 15, 1789? Not yet. However, the amendment process used for the Bill of Rights did lead to laws outlining “citizenship” and “voting as a right of that citizenship.”
• Amendment XIV, Section 1: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”
• Amendment XIV, Section 2: “Male citizens twenty-one years of age” are the identified voting populace in each state for determining state representation; ratified in 1868.
It took several more amendments to achieve the voting strength of our country today:
• Amendment XV, Section 1: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied ... on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
• Amendment XIX: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied ... on account of sex.”
• Amendment XXIII: The right to vote for President and Vice President was extended to the District of Columbia.
• Amendment XXIV: The poll tax was removed as a voting provision.
• Amendment XXVI: U.S. citizens ages 18 and older received the right to vote. Two additional acts of Congress—the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965—effectively ensured all U.S. citizens ages 18 and older the right to vote.
Take responsibility and vote. Commemorate the Bill of Rights. Continue studying and honoring our Constitution. By doing so, we will Celebrate Stars & Stripes Forever!
Adele Lancaster
National Chair
What a busy and rewarding Continental Congress for the DAR Library Outreach committee. The DAR Library is celebrating its jubilee anniversary, yes seventy-five years in Memorial Continental Hall. Honorary President General, and Past Historian General Edith Scott Magna from Massachusetts said, “Memorial Continental Hall is a memorial to our
Patriots” and it is appropriate that our Patriots’ family histories now reside there. Also, a limited-edition commemorative pin was designed by President General Pamela Rouse Wright which replicated the cartouche below the large eagles on the balcony boxes. Mrs. McNamara had the pleasure of moving the portrait of Mrs. Magna from the upper balcony side wall to a place of prominence which was long overdue. Thank you, Mrs. McNamara. The library held a 75th Anniversary Celebration on June 26, in the beautiful library space. The President General Pamela Wright and Mrs. McNamara invited all Daughters and guests for the reveal of the many current and future projects to update the library’s capabilities. Refreshments were served by the DAR Library Outreach committee and enjoyed by all. The cakes were decorated in true library style featuring the fabulous “Baltimore Clock.”
On Friday night, the committee was “Sparkling “again. Members were dressed in period dress and delighted guests with stories from their lives and place in history during the revolutionary period. Guests were encouraged to sign up for a book mark template to be emailed to them after congress. If you missed our event, please contact the committee and we will be delighted to share the template. Every year the committee events surpass the past year. We look forward to seeing you at Sparkle in Service Night 2025!
Meanwhile ladies ... Keep sparkling!
Holly Blair National Chair
Every museum exhibition requires a skilled individual to oversee the condition of the designated space so that each object will be displayed exactly as envisioned. At the DAR Museum, this responsibility, among others, falls upon Exhibit Preparator and Collections Care Specialist Antonio (Tony) Clark.
Not only does Clark provide technical assistance, but he is also involved in the physical movement of collection objects. He manages the packing, shipping and moving of objects, updating each object’s condition and location in the collections management database as it passes through his hands. Additionally, Clark oversees museum storage and protection, conducting weekly checks to monitor temperature, humidity and water leaks. He also assists in the annual inventory of period rooms and takes on other specialized assignments.
One of Clark’s leading roles is coordinating exhibit installation and dismantlement. He inspects and readies the objects, cutting mats and reframing artwork as needed. Clark also prepares any necessary mounts and displays, working with everything from wires to foam core to ensure each object remains stationary and receives the best presentation possible.
Clark is exceptionally well-suited for this position, having previously worked as a full-time archaeologist specializing in forensic anthropology and later as an exhibits preparator at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. These experiences taught him how to handle objects with great care, but it is his adaptability and flexibility that make him such a valuable addition to the DAR Museum staf
This committee shares a “Fun Fact” about a staf member in each Daughters newsletter issue, and the tradition will continue with Clark. Instead of detailing how he once secured safe passage for three individuals locked in the Quilt Repository due to a swollen door frame in the depths of Memorial Continental Hall, this National Chair will share a fun fact about why he accepted a job across the country. Clark said his parents still live in the D.C. area where he grew up, and he likes that D.C. is a “mecca of museums.” His deep commitment to family and the opportunity to embrace another professional challenge lured him back to the East Coast.
Mernie Crane National Chair
The DAR Project Patriot Committee is pleased to Rejoice in Our DAR Ties of Service and Friendship with the military and their families!
The “Each State Sparkles Project” is an initiative to support the military and their families in each state during the Wright Administration. We have funded projects in 25 states, Guam and Italy. If you know of a project or a need to support the military in your state, please contact this National Chair. Please note, funding cannot be provided for a chapter or state project.
This summer the following projects were funded:
• $7,500 was provided to send military children to summer camps in Texas and West Virginia.
• A $10,000 donation was made to the Hampton Roads ASYMCA Patriot Food Pantry.
• $2,000 donated to sponsor the” Father Daughter Military Ball” in Norfolk, VA. We would like to thank: Cecila Adolphi, Virginia State Chair and members of the following Virginia chapters who volunteered to support the event: Adam Thoroughgood, Fort Nelson, Great Bridge, Lynnhaven Parish, and Princess Anne County.
• $3,500 to sponsor the Holloman Air Force Base Legacy of Liberty Air Show in New Mexico. We would like to thank the following who attended the event: NM State Chair Suzan Garrison, NM State Regent Eleanor Ortiz, and members of the following chapters: Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Portales and Santa Fe.
• $20,000 to sponsor Navy Wounded Warrior’s Month of the Military Caregiver in November.
This National Chair would like to thank Wendy Davis-Bushey, Tony Thomas, LaKeitha Walker, and the Treasurer General’s Ofce staf for their continued work behind the scenes supporting the Each State Sparkles Project.
Committee information and current projects can be found on the committee web page on the Members’ Website at https:// www.dar.org/members/committees/ service-committees/dar-project-patriot/ committee-overview. Please visit the Daughters Online Community (DOC) committee page at community.dar.org. This is a great place to interact with other committee members and chapters.
If you know of an individual, military unit, or family that may need support, please contact this national chair directly. Celebrate Stars & Stripes Forever!
Peggy Thomas Whitcomb National Chair
DAR/SAR/S.R. Relations. This committee is about promoting DAR’s relationship with the National Society Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR) and the General Society Sons of the Revolution (S.R.). This committee endeavors to:
• Promote a congenial and harmonious working relationship for the betterment of our shared objectives.
• Render support and assistance in the area of community-centered events and mutual membership growth.
• Foster shared goals of historic preservation, education and patriotism.
Now, think about “Relations” in another way. Think about the relations of an individual who is a prospective member of the DAR, SAR, or S.R.! When an individual is admitted into one of these societies, anyone in that bloodline is eligible, too, for one or more of these societies! It truly can be a family afair!!
DARs are good finders! SAR appreciates all Daughters who help SAR “find” prospective members, asking them to complete and include a DAR Finder Form (found on the SAR website) as the first page of the prospective SAR’s application.
If you are a Daughter who has “found” a prospective SAR, realize that others in that
family are eligible either for DAR or SAR, and if eligible for SAR, may be eligible for S.R., too! Imagine inviting all the members of the family to a joint meeting of the DAR and SAR chapters where each member of the family is sworn in! WHAT an amazing experience for that family, and for the chapters, too!
Something else to be aware of. If you have “found” a prospective SAR member, does he have other relations who might be interested in joining the SAR? If so, be sure to take advantage of the NSSAR’s “Family Plan.” This plan provides a reduced application fee for additional family relations on the same genealogical line. The family members must be within two linkages (e.g., father & son, grandfather & grandson, brothers). Documentation is needed to prove the generational link to the primary applicant. Family Plan applications must be submitted at the same time and on the same Transmittal Form. (For additional detail, refer to the SAR Application Preparation Guide, sar.org.)
DAR/SAR/S.R. Relations – it’s more than fostering good relations. It’s also about finding and inviting eligible relations to join our lineage societies.
Spread the JOY!
Becky Osbourn
This year marks the sixth time the DAR Scholarship Committee will ofer our committee’s national scholarships using DAR Academic Works (https://dar. academicworks.com), our externally hosted online application system. Our committee has an array of scholarships for graduating high school students, college undergraduates, and graduate students. The window for students to submit their online application is from November 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025. For more information about DAR scholarships, please refer to the DAR public website at: http://www.dar.org/national-society/ scholarships.
New this year: To streamline the DAR Academic Works online submission process for our users, students will now upload their letters of recommendation directly into their own applications. This decision was made after an analysis revealed that many students’ applications were disqualified because their reference givers were not submitting their recommendations by the deadline. Our committee felt in fairness to all our applicants, having them responsible for submitting their letters by deadline was the best course of action. All letters of recommendation must include the reference giver’s name, title, and signature, as well as the date written.
In closing, DAR performs an annual and in-depth review of each scholarships’ financial health with the intention to preserve and safeguard them for the future. This evaluation determines whether a scholarship is ofered each award cycle. It is for this reason some national scholarships may not be awarded every year. In addition, a request was approved this year to support additional scholarships supported in entirety by DAR from the Friends of the DAR Scholarship Fund. As a result, additional OT/PT and Caroline E. Holt Nursing scholarships will be ofered again this year. For the most up-to-date listing of our national scholarships, please view the DAR Scholarship Committee’s public and member websites and the DAR Academic Works website. Barbara Grant National Chair
The DAR School Committee was proud to distribute the Friends of DAR Schools donations at the Education Awards luncheon. The schools received the following disbursements: Berry College, $40,000; Crossnore Communities for Children, $44,000; Kate Duncan Smith DAR School, $45,000; Hillside, $34,000; and Hindman Settlement School, $34,000. In total, we distributed $197,000 from Friends of DAR Schools.
The DAR School Committee is honored to recognize the 2023 Outstanding State and Chapter Chairs!
The following are the 2023 Outstanding State Chairs: Northeastern Division, Janice Teasenfitz, ME; Eastern Division, Hilary Clare, VA; Southeastern Division, MaryDe Heckman Elliston, TN; East Central Division, Mary Ann Devolld, OH; North Central Division, Pamela Scheet, NE; South Central Division, Susan Cornelsen, KS; Northwestern Division, Jane Buck, OR and Southwestern Division, Katie Ellen Henzel, NV.
The following are the 2023 Outstanding Chapter Chairs: Northeastern Division, Sarah Sernaker, Polly Cooper Chapter, NY; Eastern Division, Karen Shanahan, Mary Digges Lee Chapter, MD; Southeastern Division, the entire Fort Nashborough Chapter, TN; East Central Division, Patricia McKenzie, George Clinton Chapter, OH; North Central Division, Lisa Adams Davis, Annis Avery Hill Chapter, WI; South Central Division, Melissa Wilkinson, Sarah Kincaid Cook Chapter, TX; Northwestern Division, Linda Heggem, Black Eagle-Assinniboine Chapter, MT and Southwestern Division, Caroline Kiel Ray, Arrowhead Valley Chapter, CA.
Congratulations for all you do for our Jewels of DAR!
Every quarter we distribute interest from the Ella Atwell Fund. The 1st quarterly share of the Ella Atwell Fund for 2024 was $153,327.12 as follows: $76,663.56 to Crossnore Communities For Children for the purpose of supporting the utility and maintenance expenses associated with Marjorie Williams Academy ($10,218.44), the Belk Dining Hall ($45,347.11), and the Loftis Gymnasium ($18,051.73) all located on the Avery Campus in the mountain town of Crossnore and the remaining $3,046.18 to support personnel expenses at all three locations Avery Campus, Winston-Salem Campus, and Hendersonville Ofce; and $76,663.56 to Kate Duncan Smith DAR School for the following items: for funding
maintenance and repair expenses ($9,441); quarterly utilities ($8,529) and for partial funding labor expenses ($58,693.56).
Dawn
Crumly Lemongello National Chair
This committee chair is incredibly grateful for all the amazing work you did to support our Veterans in 2023!
Here’s a quick roll up of accomplishments that YOU did sparkling with our Veterans (this is not a complete list but just a snapshot!)
• VAVS 101 Handbook -written, approved and published (1 Mar 14 VAVS 101 Handbook - Final (2) (1) (1).pdf (dar.org)
• Over 325 Daughters participated in VAVS 101 Training
• State and Division CMR Forms published (DAR Service for Veterans Committee Forms | Daughters of the American Revolution)
• Wreaths Across America-17% increase in wreaths sponsored
• 441,207 Vietnam Veterans thanked through The Commemorative Partner Initiative
• 812 Honor Flights Supported
• 800 Veterans History Projects Recorded
By the numbers:
Number of Youth Volunteers
6,931
Youth Volunteer Hours ................. 20,765
Number of Adult Volunteers ...... 26,003
Adult Volunteer Hours ................ 279,469
Miles for volunteering .................. 937,741
Monetary Donations
In-kind Donations
Total Donations
$1,046,026
$1,895,230
$2, 941,256
Source: 2023 CMR
This chair was incredibly humbled to be able to represent you at Congress to award our 2024 Service for Veterans Award Winners:
• Outstanding Veteran Volunteer: Arthur G. Austin, Catherine Schuyler Chapter, New York State Society
• Outstanding Youth Volunteer: Elsie Grace Van Beek, Mary Chilton Chapter, South Dakota State Society
• Outstanding DAR SFV: Barbara Grant, Eagle Chapter, Idaho State Society
You can catch their amazing presentations and stories at the DAR Today Podcasts.
2024 has sparkled all year long for DAR Daughters and what better way to keep up on all the activities and accomplishments of our society than to listen to and/or watch the DAR Today Podcast! Podcasts have been streaming weekly, shorter episodes (released every Monday) for almost a year now and the feedback has been so positive! Episodes are free and it’s so easy to access via YouTube, iHeart Media or your favorite streaming service.
Subscribe now to the DAR Today Podcast so you don’t miss a thing! New subscribers, be sure to stream previous episodes that will inspire and energize you about the valuable work of our society. Spread the word about our society’s podcast with chapter members, potential members, family and friends.
Have you ever had a speaker cancel at the last minute before a chapter meeting? DAR Today Podcast to the rescue! Find the video version of all podcasts by visiting our YouTube channel “Daughters of the American Revolution, National Headquarters” and you will find the perfect 20-minute program to substitute for your chapter meeting speaker. If your chapter has a social time period prior to meetings, consider playing the DAR Today Podcast on a computer to promote this resource to your members.
Remember to promote the DAR Today Podcast when meeting with family and friends as you attend Thanksgiving, Christmas and Holiday events! Every episode sparkles with The Wright Administration’s projects and accomplishments!
Brooke Stewart National Chair
The month of November brings a time of reflection as we honor our Veterans who served our country, and who gave their lives for our freedom. As you plan your Veterans Day activities, please remember to include the American Flag. The DAR Store ofers Flag Code pamphlets, Pledge bookmarks, and handheld Flags, that make it easy to incorporate the American Flag into your event. Be sure to post your Flag photos on the DOC (Daughters Online Community) for all to see. We become energized when we share photos and ideas, eager to apply the newly learned concepts in our own chapters.
I am pleased to see a multitude of chapters taking advantage of the “Salute to the Stars and Stripes” Flag Replacement Chapter Grant Program! The photos you are posting on the DOC show a plethora of worn and tattered Flags, some beyond recognition due to hurricanes or other natural disasters. It is inspiring to learn about the recipients you have chosen to receive a new Flag that has flown over Memorial Continental Hall. I would like to thank President General Pamela Wright for supporting our committee so we can make this Flag grant available to chapters at no cost. If your chapter has not submitted a grant for a free Flag to replace a worn or tattered Flag in your community, I encourage you to do so now as the deadline is December 1!
I would like to wish everyone blessings for a happy, healthy, and joyful holiday season! For those of you who are searching for a uniquely special gift, try giving a Memorial Continental Hall Flag that was flown in honor of a special someone. It is a gift they will use every day and one that will fill their hearts with a sense of patriotic pride.
Remember to include your many flag activities and events in the CMR. This committee would love to read about your successes!
Thank you for celebrating the Stars & Stripes Forever! with this committee!
Marria Elliott Blinn National Chair
Wow! Amazing and inspiring projects have been completed and reported by chapters and state societies/organizations over the last two years! If you have completed an outstanding group project with historical significance, DON’T just keep it to yourselves, now is time to celebrate, share and educate fellow daughters and communities about your accomplishments. HOW?, by entering it into the Historic Preservation Contest!
The purpose of the Historic Preservation Contest is to encourage our chapters and state societies/organizations to actively preserve a historic site, landmark, historic district, or property in their communities and states throughout our nation! The selected site for your project could be DAR owned, publicly owned or even privately owned! Your project could involve only the members of your chapter or state. A larger undertaking will involve volunteers from the community such as church, scout and school groups!
Be sure to follow the detailed instructions on form HP-1005 and send your entry to your state Historic Preservation committee chair before her announced deadline. Each first-place chapter and state winner will then be sent to the respective national division vice chair before the February 15 deadline! Each first-place chapter and state division winner will be sent to the national vice chair before her March 15 deadline as entries in the national contest! The top three winners in both the chapter and state contests will be presented during the Historic Preservation Luncheon during Continental Congress!
Most importantly, the project must be sponsored by a NSDAR chapter or a state society/organization and completed within the past two years.
Congratulations to the 2024 national winners celebrated during the luncheon this year!
Chapter contest:
1. Come and Take It Chapter, Texas
2. Lexington Chapter, Kentucky
3. Suwanee Creek Chapter, Georgia State contest:
1. Wisconsin State Society
2. District of Colombia State Society
Elizabeth Hotchkiss National Chair
It’s time to collect Literacy CMR data. Consider how chapter activities promote literacy and learning in partnership with multiple committees. Count all literacy eforts in Service to America hours too.
Member Participation:
• Collect, box, deliver, or fund literacy activities and educational materials
• Present programs to the chapter or community. DAR Museum programs also count as Literacy Promotion, as do educational demonstrations
• Volunteer for educational activities in classrooms or communities; help a teacher with classroom needs, tutoring, providing supplies
• Work in other committees raising literacy by distributing printed materials, like flag protocols, Leadership Training materials, women’s health information
Individuals Tutored:
• In schools, community centers, work environments, and day-to-day learning opportunities
• With homework, reading to family members and others, building language skills, and assistance in libraries
• Adult educational settings, business training sessions, or sharing knowledge of policies and procedures, and book club presentations too
• Understanding directions-both written and symbolic, helping with basic
language skills, demonstrating how to complete written and hands-on tasks
Book Donations:
• Books and educational magazines given to schools, libraries
• Books collected when clearing of bookshelves or going through books family and friends no longer need. And count books given as gifts or awards!
• All things placed in Little Free Library locations. Remember cookbooks count too!
• Magazines and any other reading materials shared with others, like Veterans facilities, medical waiting rooms
• Educational games, whether handson, print, or electronic, also promote literacy!
Financial Contributions:
• Chapter and individual funds providing school supplies, educational activities, and teachers’ classroom needs count in both Community Classroom and Literacy Promotion
• Scholarship contributions and Good Citizen scholarship funding promotes literacy
• Libraries and educational donations from pre-school to college
• Materials and supplies purchased for repair and upkeep of libraries and classrooms
Make your CMR Sparkle and Shine by counting your chapter’s time and eforts promoting literacy in activities and committee partnerships in 2024.
Allison Denman Holland Literacy Promotion
As we near the end of 2024, have you awarded all the medals your chapter is eligible to award? Are there deserving Veterans, Veterans’ groups, youth, youth groups, or cadets you can recognize?
Chapters can award two DAR Distinguished Citizen Medals per calendar year
(either to groups or individuals). Chapters can award DAR Youth Leadership Medals to one student per school in each of grades 5-11. That’s up to seven medals to youth for each school! Or award a group medal to a deserving scout, church, or other youth group.
Cadet medals can be awarded one per year (either using the school year or calendar year but not both). Don’t forget to check with your community’s police and fire volunteer cadet group leaders in addition to ROTC, JROTC, and unit leaders.
As you gather your chapter information for the Chapter Master Report (CMR), please remember to report your chapter’s monthly National Defense reports (presented in person at chapter meetings, sent to chapter members via email monthly or in the monthly chapter newsletter, or posted monthly on your chapter’s private social media or website.) Also report any National Defense programs presented during your chapter meetings and report which National Defense medals and how many your chapter presented.
An easy way to support patriotism is to write cards to military, Veterans, and first
responders and count them! Track this on the CMR and on the Service to America Tally!
Sandy Raynor National Chair
For the final year of the Wright Administration, the 3rd NSDAR Annual Service Project will focus on the DAR’s Patriotism Mission area. From July 2024 until the opening of the 134th Continental Congress, we are asking Daughters to log the number of care packages delivered to active-duty military, Veterans, first responders, and shelters, and the number of cards written to active-duty military, Veterans, and first responders.
Daughters traditionally support our Mission of Patriotism in many ways, across many committees. We donate care packages and cards to deployed military personnel through the Project Patriot committee. We prepare cards and care packages for Veterans through DAR Service to Veterans. We take meals and treats to first responders as part of our Salute to Service initiative through the Service to America committee.
Cost per word: $1. All words count, including name and address; use the Word Count tool in Microsoft Word to determine amount due. Make check payable to Treasurer General, NSDAR and mail with query to the DAR Magazine Office, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006–5303. Anyone doing genealogical research, including DAR members and nonmembers, may submit a query for publication. If you would like an acknowledgment that we have received your query, please enclose a selfaddressed, stamped postcard along with your copy and payment.
Because this work crosses diferent committees, we have never quantified the total number of people who have benefited from having a Daughter send them a note of gratitude or a care package. Imagine the possibilities and the impact!
You will log the number of care packages delivered and the number of cards written on the Service to America Online Tally. It’s your one-stop shop for logging your service hours and your support of the Service to America Annual Project! Please keep in mind that we want to know the total number of people read to and not the number of books read.
Remember to share how your chapter is supporting the NSDAR Annual Service Project on the Daughters Online Community and to submit photos and details to the committee at servicetoamerica@nsdar.org so we can share on our Facebook page. We can’t wait to see how many care packages are distributed and cards are written!
Jamie Burchfield National Chair
Greetings from the Women’s Issues Committee.
November is Senior Advocacy Month. The Women’s Issues Committee calls it “Sparkle a Spangle” month. As chapters fully engaged in this topic last year, the committee would like to share some great ideas. Taking advice from Marie Currie, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” Multiple chapters presented programs to educate all members, but especially our spangles about scams and risks that target older adults. These programs on scams included: impersonation scams (especially government agencies); sweepstakes scams, credit card phone scams, computer tech scams, health insurance scams and even romance scams. Several chapters did a member self-defense class to help all members, but especially the older members who are
often targeted in their homes as they are seen as more vulnerable.
Many local police, county sherif or even the state police will do programs on these topics as seen by the submissions of chapters across the country. The more prepared our members are for the risks the safer everyone will be. This is a great way to connect to these safety ofcers and first responders in your community.
As a senior, I know that until it happens to you it is surprising when it does. It is through programs such as these that we can protect ourselves making the job easier for law enforcement. These are just some of the ways you can “Sparkle a Spangle” as we rejoice in our DAR ties of service and friendship through keeping our members informed on the current topics impacting our members of all ages.
December is Financial Literacy month. You hear all over the news that costs are going up. Did you know that 48% of Americans would not be able to cover their expenses past 90 days if they lost their job? Ben Franklin once said, “Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship”.
Chapters across the country took Benjamin Franklin’s advice providing various financial education programs from CPA’s, Financial Planners and Attorneys to be inclusive of all ages and wealth; buying your first home, saving for your child’s education, financial adjustment after divorce; how to handle the finance after the death of a spouse, how to plan for your heirs, investing for women and so much more.
Chapters in some communities took financial education outside the chapter by volunteering for the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program). This program trains volunteers to help people in the community with their taxes. Many of these programs take place at Women’s Shelters to include those for female Veterans.
Whether in your chapter or the community we can celebrate Stars and Stripes Forever! through DAR Service and Friendship by providing key information
about topics that impact the lives of our members.
Celebrate and Care for Women. Cynthia Pritchard National Chair
AMERICA 250!
There is still time to apply, receive and complete a Stars & Stripes Forever Celebration Grant. Please take advantage of this opportunity for your community. The projects must be completed by the end of February 2025. This will allow the NVC After-Action Reports to receive and compile all the after-action reports during the Wright Administration and prepare the summary of events for the NSDAR Archives.
The America 250! Committee team for Celebration Grants including your National Division Vice Chairs continue to review and approve grants every day. Remember, all chapters and states are eligible for a $500 Stars & Stripes Celebration Grant for hosting a project that celebrates the birth of our nation and honors the men and women who achieved American independence. If you have questions about a project, ask your state chair and your National Division Vice Chair. We want to award you the funds, and to do that, the project must be in scope.
One of the easiest ways to honor an individual or group (non-DAR) who promote the telling of our founding is to present the America 250! Commendation and Certificate. This modesty priced set is available through the DAR Store and requires no approval from NSDAR. The qualifications are noted on the DAR Store’s item description. Once your chapter has approved the recipient, order the set. Make a big deal of the presentation. You are welcome to submit high quality photos via the CMR and the DOC showcasing these presentations.
Kathryn West National Chair
It was all about Lafayette in 2024!
I am happy to report that the Marquis de Lafayette successfully began his Bicentennial Tour of America on August 16 in the same location as in 1824 … New York City! He was greeted by cheering crowds, many of whom were DAR members! In fact, Daughters continue to play a pivotal role as both planners and volunteers for the entire Farewell Tour hosted by the American Friends of Lafayette!
After reafrming his love for America, Lafayette moved on to the New England states, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and then was warmly welcomed in Washington, D.C. He made a tearful visit to the tomb of his adopted father, George Washington, at Mount Vernon, and then re-celebrated the victory at Yorktown. He spent time in Virginia revisiting the homes of his dear friends, Presidents Jeferson, Madison, Monroe, and repeated his address to a Joint Session of Congress on Capitol Hill. Lafayette then celebrated the end of 2024 with a toast to American democracy while in Frederick, Maryland! Please check out lafayette200.org to discover his travel plans in 2025!
I am so proud of the Louisiana Daughters who found a heretofore unknown Lafayette
marker and quickly reported it to this Chair. To quote Thierry Chaunu, President of Le Souvenir Français, whose organization provided our listing of Sites by State …” Louisiana, you have found the equilivant of a rare stamp!” Congratulation to Louisiana State Regent and FAMC South Central National Division Vice Chair, Cheryl Gott, and the Alexander Stirling Chapter for their incredible discovery!
Check out the FAMC’s Sites by State file for your geographic location. Information can be found for all 50 states and D.C. These listings can be a source for a service project if the monument, statue, or gravesite needs our DAR Sparkle and Shine, or a reportable commemorative event that can educate your community about DAR and our Franco-American history! Even better, be like our Louisiana Daughters! Find a new Franco-American marker, grave, or monument!
Lafayette wishes all Daughters a Joyeux Noël and hopes that you, too, will find YOUR DAR connection to France!
Patricia L. Maclay, MD National Chair
Interested in learning more about DAR history?
Check out all of the Celebrate 125! videos on the DAR website: www.dar.org/125videos
Learn about DAR’s long history and the continued work of the Society through these engaging videos.
Be sure to share them with friends and family and post them on your Facebook page!
The DAR America 250! Patriots Marker project has been established to raise public awareness of the men and women who achieved American independence. Chapters, states and clubs are encouraged to purchase and erect the standardized markers, which will be customized with the name of the sponsoring organization. The National Society’s goal is to place at least one marker in every state in advance of the nation’s upcoming 250th Anniversary. Applications and approvals will be administered through the Ofce of the Historian General; markers must be purchased through a DAR-approved vendor. The markers are available either as a 30" x 30" post and cap mounted bronze plaque or a 24" x 24" bronze plaque for mounting on walls or stone. The DAR America 250! Patriots Marker form can be found at www.dar.org/members/executive-ofces-nbm/historian-general. Should you have questions please email historian@dar.org
Be inspired and energized as American Spirit focuses on and prepares for America’s 250th Anniversary.
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There is a nominal fee of $30 for each submission to the “With the Chapters” section of the Daughters Newsletter. Each chapter may submit one article per calendar year. Articles are limited to 200 words, only one photo may accompany the article, and articles will be edited for length and content. Submissions via email are highly recommended and should include two attachments in one email transmission only: a Word document containing the article with a photo caption; and a high-resolution digital photo (300 dpi or greater) in .jpg or .tif format. Please send the materials via email to newsletter@dar.org. The subject line in the email should indicate the following: “With the Chapters submission—Name of Chapter, State.” The payment and Form DNL-1003 (signed and completed) must be received by the DAR Magazine Ofce before any article is printed. If the submitted article is not published in the desired issue due to space limitations, the article will be published in a future edition. Writable Form DNL1003 must be completed and should be mailed with check payment to DAR Magazine Ofce, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006–5303.
If your “With the Chapters” article and accompanying photo were submitted to the DAR Magazine Office last spring or earlier, and have not appeared in their respective section to date, please contact Cheryl DeVine-Holick at email: cheryldevineholick@gmail.com. We will do our best to include the article in the next available issue, depending on the timing of the resubmission.
Alexander Love Chapter, Houston, Texas, celebrated its centennial anniversary last October with a 1920s-themed luncheon at the Junior League. Dressed in period attire, attendees enjoyed a memorabilia table, photo booth and piano accompaniment. Chapter Corresponding Secretary Janet Carpenter welcomed guests to the banquet room, featuring blue floral centerpieces by Chapter Treasurer Carol Brouwer and Chapter Historian Tish Wolter.
Chapter Centennial Celebration
Chapter Regent Jessica Gross presided, conveying President General Pamela Wright’s greetings. After Honorary Chapter Regent Meda Wogan’s invocation, Chapter First Vice Regent Jill Brooks led the Pledge of Allegiance. Honorary Chapter Regents Becky Riggins, Nita Smith, Jan Fields and
Margaret Fields conducted “The American’s Creed,” salute to the Texas flag, the national anthem and “Texas, Our Texas.”
Honorary Chapter Regent Audry Reid introduced special guests, including State Regent Marcy Carter-Lovick, Honorary President General Lynn Forney Young, State Registrar Susan Adams, Specialty Research Committee National Chair Anthony Startz, District V Director Elizabeth Jones and Alexander Love descendant Linda Neinast.
After Honorary Chapter Regent Teresa Hebert presented the chapter history, Honorary Chapter Regent Meda Wogan and chapter member Debbie Evans performed the “Living in the Modern DAR” skit. Finally, Lorien and Morgan Wolter from the Captain Edward Weyman Society C.A.R., The Woodlands, Texas, posted the Colors.
Excitement filled the Nature Center on May 11, 2024, as Algona Chapter, Algona, Iowa, celebrated its 100th anniversary. Honored guests included past Iowa State Regent Edee Brunia (2022–2024), past State Organizing Secretary Tifany Hauptman (2022–2024) and State Treasurer Shelley Wells (2024–2026), with attendees from four states.
During the celebration, Patricia Bilsborough was designated as Honorary
Left to right: Chapter First Vice Regent and Treasurer Linda Erpelding; Chapter Regent Teri Miller; past Iowa State Regent Edee Brunia (2022–2024); Chapter Corresponding Secretary Kathy Schenck; Chapter Recording Secretary, Historian and Librarian Karen Meurer; and past Chapter Regent Julia Hayes (2002–2006)
Chapter Regent for her 21 years of significant leadership. Mrs. Bilsborough also received DAR’s Women in American History Award for her lifetime achievements in Girl Scouts (70 years), DAR (58 years) and education. Three sisters were congratulated for their decades of DAR service: Julia Bourne Hayes (69 years), Barbara Bourne Haggart (67 years) and Alice Thompson Reseland (66 years).
Mrs. Brunia acknowledged Algona Chapter’s resilience and flexibility to reach its centennial milestone. State Ofcers complimented the chapter’s meaningful displays and vintage decor, including several tribute
boards showcasing the stories of charter members and many of the past century’s 35 Chapter Regents; a member board featuring all 226 members and their 128 Patriots; and an achievement board highlighting the nonprofits supported, chapter projects and honors received.
Algona Chapter honors the Patriots who served on the battlefield, ensuring they are never forgotten.
Ashley Chapter, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, celebrated its 125th anniversary by honoring a significant community contribution from its past. In October 1911, the chapter dedicated a granite drinking fountain to the City of Cedar Rapids after raising $600 for its purchase. Originally located at a busy downtown corner in the business district, the fountain provided sanitary drinking water to the public. The City of Cedar Rapids contributed a large ice vault to cool the water, as the fountain stood in front of a U.S. post ofce.
Aurantia Chapter, Riverside, Calif., celebrated its Golden Gavel Centennial Celebration on February 14, 2024. The chapter’s name, “Aurantia,” means “golden” and derives from Citrus aurantium, the botanical name for the sweet, seedless orange. The chapter’s gavel, now 100 years old, is intertwined with both local and state history.
The chapter invited three speakers to the event, each chronicling distinct topics: California’s citrus industry, the history of Aurantia Chapter and the famous Mission Inn. To celebrate its anniversary, the chapter displayed its original charter from December 1905 and authentic documents, including a DAR Application from the 1900s.
Chapter members dressed in historical costumes to greet their guests. They also presented State Regent Sharon Maas with a mailbag filled with handwritten notes for Honor Flights. Additionally, Aurantia Chapter contributed to the State Regent’s Projects.
Daughters from their lantern chapter, members of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and friends across the state to mark the occasion.
The celebration concluded with Madam State Regent adjourning the proceedings by gently tapping the chapter’s beloved century-old gavel!
Benjamin Cleveland Chapter, Shelby, N.C., celebrated its 100th birthday at an anniversary tea at the historic Royster House on March 9, 2024. The chapter was pleased to welcome State Regent Anna Choi,
In 1948, the fountain was moved for a street-widening project and subsequently stored by the city. Unfortunately, it remained “lost” for many years until 1987, when members of Ashley Chapter launched a campaign to locate it. Once found, the fountain was relocated to The History Center (formerly the Linn County Historical Museum). Current chapter members raised nearly $10,000 to restore the fountain and make it operational again, although the water is not potable. The fountain is now in its permanent location near the studio where Grant Wood painted the famous “Daughters of Revolution.” Ashley Chapter rededicated the fountain at a community celebration at The History Center on June 8, 2024.
The event featured elegant table decorations and desserts infused with delightful orange flavors, reflecting the joyous spirit of the day. The chapter gathered with
other State Ofcers and Chapter Regents for the occasion. Chapter members and their guests dressed in appropriate 1920s attire, including hats and gloves.
The celebration honored the accomplishments of Organizing Chapter Regent Fay Webb Gardner, who served as First Lady of North Carolina while her husband, O. Max Gardner, was North Carolina’s Governor (1928–1932).
(left
Judy Bengston, past State Recording Secretary Phyllis Lynes (2022–2024), past State Regents Adele Lancaster (2018–2020) and Sharon Maas (2022–2024), past Chapter Regent Meredith Teague (2022–2024), past State Regent Karon Jarrard (2010–2012), past State Organizing Secretary Emily Boling (2022–2024), and past State Treasurer Diane Dales (2022–2024)
The memorabilia room contained photographs and scrapbooks commemorating the founding charter members from 1924, chapter members and activities during the past 100 years. Chapter Regent Felicia Stroud recognized members celebrating 60-, 50-, 40- and 25-year DAR anniversaries.
The Honorable Stan Anthony, Mayor of the City of Shelby, presented a proclamation recognizing the historic role and contributions of Benjamin Cleveland Chapter over the past 100 years. Mayor Anthony is also the great-grandson of founding chapter member Ollie Gardner Anthony, whose home was the Royster House.
After the meeting concluded, chapter members visited Sunset Cemetery to place a wreath on the tombstone of “Miss Fay.”
On July 16, 2023, Colonel William Preston Chapter, Roanoke, Va., marked its 100th anniversary by hosting a tea party at Hotel Roanoke. Among the 76 attendees were honored guests, including Vice President General and Honorary State
The chapter’s primary purpose in its early days was to assist local Greek, Syrian and Chinese immigrants in obtaining U.S. citizenship. Chapter eforts involved mailing monetary contributions and boxes filled with sewing, knitting and other supplies to immigrants at Ellis Island.
Today, the chapter still cherishes its traditions; each member has a place and purpose to serve.
Regents Karen Evert, Gretchen Wilson and Laura Babcock joined hands to cut the anniversary cake to symbolize continuity from Organizing Chapter Regent Mrs. A. Howard Hinkle (Katherine “Kate”) through today.
Regent LeAnn Turbyfill, State Regent Laurie Nesbitt, Honorary State Regent Rebecca Rogers, other State Ofcers and District Directors.
The celebration was a journey through time, with the chapter’s charter, Chapter Regent scrapbooks, early secretary records, chapter state proceedings, DAR memorabilia and other miscellaneous items on display. Ashley Webb, curator of the Historical Society of Western Virginia, was the keynote speaker, showcasing 1920s-period clothing and pictures of Roanoke from that era.
Organized on July 12, 1923, the chapter was named after Revolutionary War Patriot Colonel William Preston, whose home at Smithfield is now a Virginia DAR shrine near the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg.
On October 21, 2023, Cincinnati Chapter, Cincinnati, Ohio, celebrated its 130th anniversary at the Cincinnati Woman’s Club. In addition to many of its members, it was joined by Community Service Awards Committee National Chair Michelle Wherry, State Historian Dr. Stephanie Smith and members from several other DAR chapters: Clough Valley, Daniel Cooper, Governor Othneil Looker, Jonathan Dayton, Jonathan Wright and Nathaniel Sackett, as well as Cincinnati Chapter SAR President George Stewart Jr., Ohio Society C.A.R. State President Meredith Haynes and First Vice President Riley Wilkerson. Thanks to the Anniversary Celebration Committee Chapter Chair Sam Gerdsen, members enjoyed a wonderful luncheon and displays, and gathered 130 goodie bags to donate to Veterans. A silent auction was also held to raise money for coats for Veterans. Proclamations from the Cincinnati Mayor and SAR were presented, and the program focused on chapter history—present and future. Chapter Regent Monica Mohlenkamp and past Chapter
Colonel John Starke Sr. Chapter, Oklahoma City, Okla., recently celebrated its 65th anniversary by hosting area Daughters and State Ofcers at a reception in Oklahoma City. Photo ops with 1950s attire and items, music from the 1950s,
1950s trivia, silent auction, an anniversary cake and lots of delicious food brought by chapter members made the event a lively and fun commemoration of the chapter’s beginnings.
Certificates were awarded to longtime members, some with over 50 years of DAR service. Gaytra Coggins, a founding member, was recognized as a 65-year chapter member with a certificate and flowers. Chapter Vice Regent Marcia Yanish made a beautiful patriotic quilt for voice sale. The Oklahoma City mayor wrote a proclamation to honor the chapter’s 65 years of DAR service.
On April 13, 2024, 21 attendees gathered to celebrate the 75th anniversary of El Marinero Chapter, San Rafael, Calif., with a luncheon at The Club Restaurant at McInnis Park. The chapter, organized on February 28, 1949, displayed its original charter and other memorabilia during its anniversary event. Chapter members Cozanne Jenkins, Susan Trau Johnson and
Rebecca Viebrock also received recognition as 50-Year Members.
Led by Chapter Regent Lynn Yock, the chapter was honored to welcome Heidi Kühn as the keynote speaker. A DAR member herself, Ms. Kühn is the founder and CEO of Roots of Peace, a humanitarian organization that, for the past 27 years, has been dedicated to facilitating the removal of unexploded ordinance in war-torn countries and bringing demined land back into productive agricultural use. Following Ms. Kühn’s address, the chapter presented her with the NSDAR Conservation Award and medal on behalf of Roots of Peace.
Honored guests included State Vice Regent Kim Zeman, State Registrar Jennifer Marks and State Librarian Connie Lizak. Honorary Chapter Regent Anita Pinder chaired the 50th anniversary committee.
During 2023, Estero Island Chapter achieved the lantern chapter status alongside its mother chapter, Caloosahatchee Chapter, Fort Myers, Fla. Estero Island Chapter also placed a bronze marker at Founding Chapter Regent Helen Amelia DeLong Brand’s grave.
After the luncheon, some attendees visited the Marin History Museum at the historic Boyd Gate House in San Rafael. There, they viewed an exhibit of polar landscape photographs and artifacts from local luminary Louise Arner Boyd’s arctic expeditions (1929–1941) alongside photographs of Boyd’s home taken by Ansel Adams.
Last October, Estero Island Chapter, Fort Myers Beach, Fla., hosted a 50th anniversary celebration, during which Florida State Regent Cindy Addison delivered the program, “DAR Makes a Diference.”
The celebration featured a slideshow highlighting Mrs. Brand’s 108-year life and certificates presented to Daughters with 25 or more years of chapter service. Eight past and Honorary Chapter Regents participated in the program. Chapter members thanked State Regent Cindy Addison for providing assistance from the Florida State Society and other DAR Daughters in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian earlier that year.
Becky Elam scripted and directed a skit, with Daughters portraying founding members and exploring the chapter’s beginnings. A motivating factor for forming the chapter was the dislike of congested beach trafc—which shows that although much has changed in 50 years, some things remain the same!
On May 13, 2023, Eunice Farnsworth-Ruth Heald Cragin Chapter , Skowhegan, Maine, celebrated its 125th anniversary. The chapter held the event at the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegan, honoring Margaret as a 50+ member and a former state senator from Maine. This event entertained many guests, including State Regent Beth Calhoun.
Eunice Farnsworth Chapter was organized on January 13, 1898,
with 13 charter members, five of whom were descendants of Eunice Farnsworth, and Louise H. Colburn as its Organizing Regent. Eunice Farnsworth, first as wife of Joseph Weston, then Colonel John Moor, she was a widow of two Revolutionary War soldiers. Ruth Heald Cragin Chapter was organized on February 22, 1902. This chapter was named after Ruth Heald who
married John Cragin of New Hampshire, who was a sergeant, then lieutenant in the War of 1812. Mrs. Cragin was a daughter of Major Ephraim Heald, a Revolutionary soldier. Ruth Heald Cragin Chapter merged with the Eunice Farnsworth Chapter in 2007.
During the celebration, two Quilts of Valor were presented to two chapter members. Donations collected were given to support the mission of Travis Mills Foundation, a Retreat for Recalibrated Veterans in Rome, Maine.
General Thomas Mifflin Chapter, Mifintown, Pa., joyfully celebrated its 115th anniversary in 2023. The chapter charter lists October 7, 1908, as its founding date and its founding members: Regent Louise Jackman, Vice Regent Ella Banks Neely, Treasurer Mary Schweir Allison, Historian Isabel Schweir Robison, Chaplain Alice Todd, Corresponding Secretary Martha Jenkin, Recording Secretary Katherine Mathers, Registrar Rebecca Trimble, Elizabeth Okeson, Harriet Florene Jackman, Neta Todd and Parthene Todd Collier.
Current chapter members gathered at the Burnham OIP restaurant in Burnham to honor this milestone anniversary. The commemoration included thoughtful favors crafted by member Molly Kinney, the presentation of two anniversary proclamations and a special visit from Pennsylvania South Central District Director Edy Sarnof. Attendees enjoyed door prizes and, not to be forgotten, traditional dishes of nuts and mints. Another event highlight was the beautiful red, white and blue frosted cake, a fitting tribute to the chapter’s enduring legacy.
Jean Marie Cardinell Chapter, Des Moines, Iowa, observed its 82nd anniversary at its November 2023 chapter meeting. During the meeting, the chapter also presented the DAR America 250! Commendation Medal/Certificate to Michael Rowley in recognition of his exemplary dedication to honoring those who achieved American independence.
In 2022, chapter member Myrna Baker wondered if her local community would
support a Wreaths Across America ceremony. To gauge interest, she recruited chapter members and community leaders. Mrs. Baker spearheaded plans for a ceremony-only service in Belmond, Iowa, on December 17, 2022, at the city cemetery, where over 400 Veterans are buried. Despite the cold and snow of northern Iowa, the community showed up in full force!
After the ceremony, attendees asked, “Will you do this again next year?” and “Can we lay wreaths at all the cemeteries?” Inspired by their response, Friends of Belmond Veterans began discussing plans to host a full ceremony in early 2023, including wreath layings at all four local cemeteries where more than 600 Veterans are buried.
On December 16, 2023, 616 wreaths were laid—one for each Veteran’s grave at all four cemeteries in Belmond! That goes to show that if you build it, they will come!
Jersey Blue Chapter, New Brunswick, N.J., celebrated America’s 250th and the chapter’s 130th anniversary on February 25, 2024. Chapter members, State Officers and guests enjoyed a luncheon at Pines Manor in Edison. The event program featured the life and military service of Deborah Sampson, portrayed by chapter member Kathleen Brommer, in costume.
worked to meet the objectives set by DAR through a wide variety of historical, educational and patriotic activities and events. Since 1922, the chapter has sponsored the Colonel John Neilson Society C.A.R. in honor of a New Brunswick Patriot. The highlight of the event was a stand-up replica of Colonel John, a Patriot ancestor of a chapter member, which was a photo-op moment for many attendees.
Displays and interactive exhibits highlighted service projects, committee events and Veterans services programs. Guests and chapter members signed their “John Hancock” to the chapter’s Declaration of Independence petition and participated in the Service in Seconds baby blanket project for a local women and children’s organization. Greetings and well wishes were brought by State Vice Regent Linda Jurczak on behalf of the New Jersey State Society.
John Davis Chapter, Abilene, Texas celebrated a chapter milestone this past July. Chapter members, prospective members and guests met for afternoon tea to honor the chapter’s 1914 beginnings.
Organizing Regent Chapter Jewell Scarborough and 14 other Daughters, established John Davis Chapter on July 18, 1914. Events that happened in July of 1914 led to the beginning of World War I. John Davis Chapter Daughters dove right in with activities to support the war efort at home and abroad. It was reported at the Texas
The chapter, organized on February 14, 1894, was named to honor New Jersey troops of the Colonial period and has faithfully
Society State Conference in 1919 that the chapter had adopted 16 French orphans, distributed “The American’s Creed” cards in Abilene public schools, drove a decorated car in the Armistice Day parade and
assisted largely in Red Cross work among other activities. The chapter hosted the Texas State Conference in November 1926. Countless other community involvement activities were completed throughout the years.
Chapter members have followed in the footsteps of their 15 charter members, continuing the mission of DAR. Of the current 200 chapters in Texas, John Davis Chapter is one of 35 that has been joyously spreading the DAR sparkle for over 100 years! Well done, ladies!
John McKnitt Alexander Chapter, Houston, Texas, had a lot to celebrate this year with its 110th anniversary. At the January celebration, the chapter was honored by President General Pamela Wright’s presence. The speaker, Dr. Christopher Hammons, was a 2023 DAR Founders Medal awardee.
for his extensive skill leading the important mission to map the Gulf Coast from the Mississippi to what is now Matagorda Bay in Texas. Captain Andry and his crew, including his 15-year-old son, were killed in Texas after completing his mission and his map was burned. More than 50 people gathered to honor his memory at the marker dedication, including eight direct descendants and members of DAR and SAR.
and read. Mayor Mims decreed February 10, 2024, to be “Mama O Day.”
Mama O is a driving force at Edgemont Solar Garden. The garden engages and educates the community about regenerative farming techniques so people can raise food in their own backyard. It demonstrates how brownfields can be transformed into productive green spaces. Mamo O’s relationship-building and collaborative skills increased Edgemont’s growth and success. In addition to being involved with agriculture, she is a professional storyteller, an Appalachian culture expert and a textile artist.
Earlier in 2023, the chapter honored the memory of an early member, Florence King Fall, by placing a headstone on her grave, 88 years after her death. Mrs. Fall was instrumental in Texas pushing for passage of mandatory education laws in 1915 and was a driving force to open the Museum of Fine Arts Houston in 1924.
In February 2024, chapter members placed a Texas Historic Marker in Indianola to honor the memory of Captain Louis Antoine Andry, a Frenchman who was chosen by Governor Bernardo de Gálvez
On April 14, 1934, the 12 members of Virginia Dare Chapter disbanded their chapter and became members of the newly chartered John Witherspoon Chapter, Bloomington, Minn. (originally in Robbinsville). After 90 years, John Witherspoon Chapter celebrated its heritage with a party at the Bloomington Civic Plaza. Thirty chapter members and guests enjoyed hearing a short history of the chapter and celebrated with cofee and cake. Special guests were State Regent Carolyn Loefer and Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse. Also present were the chapter’s two living Honorary State Regents, Frances Stachour and Rachel Sanisidro. Special recognition was given to Dr. Barbara Brauer, a 57-year member who is the longest tenured chapter member, and associate member Stacey Bohning, a descendant of John Witherspoon, who lives in Missouri.
On Saturday, February 10, 2024, Jonathan Dayton Chapter, Dayton, Ohio, presented the NSDAR Conservation Medal to Omope “Mama O” Carter Daboiku. Proclamations from Dayton Mayor Jefrey Mims Jr. and Ohio State Representative Willis E. Blackshear Jr. were presented
Jonathan Dayton Chapter is proud to have partnered with Edgemont to plant a pollinator garden to increase crop yields and provide a bright corner in the
garden. The chapter also raised $2,500 to help fund a new water supply line to make watering crops less labor-intensive. The eforts by Jonathan Dayton Chapter have encouraged other organizations to support the Edgemont Solar Garden.
On August 3, 2024, Little Fort Chapter, Waukegan, Ill., revisited the historic
Genesee Theater and held the Century of Patriots tea party in the upstairs lounge. The theater was a site used by the chapter’s charter members as one of the meeting places. The chapter was originally organized as the Waukegan Chapter with Maude E. Coulson as the Organizing Chapter Regent on July 30, 1924.
The centennial program was interactively presented by members of the chapter. Virginia Lopez was the event chair. Chapter Historian Vicki Mattson was the mistress of ceremonies, and Caron Smith accompanied the sing-along music for “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other songs. The first program segment was a tribute to 13 of the chapter’s Patriot ancestors and was introduced with the song “Chester.” The second segment included eight accomplishments from the 20th century and was preceded by the song “Tea for Two.” The final segment started with the song “Celebration” and described key chapter events in the 21st century.
Each guest received a copy of the chapter’s history book, A Century of Patriots 1924–2024, which includes chapter history and a roster of members and their Patriots.
On April 14, 2024, Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter, Adrian, Mich., celebrated its 115th anniversary at the historic Governor Charles Croswell House. This beautiful Greek Revival home, built in 1841 by Daniel Hicks has been the home to the chapter for 97 years. Lucy Wolcott Barnum Charter was organized on April 19, 1909, coinciding with the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.
Lydia Barnes Potter Chapter , Waterford, Mich., celebrated its 21st birthday last October. During the party, Chapter Regent Gina LaCroix presented the DAR Community Service Award to Mike McKinstry, whose passion is teaching others how to fish. In his words, he takes Veterans out “to fish and find peace.” But McKinstry does not stop there—he also works with children in a similar fashion. The chapter was honored to have McKinstry speak about his community service and present him with the DAR Community Service Award.
in Hamilton County. Chapter members heard a brief history about the chapter’s 1910 founding members, followed by the history of the Marquis de Lafayette’s role during the American Revolution and what became his Farewell Tour in 1824–1825.
While serving on a recent Honor Flight, Chapter Treasurer Kelly Yorke met Marilyn Porras, a Gold Star mother, who was the guest speaker of the anniversary celebration. Porras spoke of her son, whom she lost in 2006, and the Veterans’ charities and service projects she supports.
On March 21, 2024, Ocoee Chapter, Cleveland, Tenn., commemorated its 114th anniversary with a special luncheon at the historic James County, “the lost county,” Courthouse, which is now the Mountain Oaks Manor Tea House,
“Flat Lafayette” was present as the Commemorative Events Committee shared the plan to send an electronic “Flat Lafayette” to the states that were not lucky enough to be states when Lafayette visited on his Farewell Tour (1824–1825). Ocoee Chapter’s hope is to hear back from all the states where “Flat Lafayette” visits with a brief description and photo highlighting his visit. Please contact betsy@lakehavencabin.net if you would like information about an electronic “Flat Lafayette” being sent to your chapter.
Old North State Chapter, WinstonSalem, N.C., turned 100 in March 2024. The year leading up to this momentous occasion was kicked of by a Patriot grave marking in March of 2023. Next, the chapter published a book of all its Patriots and set a goal to earn 100 Service to America hours in honor of its 100th anniversary with activities in the community. Chapter members are pleased to say they exceeded that goal before the end of the year!
In January of 2024, the chapter placed a DAR marker on the grave of Organizing Chapter Regent Susan Barbour Jones. The year wrapped up with the dedication of a gazebo from the chapter to the children and staf of the Crossnore Communities for Children in Winston-Salem, this was also a thank you for allowing the chapter to hold its meetings on campus and to give something back to Crossnore. The chapter was pleased to have several State Ofcers and state committee members attend,
including State Regent Anna Choi and State Vice Regent Cricket Crigler.
After the dedication guests enjoyed a Roaring 20s-themed reception with food and drinks from that era. Chapter members also dressed in 1920s fashion in keeping with the chapter’s founding date. Guests were entertained with music of the era, a verbal history of DAR and Old North State Chapter, along with a timeline of events in the 1920s. The Mayor of Winston-Salem issued a proclamation commemorating this achievement.
Ol’ Shavano Chapter, San Antonio, Texas, celebrated its 65th anniversary last November with a lovely luncheon at the historic Club Giraud on the San Antonio Riverwalk. The chapter, which continues to grow in friendship and service, warmly welcomed new members, transfer members and guests.
After lunch, all assembled enjoyed looking over newspaper photos and highlights of the chapter activities from the “olden days.” Chapter members received a copy of the Ol’ Shavano Chapter Roster of Revolutionary Ancestors, compiled and updated by chapter member Peggy Durack.
As its 65th anniversary gift to others, the chapter collected and donated 420 new and gently used books to several local entities, including schools, Veterans’ organizations and homeless shelters.
Ol’ Shavano Chapter extended its celebration into December with a lighthearted and fun tea party event commemorating the activities of December 16, 1775. Chapter member Norene Fiacco, a New England native, gave an outstanding, informative presentation on the Boston Tea Party. Chapter members listened to Mrs. Fiacco while sipping from treasured teacups (or favorite mugs) and nibbling on many delicacies prepared by volunteer hostesses Cindy Boeck, Norene Fiacco, Susan Lloyd, Peggy Durack and Margaret Linn.
Peggy Stewart Tea Party Chapter, Annapolis, Md., celebrated its 125th anniversary on December 10, 2023. The group commemorated many years of service, outreach and preservation eforts in and around the state’s capital. The chapter received citations of recognition from the Governor of Maryland, the Maryland General Assembly and the Mayor of Annapolis.
The chapter, established in 1898 with 13 charter members, proudly hails as Maryland’s third oldest chapter. Throughout its years, the chapter has contributed leaders to Maryland State
Society and the National Society. The group established monuments, conducted Patriot recognition ceremonies, placed DAR plaques at notable locales, and served Veterans and active service members. Year after year, members seek ways to serve the community that warmly welcomes it.
The chapter gathered at a clubhouse on the Chesapeake Bay for its festivities. State Regent Mernie Crane and State Vice Regent Liz Deering joined and brought greetings. Chapter Regent Bobbi Carleton ofered a toast at the close of Chapter Historian Kim Piasecki’s presentation of the chapter’s past.
This active chapter gets its name from an uprising in Annapolis on October 19, 1774, credited as being a major event leading up to the American Revolution: The Peggy Stewart Tea Party. America 250! commemorations will highlight the chapter’s namesake.
On Sunday, July 28, 2024, Racine Chapter, Racine, Wis., celebrated its 125th anniversary in Assembly Hall at the historic DeKoven Center, joined by more than 40 friends and family members. The chapter
was pleased to welcome Wisconsin State Vice Regent Sue Cowan as a special guest at the event, which was themed “Patriots and Founders, Honoring Their Legacies.”
In February 1899, Marietta Teall Olin led 12 women to found Racine Chapter. A local newspaper article from that time reported on the newly formed chapter: “The society has for its aim principally the keeping of the
spirit of patriotism which was so strongly imbued in our forefathers and caused them to fight so bravely for their rights.”
The anniversary event program showcased how Racine Chapter continues working to fulfill its original purpose with a 21st-century approach. During the celebration, the chapter unveiled a Patriot tree adorned with ornaments representing the Patriots of its Founders and current members. A large poster board with photos highlighted the chapter’s recent activities. In keeping with DAR’s focus on recognizing individuals for their dedication to service, Racine Chapter also honored five local citizens for their extensive work in education, patriotism and good citizenship.
Red Rock Canyon Chapter, Las Vegas, Nev., dedicated a DAR America 250! Patriots Marker at the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, in Southern Nevada on June 14, 2024. The monument, in a place of honor known as the Dedication Walkway, is a red sandstone boulder engraved with the DAR America 250! logo and an inscription dedicated to the Patriots of the American Revolution. Nearly 60 attendees, including many Nevada Chapter Regents, State Regent Cindy Bell and C.A.R. members,
endured the summer morning heat to witness the unveiling of the boulder monument by Organizing Chapter Regent Terry Rubenstein and current Chapter Regent Sue Roach. A representative from U.S. Senator Cortez Masto’s ofce
presented the chapter with a certificate of commendation for preserving our nation’s history. The chapter’s ceremony would not be complete without the honor guard from Cimarron Memorial High School JROTC of Las Vegas, Nev. This monument was made possible in partnership with the Friends of Red Rock Conservation organization and an America 250! Celebration Grant. The stars aligned for Daughters to sparkle while recognizing Flag Day and celebrate their chapter’s 10th anniversary. It was a fitting way to start the second decade as a chapter!
Rogue-Applegate Chapter, Grants Pass, Ore., celebrated its 90th anniversary at Taprock Northwest Grill along the Rogue River! It was organized as Rogue-River Chapter on April 14, 1934, and later merged with Applegate Trail Chapter on June 5, 2018, to become Rogue-Applegate Chapter. Chapter Regent Genie Holland welcomed 35 attendees to the anniversary celebration. Displays featured a 1930s photo of five Rogue River Chapter charter members, original approved DAR Applications for 12 charter members and three chapter history scrapbooks assembled by chapter member Patty Adams. Centerpieces were vintage teapots filled with spring flowers, and party favors contained silver-framed silhouettes of the chapter’s Patriot ancestors, candy-filled bags and patriotic bracelets.
Honorary guests included Grants Pass Mayor Sara Bristol, who read a proclamation designating April 2024 as Rogue-Applegate Daughters of the American Revolution Month, and State Regent Martha Burrell, who brought greetings from the Oregon State Society. Josephine County historian Joan Momsen provided insights into 1934 when the chapter was founded.
Finally, Grants Pass High School teacher Lois MacMillian received recognition as the state and national first place winner of the 2024 Outstanding Teacher of American History Contest. Additionally, Mrs. Holland presented Naval Sea Cadet Jocelyn Dalton with a Silver DAR Outstanding Cadet Medal.
To celebrate its anniversary last year, Sego Lily Chapter, Bountiful, Utah, participated in Wreaths Across America, with chapter members placing wreaths on Veterans’ graves. They also crafted more than 200 Christmas cards for Veterans, many of which were donated to the local VA hospital.
St. Croix-Chequamegon Chapter, Hudson, Wis., honored women, students and Veterans during its spring National Defense Luncheon.
The Chapter Regent recognized two local students the Silver Outstanding Cadet Medal and the JROTC Bronze Medal.
The luncheon meeting concluded by recognizing the service of the military Veterans in attendance.
Stephens Chapter , Decatur, Ala., celebrated its 120th anniversary on April 28, 2024, at the Morgan County Archives. The chapter was organized by Ellen Stephens Hildreth, first Chapter Regent, on November 10, 1904. The charter was signed on January 9, 1905, by President General Cornelia Fairbanks and Alabama State Regent Kate Duncan Smith.
The anniversary event featured cake, finger foods and punch. Patriotic decorations and flower arrangements were placed throughout the room. Chapter history items displayed included memorabilia, pictures and minutes from years past and the original chapter charter. The
Last October, Stephen Watts Kearny Chapter, Santa Fe, N.M., celebrated 125 years of service with a luncheon and a look into the life of Mary Catharine Prince, who organized DAR in New Mexico and was a founding chapter member.
hours in 2023. It actively pursues historic preservation, cemetery, school, genealogy, Veterans, patriotic and women’s projects. Additionally, in June 2023, the chapter dedicated a new Nineteenth Amendment marker in the New Mexico State Capitol.
This year, Tristan de Luna Chapter, Mobile, Ala., joyously celebrated its 80th anniversary at the Richards-DAR House Museum. The chapter is proud to be named after Tristan de Luna y Arellano, a prominent figure in local history who led the first European colonization expedition in the Mobile area for Spain in 1559.
Chapter Regent gave a brief history of the chapter and recognized special guests.
The chapter was honored to welcome State Treasurer Sherry Spurlin and State Historian Susan Moore. Other attendees included KDS DAR School executive committee members, Alabama State Committee Chairs, members from other DAR chapters and friends.
The current Chapter Officers and members look forward to the future and continued success in promoting the objects of DAR: historic preservation, education and patriotism. The chapter is thankful to its Chapter Ofcers and members for participating in the anniversary celebration and their enthusiasm, dedication and devotion to one another. Stephen Chapter truly strives to Celebrate Stars and Stripes
Chapter Regent Carol Murski presided, assisted by State Regent and chapter member Eleanor Ortiz. Chapter Historian Patricia Aylward Farr presented a delightful history of Mrs. Prince (1846–1925), who, a few years after becoming territorial “first lady” and until 1914, served as the New Mexico Organizing State Regent.
In October 1898, Sunshine Chapter received its charter. However, in 1905, chapter members voted to honor General Stephen Watts Kearny in a chapter name change. A renowned hostess, historian and orator, Mrs. Prince was the first here to pursue marking the Santa Fe Trail. As State Historian in 2010, Mrs. Farr spearheaded the efort to mark Mrs. Prince’s unmarked grave in the Prince family plot in Flushing, N.Y.
With almost 100 members, the chapter logged more than 3,400 volunteer
Since its founding in 1944, the chapter has made significant contributions to the National Society, with chapter members serving as state committee members and as State Ofcers. The chapter initiated the local celebration of Flag Day and has donated American Flags for homes constructed by Habitat for Humanity. Over 20 years ago, the chapter launched a monthly genealogy day at the local genealogy library, which has been a tremendous success in helping many members join DAR. Additionally, the chapter is active in its community, honoring Veterans at local Veterans’ homes. While the chapter’s legacy honors the cherished traditions of those who came before us, it also fosters meaningful connections among chapter members across generations, creating a vibrant tapestry of knowledge, experience and camaraderie that enriches us all.
The chapter remains committed to serving the National Society and the public with programs focusing on historic preservation, education and patriotism.
Uintah Chapter, Salt Lake City, Utah, was named after the High Uintas, the only mountain range in the lower 48 states with an east-west axis. The chapter was organized on February 1, 1974, with seven charter members present, led by Organizing Chapter Regent Linda Nelson. Today, the chapter is thriving, with a current membership of 64.
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Uintah Chapter gathered at a local restaurant on February 24, 2024. Attendees received 50-year bracelets as favors. Organizing Chapter Chaplain Rena Mills spoke about a few of her experiences at the organizing chapter meeting and provided a brief chapter history.
Chapter Regent Deborah Hoyt (2022–2024) recognized past Chapter Regents and welcomed those present. During her remarks, Mrs. Hoyt also stated: “We are proud of our chapter and the wonderful and dedicated ladies who are our members and ofcers. The serviceoriented culture of our community and our continued commitment to DAR principles of patriotism and service attract women of courage and integrity. We look forward to a bright future as we move forward in service to home, community and nation.”
On April 20, 2024, William Tuffs Chapter, Elkhart, Ind., celebrated its 100th anniversary with a special high tea held at the Havilah Beardsley House in
Are you familiar with the Genealogical Education Programs (GEP) created by the NSDAR Genealogy Department? GEP courses provide the most complete and up-to-date information on the proper completion and documentation standards required by DAR for the verification of Applications.
For more information on the courses, including pricing and registration, visit www.dar.org/GEP.
Elkhart. The chapter was organized on October 26, 1923, with 13 members.
Chapter Regent Jeane Bosse extended a warm welcome to all attendees and to special guest State Historian Cheryl Ball. The event honored eight past Chapter Regents who were in attendance.
Hats of all vintages and styles were worn by the attendees. Wonderful delicacies were served with a variety of teas. Chapter scrapbooks spanning 100 years were on display. A history booklet of our Organizing Regent Sareita Harvey Keppler and chapter namesake William Tufs was given to attendees along with a special Christmas ornament inscribed with our chapter namesake and our anniversary date of 1923–2023.
GEP 1: DAR Applications
This introduction to Genealogical Research skills emphasizes locating genealogical documentation; identifying specific pieces of genealogical evidence; and evaluating evidence within the context of the criteria required for DAR Applications and Supplemental applications.
This program introduces information needed to successfully prepare a DAR Application or Supplemental application.
This course expands on the information introduced in GEP 2, including the skills needed to analyze lineage documentation, identify acceptable types and sources of service, and properly prepare the Application and documentation.
Amos Sturgis Chapter, Sturgis, Mich., has taken on the restoration project of the four-acre historic Old Centerville Cemetery, located near Sturgis, Mich. Despite sitting within city limits, the cemetery was abandoned long ago and had many broken and vandalized headstones. Thanks to Chapter First Vice Regent Liz Campbell’s diligent efforts, the cemetery has now been designated an ofcial Michigan State Historic Site.
Chapter members take great pride in their adopted cemetery, where they work at least two Saturdays per month during good weather and often on additional days. With permission from local authorities and hands-on training from several historic preservation cemetery workshops, the chapter has had the privilege to clean, straighten, restore, repair and build new bases for dozens of headstones in 2023. Chapter members even hosted one of these workshops at the Old Centreville Cemetery.
Anthony Wayne Chapter, Mankato, Minn., helped repair and replace Civil War Veterans’ gravestones in the historic Glenwood Cemetery in support of the Minnesota State Regent’s Project (Huston Administration 2021 –2023). The chapter submitted applications to the VA for the needed approval and arranged for the placement of two grave markers. This
dedication ceremony. An ofcial mourner, DAR member Susan Hynes, was also in attendance.
On April 20, 2024, members of Antietam Chapter, Sharpsburg, Md., dedicated an America 250! Revolutionary War Patriots Marker in Sharpsburg, where the chapter was chartered in 1970. Chapter Regent Linda Matthews presided over the event.
Mayor of Sharpsburg Russ Weaver accepted responsibility for ownership of the marker. Maryland State Ofcers present included State Chaplain Duvrese Scarlett, State Recording Secretary Mary Fisher, State Assistant Treasurer Denise Shay and State Registrar Sue Brenchley. Also in attendance were America 250! Committee State Chair Doty Semotchko, member of America 250! State Committee Bliss Kaye, and Honorary State Regent Ruann George, who is also a charter member of Antietam Chapter.
The cemetery is the final resting place for Centreville’s earliest settlers, including Margaret Langley, the wife of the town’s founder, along with many Veterans of the American Civil War and Spanish-American War. Chapter members are honored to be entrusted with the care of this historic cemetery and are dedicated to continuing their work in educating the public, preserving history and honoring those buried there.
project was done in cooperation with the Friends of the Boy In Blue Memorial and The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). A special thank you goes to Julie Schrader of the Blue Earth County Historical Society.
A very special part of this project was the dedication of Lieutenant Peter Lentz and Colonel James Poole markers on June 19, 2023. As we sponsored the replacement James Poole marker, chapter members attended the event and placed a wreath in his honor. Since the Civil War Veterans were not buried with military honors when they were originally laid to rest, the SUVCW Honor Guard was present along with the Camp Commander and Chaplain from the SUVCW State Society to perform the official
Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Linda Waring, a former member of the Singing Sergeants, sang “The StarSpangled Banner.” John Barr, president of the Washington County commissioners, read the DAR America 250! proclamation. The Maryland Society SAR Color Guard presented a musket salute. Chip Stickler played “Taps.” America 250! Chapter Chair Patricia Hammond was lauded for the many hours she dedicated to making the event a success. Antietam Chapter is
the fourth chapter in Maryland to dedicate an America 250! Patriot Marker.
Battle Born Chapter, Carson City, Nev., had another stellar year as it continued serving our nation under the guidance of Chapter Regent Jan French.
The chapter met and signed hundreds of valentines with personal notes to send to our Veterans overseas. Additionally, chapter member Marsha Strand presented 313 Quilts of Valor that were handmade this year to local Veterans and made a special donation that enabled 99 Honor Flights.
Along with Honorary State Regent Lori Bagwell, Chapter Regent Jan French and chapter member Suzie McCurdy presented the DAR Bronze Medal to a young ROTC top achiever.
Chapter member Suzie McCurdy volunteers at the church with Nights of the Street, where the local churches bring the homeless in to sleep out of the cold. Another chapter member, Suzanne Malek, heads the TMCC Library Open Genealogy Lab, arranging Zoom meetings weekly and bringing in guest speakers from all over the country. Mrs. Malek’s knowledge is vast!
Battle Born Chapter members are everywhere in the community! There is not enough space to list the amazing plethora of volunteerism these exceptional women do daily for the betterment of their community.
Beaver Chapter, Beaverton, Ore., proudly hosted Gloria Brown’s family at an awards ceremony on February 10, 2024. Brown (1951–2021) is now listed with DAR’s Women in American History. She overcame extraordinary challenges to achieve her dream as the first African-American woman to become a supervisor in the U.S. Forest Service. Her autobiography, Black Woman in Green: Gloria Brown and the Unmarked Trail to Forest Service Leadership, is now on the shelves at the DAR Library in Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Brown’s courageous life story was inspiring for students receiving awards at the event. Some of these students were named Junior American Citizens, Outstanding Cadets and DAR Good Citizens, and others received recognition as winners of the Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School Essay Contest and DAR Youth Leadership Medals.
The Literacy Promotion Committee of Bend Chapter, Bend, Ore., hosted an Earth Day book drive, collecting over 1,000 new and gently used children’s books for local children in Head Start and foster care. The committee collects book donations year-round and has community partnerships with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Head Start programs in three counties, Boys and Girls Clubs and local shelters.
The chapter hosts a Little Free Library in a downtown
public garden featuring children’s books focused on Earth-related topics and a “free books” shelf in the lobby of local social service ofces. Additionally, each year, Bend Chapter delivers about 700 books to the Early Childhood Education Center at the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation in Warm Springs, Ore. The chapter often purchases books for special requests, like Spanish language, preschool or STEM books. In 2023, Bend Chapter distributed over 1,800 books to children in Central Oregon and has distributed more than 12,000 books since 2016.
Members, family and friends of Bethlehem, Pa. Chapter, Bethlehem, Pa., prepared the Horner Cemetery for the Memorial Day presentation on May 25, 2024. Horner Cemetery is an old cemetery in Bath, Pa., where many Revolutionary War Patriots are buried.
On January 20, 2024, Biscayne Chapter, Miami Beach, Fla., hosted a 100-year birthday party celebration for our beloved member Joan Mueller. Mrs. Mueller is a WWII Veteran who served in the Navy Waves. Sixty-four friends, family, chapter members and special guests attended the delicious luncheon at Cafe Avanti in Miami Beach.
Members of the SAR presented the Colors. The
chapter recited the full DAR ritual and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was an exciting first for many attendees. State Vice Regent Kim Zemen brought greetings from the State Society, including State Regent Cindy Addison. The speaker gave a fabulous oral and visual presentation of Women Serving in WWII, featuring Mrs. Mueller’s service.
Mrs. Mueller was showered with proclamations from the American Legion and local and state politicians. She was awarded a Medal of Honor from the City of Miami
Beach and a Congressional Record from her Congresswoman, Frederica Wilson. Mrs. Mueller was also presented with a handmade Quilt of Valor from Chapter Librarian Cheryl Gowing and a DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal from the entire chapter.
The chapter’s event received local and regional television coverage on NBC as an uplifting weekend story that aired several times!
On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Canandaigua Chapter, Canandaigua, N.Y., presented art supplies valued at nearly $536 to the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) at the Veterans Administration Finger Lakes Health Care Center (VA). The IPVAP provides assistance to Veterans, their partners and VA staf who have been afected by intimate partner violence. Based on a wish list from IPVAP staf, chapter members donated adult and child coloring books,
sketchbooks, crayons and colored pencils. These materials will be made available to service recipients and their children under the supervision of IPVAP staf.
Art activities have been used therapeutically to relieve stress, promote self-expression, and facilitate the development of problem-solving and other skills. As such, Canandaigua Chapter was pleased to ofer these resources to support Veterans and their families, consistent with our mission of patriotism.
Melissa Waite, LMSW, an IPVAP social worker, accepted the supplies on behalf of the IPVAP. Also present were VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Program Manager Regina Deck, CDCE Specialist Chad Christensen and Veterans Outreach Program Coordinator Jason Richards. After the presentation, Mr. Richards honored chapter members with a new health center facility tour.
Captain James Jack Chapter, New Braunfels, Texas, presented U.S. and Texas flags to the new Westside Library at its April meeting. The chapter meets at the library each month.
The speaker for the presentation was Joy Collins, The Flag of the United States of America Committee Texas State Chair. After her remarks, Mrs. Collins gifted the library a copy of the book For You They Signed
The Westside Library opened in 2023 as an extension of the New Braunfels Westside Community Center. It is a community-driven space with local resources
and a diverse, multi-lingual collection of books. The library features study rooms, a teen area, a children’s section and multiple computers, and it also ofers copy, print, scan and fax services.
A highlight of the library is “The Garden Room,” a large meeting area overlooking a community garden. The flags donated by Captain James Jack Chapter will be permanent additions to the Garden Room to be enjoyed by all organizations that use the space.
The Constitution Week Committee of Captain Peter Ankeny Chapter, Tulsa, Okla., has included an art contest at the local high school and middle school during Constitution Week. The committee furnishes the theme and supplies a onequarter piece of poster board per student. Themes alternate yearly between the choice of any amendment to the Constitution and
those contained in the Bill of Rights. Soon after the school year begins, a committee member contacts the principals and/or the art teachers to invite participation. Students participate during their art classes. The middle school has incorporated it as part of the curriculum, while the high school has often made participation optional. Twenty-five of the top projects from each school are delivered to the committee and judged at the October chapter meeting for their artistic qualities and Constitution themes. Each member present votes for the top two posters in each group. Winners receive cash prizes and 1st, 2nd or 3rd place ribbons.
Centennial State Chapter, Greeley, Colo., had a unique opportunity with Wreaths Across America (WAA) last December. They laid wreaths in two local cemeteries. Chapter members spread the word about WAA in their local community through the radio and newspaper. They searched on Find A Grave to learn which names belonged to Veterans. Orange marker flags were placed by each Veteran’s headstone. Dozens gathered for a marker
dedication ceremony and then headed to the cemetery with shovels in hand. Maps had been handed out to help identify where Veterans were. Through everyone’s hard work, more than 100 wreaths were laid in the two cemeteries. The entire experience was very moving and rewarding and will continue this year.
Chatsworth Chapter, Chatworth, Calif., has been busy welcoming new members. Last year, the chapter helped five women get their papers verified. The chapter is growing!
The chapter held its annual Good Citizen Award ceremony during its spring meeting, inviting six local senior high school students and their parents/guardians.
Chestatee River Chapter, Cumming, Ga., has been very active this past year. The chapter secured a proclamation from the Mayor of Cumming for Constitution Week. Chapter members heard two docent programs and supported a fellow chapter’s 50th birthday celebration. The chapter also presented two JROTC Awards to high school students.
Chief John Ross Chapter, Chattanooga, Tenn., welcomed new citizens at a naturalization ceremony this spring. Daughters handed out gift bags that included a Constitution booklet and Flag pins, among other patriotic-themed items. The new citizens received them after they took the Oath of Citizenship, which followed a moving ceremony that included patriotic songs sung by a local duo. Twenty-seven countries were represented and we all celebrated with tears and hugs and picture-taking.
Chief Justice Cushing Chapter , Scituate, Mass., was honored and privileged to present commemorative Vietnam Veterans lapel pins to 60 men and women who reside at a local senior living home. On National Vietnam Veterans Day, the Mayor of Scituate presented a proclamation to recognize the day.
Church and Cannon Chapter, Springfield, N.J., held grave marker dedications for three Revolutionary War Patriots. The celebration was a culmination of more than 200 hours of research and year-long planning, with more than 120 people attending. The chapter enlisted community involve-
ment. Boy Scouts assisted with the crowd and attending County Commissioners and a mayoral proclamation brought even more awareness to the chapter’s mission.
Clear Creek Militia Chapter, Mint Hill, N.C., was excited to dedicate North Carolina’s first DAR America 250! Patriots Marker on May 5, 2023. This handsome marker stands at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, reminding visitors of our ancestors’ courage, determination and sac-
Guard from a young Civil Air Patrol unit performed superbly during the event.
Dr. Tony Zeiss delivered the program, addressing the audience as Captain James Jack from the 1770s. The chapter’s DAR America 250! Committee recited the names of all chapter members’ ancestors, then invited attendees to call out their own ancestors’ names if they knew them, which many did!
The Town of Mint Hill generously extended a sidewalk to accommodate the chapter’s marker. After 18 months of fundraising, the chapter and its DAR America 250! Committee were thrilled to see this day come to pass. Clear Creek Militia Chapter has proud Daughters!
Clearwater Chapter, Clearwater, Fla., awarded the Ellen Hardin WalworthFounder’s Medal for Patriotism to Barbara Green, who founded the Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) with her late husband, Reverend Otis C. “Preacher” Green, in 1986. Clearwater Chapter was honored to present Mrs. Green and HEP with the National Medal and Certificate, along with $2,000. To learn about the Green’s amazing story, please visit www.hepempowers.org.
rifice so that we can live in a free country. The dedication service was attended by chapter members, their families, and former and current town commissioners. Special DAR guests included State First Vice Regent Cricket Crigler, a National Committee Chair, a National Division Vice Chair, a District 3 Director and several District 3 Chapter Regents. The Color
Clough Valley Chapter, Cincinnati, Ohio, recognized Sister Anthony O’Connell as a recipient of the DAR Women in American History Award. Sister Anthony was the leader of the seven nuns who served as nurses at Camp Dennison hospital during the Civil War. At the Christian Waldschmidt Homestead and Civil War Museum, you can see her picture and tributes to the Sisters of Charity who served compassionately there.
On June 1, 2024, the Chapter Regent and two chapter members went to the Sisters of Charity Cincinnati Motherhouse and presented posthumously the DAR Women in American History Certificate and Medal for Sister Anthony O’Connell to their archivist Sister Judith Metz. Twenty Sisters of Charity came to the ceremony in their new garden, including one spry nun who is 101
years old. Chapter members shared the history and purpose of DAR and some of its current projects, including Wreaths Across America.
Just past the Motherhouse is the Sisters of Charity Cemetery. The chapter visited the grave site of Sister O’Connell and noted the U.S. Army nurse markers placed for her and the other six sisters who served during the Civil War at Camp Dennison, Ohio.
Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter, Garden City, N.Y., celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with a program presented by Commemorative Events Chair Leslie Dimmling. Dressed in mob caps and shawls, the ladies revisited that famous day in 1773. Tea from the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum was served using vintage china tea cups, provided to each member as a memento. The program featured an original play, a poster of the principals and facts of the event and a print from an early 1800s magazine depicting the historic incident.
Colonel Charles Lewis Chapter, Point Pleasant, W.Va., commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Point Pleasant in October 2024. The chapter, in coordination with the Battle Days Committee, Point Pleasant Chapter SAR and the Point Pleasant Society C.A.R. hosted a week-long event at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park.
This annual commemoration was first held by Colonel Charles Lewis Chapter after Founding Chapter Regent Livia Naye Simpson Pofenbarger convinced Congress to provide funding for a monument at the newly established state park.
The commemoration ran from October 5–13. The schedule included the opening of a time capsule from 1974, the 200th anniversary of the battle, living history portrayals, an encampment, a play about the events surrounding the battle and a lantern tour. On October 10, the actual anniversary of the battle, a memorial service was held at the magazine from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Immediately afterwards, the chapter hosted a reception in the park for all attendees. That evening there was a colonial ball from 6–8 p.m.
Colonel Joseph Winston Chapter, Winston-Salem, N.C., has been fundraising to hire a certified preservationist to preserve, repair, upright and unearth several headstones at a local cemetery. The cemetery grounds are also being restored, and several chapter members have cleaned more than 150 headstones to date and planted more than 40 trees.
Following participating in the annual Memorial Day Parade in 2023, Colonel William Candler Chapter, Gainesville, Ga., unveiled a DAR America 250! Patriot Marker in Patriots’ Park at Alta Vista Cemetery and rededicated the World War I monument there.
On May 5, 2024, Colonel Morgan Morgan Chapter, Fairmont, W.Va., dedicated the first West Virginia DAR America 250! Revolutionary War Patriot Marker. Through an America 250! Celebration Grant, along with community and chapter support, the bronze marker was prominently mounted on a natural rock at the historical Pricketts Fort State Park.
DAR and SAR members from across the state attended the open event. The West Virginia Society SAR presented the Colors and salute, mountaineer fifes and drums performed patriotic music, and Franchesca Aloi sang the national anthem. Patriot yard flags lined the walk, and replica marker magnets were souvenirs.
The chapter owns Patriots’ Park, and Daughters maintain the garden landscaping with the help of the Hall County Master Gardeners. Revolutionary soldiers Beal Baker and William Clark, along with Clark’s second wife Ruth Goodwin Clark, are interred in marked graves. Celebrating America 250! memorializes Patriot contributions to the cause and support of the achievement of American independence.
Chapter Daughters and community members were joined at the event by members of Fielding Lewis, Hightower Trail, Jacob Braselton and Kennesaw Mountain DAR chapters, plus the Lyman Hall SAR
Special guests presented greetings, including State Regent Jane Larke, Honorary State Regent and America 250! Committee National Vice Chair Malinda Davis, and America 250! Committee State Chair and District 1 Director Georgette Ward. Chapter members and special guests unveiled the marker using individual ribbons attached to a floweradorned cover.
Rudy Vincent, president of George Rogers Clark Chapter SAR, Clarkston, W.Va., ofered remarks. The event concluded with a wreath-laying and an open house. WBOY-TV interviewed Commemorative Events State Chair and Chapter Regent Barbara Channell, and Times West Virginian featured the event in Mountain State Living Magazine.
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Elizabeth Curley, Malvina Mofett, Jerry Patterson, Jean Gammage and Karla Ferguson
Color Guard and C.A.R. Eagles of Liberty Society. Gainesville Mayor, Hall County Commission Chair and State First Vice Regent brought greetings. During the ceremony in honor of Revolutionary and WWI Patriots, Honorary Chapter Regent Helen Martin and Honorary Chapter Regent Penny Walker shared the history of Patriots buried at Patriots’ Park. They rededicated the WWI monument, memorializing Hall County Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
At noon on June 14, Columbine Chapter, Highlands Ranch, Colo., united with Mount Rosa Chapter, Littleton, Colo., to celebrate Flag Day. The two Colorado chapters joined together at the Highlands Ranch Veterans Memorial in Civic Green Park, where they were fortunate to find some respite from the scorching sun thanks to gathering clouds. This monument, dedicated in 2009, pays tribute to local Veterans from all six military branches. It was an ideal location in the south metro area for the Flag Day celebration, near where the two chapters meet.
During the program, Chapter Regents and members from both chapters shared insights into the event’s history, fun facts about the flag, and the inspiring story of Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, drawn from a 1985 speech by President
attendance. State Vice Regent Liz Deering brought greetings. Also in attendance were past State Regent Ruann George, State Vice Regent Liz Deering, State Chaplain Duvrese Scarlett, State Recording Secretary Mary Fisher, State Assistant Treasurer Denise Shay and America 250! Committee State Chair Dotty Semotchko.
Ronald Reagan. Key’s words later became the national anthem. The event concluded with attendees sharing personal Flag memories and anecdotes.
Following the ceremony, the group enjoyed a lively luncheon at a nearby restaurant. The collaborative eforts of Mount Rosa and Columbine Chapters, in the past and the present, promise exciting partnership opportunities in the future.
On Patriots Day, April 19, 2024, Conococheague Chapter, Hagerstown, Md., erected a DAR America 250! Revolutionary War Patriot Marker at Kiwanis Park near the historic Saylor house. Invited local dignitaries, chapter members and their families were in
Contentment Chapter, Greenfield, Mass., made mug rugs to give to local Veterans for Memorial Day. The mug rugs were sewn by the quilters in the chapter and delivered by other chapter members to Veterans at local nursing homes and a local Veterans home.
June 2, 2024, David Craig Chapter, Brownsville, Tenn., and Stephens Chapter, Decatur, Ala., dedicated a DAR America 250! Revolutionary War Patriot Marker for
Private Stephen Penn, DAR Patriot ancestor of Chapter Regent Susan Sills. The service was held at Friendship Baptist Cemetery near Danville, Ala.
At the event, the two DAR chapters were joined by the Alabama Society SAR and the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge (DVF). Descendants of Private Penn traveled from several states—including Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.
Mrs. Sills presided over the ceremony. She welcomed special guests, including Alabama Senator Arthur Orr, Alabama State Regent Patrice Donnelly, several other Alabama and Tennessee State Ofcers, SAR, and DVF.
David Craig Chapter presented a DAR America 250! Award to Joseph T. Richardson, a local historian and genealogist. Richardson greatly assisted in the preparation, planning and promotion of this event.
Members of DAR, SAR and DVF unveiled markers. Those presenting wreaths included the Alabama State Society, David Craig Chapter, Stephens Chapter, Alabama Society SAR, Alabama Brigade DVF, and several other DAR and SAR chapters.
The closing rendition of “Taps” was played by descendant Owen Morey, grandson of Mrs. Sills.
Dubois County Chapter, Huntingburg, Ind., attended a Memorial Day ceremony at a local cemetery. The chapter helped organize the event and supplied snacks for the group of approximately 70 people who
attended. A local Boy Scout troop led the raising of the American Flag.
Following the hour-long ceremony, each Daughter placed an American Flag at the graves of the Veterans buried at the cemetery.
On May 9, 2024, at 3 p.m., a poignant moment unfolded as Ee-dah-how Chapter, Nampa, Idaho and guests gathered at Liberty Park for the dedication of the first
DAR America 250! Patriots Marker placed in the state of Idaho. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed individuals, including President General Pamela Wright, State Regent Janice Beller, America 250! Committee National Chair Kathryn West, America 250! Committee State Chair Betty Bercik, State Chaplain Barbara Grant and Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling.
The chapter extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making this commemoration a reality, America 250! Committee Chapter Co-Chairs Dawn Fleishans and Kris Wood, Chapter member Chantel West, supportive HODARs and friends.
Chapter Regent Peggy Orbea orchestrated a wonderful program, Mayor Debbie Kling delivered a City of Nampa Proclamation and chapter member Anne Skoog rendered a soul-stirring rendition of the national anthem beneath a canopy of azure skies.
Elijah Gunn Sr. Chapter, Napoleon, Ohio, chose to host a patriotic dinner theater as an America 250! event. It was the
first in the county! Elijah Gunn Sr. Chapter partnered with the St. Paul Lutheran School’s drama club to bring Patriots to life through their remarkable stories and legacies. The students presented a historical comedy play, The Entire American Revolution (in 40 minutes or less!, written by Eddie McPherson.
With a DAR display, including informative posters and literature, and DAR ladies greeting guests, the event helped increase awareness of what DAR is all about. Chapter members also created a display commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, and they honored Vietnam Veterans in the audience during the event.
All in all, the event sold 250 tickets, and it was a full house! Elijah Gunn Sr. Chapter was proud to contribute to the wonderful evening.
Elizabeth Ross Chapter, Ottumwa, Iowa, was honored to have a grave marking and dedication ceremony for Jonathan
Woody, a Revolutionary War soldier, on June 8, 2024. The event was attended by special guests, including Ottumwa Mayor Rick Johnson, the American Legion, State Vice Regent Tiffany Hauptman, DAR Service for Veterans Committee National Vice Chair Jeanne McMillian. “Taps” was played at the end of the ceremony.
Elizabeth Wadsworth Chapter , Portland, Maine, held its traditional holiday meeting last December. Hosted by chapter member Sue Folley and supporting DAR Project Patriot, the meeting is a highlight of the chapter calendar.
Care packages for service members were assembled and included chocolates, popcorn, toiletries, many varieties of homemade cookies, and a special request for a 64-oz water bottle. The chapter was honored to send packages and over 55 pounds of goodies to three service members with Maine ties, including a member of the chapter stationed in Hawaii. This project has been a chapter favorite for more than 16 years, first started by Chapter Regent Earlene “Kitty” Chadbourne (2004–2007), whose son was serving in a Maine National Guard unit overseas. December’s meeting continued the eforts of the members to wish service members a happy holiday season. At the November 2023 chapter meeting, more than 250 signed Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years’ cards were collected for the Operation Cards to the Military program.
Daughters of Exeter Chapter, Exeter, N.H., pose with wreaths at their annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Winter Street Cemetery in 2023. Exeter was the capital of New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War, and this small, historic cemetery is the final resting place of more than 30 Patriots, including at least two Black
Patriots. Statewide plans are in motion, directed by State Regent Kay Sternenberg to place a DAR America 250! Patriots Marker at this location in the fall of 2024, as well as a second location in Exeter at the American Independence Museum.
Fauquier Court House Chapter , Warrenton, Va., organized a Real Daughter marker rededication for Jane Christian Mayre, daughter of Lieutenant William Storke Jett of Colonel Taylor’s Regiment, who witnessed British Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown. Mayre was a member of Mount Vernon Chapter, Alexandria, Va.
Chapter member Ashley Glenn discovered Mayre’s grave in Fredericksburg City Cemetery while conducting research for a
Real Daughter chapter presentation. It is unknown who marked Mayre’s grave in 1928, and with no living descendants, the cemetery had cared for her grave.
Chapter Regent Belinda Glenn proposed that the chapter hold a ceremony honoring Mayre and take over caring for her grave as a district project, which District IX Director Sonja Johnson highly supported. District IX Chapter Regents enthusiastically participated in the ceremony by placing chapter wreaths. After Mrs. Glenn presented a brief biography of Mayre, she revealed how many Real Daughter graves were marked and that eight were still unmarked. A short reception followed.
Attendees included State Corresponding Secretary Penny Cummiskey, State Organizing Secretary Victoria Dehlbom and State Historian Susan Walls. Chapter Regents and Chapter Vice Regents from Culpeper Minute Men, Falls of the Rappahannock, Leedstown Resolutions, Mine Run and Washington-Lewis Chapters also attended.
were presented to Retired Colonel Deborah Wilson, U.S. Army Veteran of 31 years of service and currently serving as the senior military instructor for the JROTC program at Beaver Area High School; Brian DiGiovine, U.S. Navy Veteran of 22 years; Charles Herdt, a four-year U.S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran; John McCready Jr. a two-year U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran; and Bernard Swogger, a two-year U.S. Army Vietnam-era Veteran.
Following the Quilts of Valor presentation, the fallen comrade table ceremony was conducted by June Reed. Nine Beaver County natives killed in action while serving were remembered. Chapter Ofcers read the names of those honored. A pair of boots from a local Veteran who served in Afghanistan was on loan and was set to the side of the table.
Chapter member and nurse Sally Fitzgerald gave an informative presentation on the DAR Nurse Corps and its 125th anniversary. The chapter’s nurse members were honored for their service with certificates and DAR Nurse Corp pins.
Frederick Van Patten Chapter, Searcy, Ark., recently presented the NSDAR Conservation Award to the Arkansas State University-Beebe Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and their sponsors for their work in conserving the Monarch butterfly.
On November 14, 2023, Fort McIntosh Chapter, Beaver, Pa., honored and awarded five Quilts of Valor, which were contributed by members of the Beaver Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild. Collectively, the five Veterans honored represented 71 years of military service and three diferent branches of military service. Quilts
To save the endangered Monarch, PTK created a butterfly garden and set a goal of planting enough milkweed to support Monarch caterpillars. The year 2022 was a learning year, and PTK was able to release a dozen butterflies. However, 2023 was a banner year, during which PTK successfully released more than 100 butterflies.
This program has encouraged faculty, staf, students and DAR members to plant milkweed in their own homes in order to encourage Monarch butterflies to lay their eggs. Frederick Van Patten Chapter was excited to award this group the NSDAR Conservation Award for their awesome achievement and inspiration.
Members of General Perry Benson Chapter, Easton, Md., attended the 250th commemoration ceremony of the Talbot Resolves on May 24, 2024, with members of the Colonel Tench Tilghman Chapter SAR, several direct Tilghman descendants, the Talbot Historical Society, the County Council, and the County Department of Economic Development and Tourism at the Easton Courthouse.
This proclamation was originally read on May 24, 1774, by several Talbot County gentlemen who declared they would act as friends in support of their brothers in Boston, Mass., as the British prepared to shut down the Port of Boston in retaliation of the Boston Tea Party held on December 16, 1773.
Speakers included Pete Lesher, County Council vice chairmen, and J.D. Urbach, Maryland Society SAR
president. Maryland State Senator Johnny Mautz presented the Maryland General Assembly Ofcial Citation to recognize and thank the four organizations for organizing the event. Wes Hagood, a Colonel Tench Tilghman SAR member, discussed clues to the original author. The original proclamation was read. Chapter members distributed flags at the ceremony and were recognized and included in the ceremony along with the SAR Color Guard and a town crier.
At its fourth annual awards reception this spring at the Maryland Golf and Country Club in Bel Air Governor William Paca Chapter, Bel Air, Md., presented awards to outstanding Harford County residents in many fields of endeavor.
Over 90 honorees and invited guests attended, including State Vice Regent Elizabeth Deering, who presented certificates to those being honored.
Fifteen awards were given to 21 Harford Countians in the areas of Outstanding Teacher of American History, Literacy, Good Citizen, American History Essay, Patriots of the American Revolution Essay, Women in American History, Historic Preservation Recognition, Youth Leadership, DAR Outstanding Cadet Silver Medal, DAR Excellence in Media, Women in the Arts Recognition and DAR Conservation.
Chapter members and Chapter Regent Carol Johnson were pleased and honored to recognize the many exceptional students, educators and citizens in the community.
The chapter was especially honored to present the most prestigious DAR Historic
Preservation Medal to C. John Sullivan, a widely-recognized expert on water fowling in the Chesapeake Bay region. Sullivan has frequently exhibited his impressive lifetime collection of duck decoys, duck guns and other artifacts, in addition to writing 12 books on water fowling history.
Green Mountain Chapter, Burlington, Vt., dedicated a Vermont Roadside Historic Marker in Battery Park, Burlington, Vt., on July 6, 2024. This Revolutionary War
Left to right: SAR member John Moore, Chapter Chaplain Emily Johnson, Special Committee Chapter Chair Karen Brigham, SAR member Rod Brigham, Honorary Chapter Regent Betty Andrews, State Regent Janet Weaver, Chapter Regent Susy Pratt, The Flag of the United States of America Committee Chapter Chair Ginger Phelps, State Chaplain Sandy Gamsby, DAR member Hannah Gamsby, SAR member John Gamsby, Chapter Librarian Abby Miller and Chapter Historian Caroline Tassey
Patriots Marker is the fruition of a special committee working since June 2020 to locate, recognize and honor Revolutionary War Soldiers in Chittenden County. The marker is a collaboration involving the Green Mountain Chapter; the State of Vermont Division of Historic Preservation; Burlington, Vermont Parks, Recreation & Waterfront; and the Vermont 250th Anniversary Commission.
Also, as part of the work of the chapter’s special committee, an extensive database was created logging and verifying the names of Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Chittenden County cemeteries. These names were then
searched and recognized in Find A Grave, where two virtual cemeteries were created. One contains the names of Chittenden County Revolutionary War Soldiers and the other contains the Patriots of Green Mountain Daughters.
Henry Clay Chapter, Annandale, Va., has been busy supporting Veterans in a myriad of ways. In September of 2023, the chapter washed the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C. Next, the chapter and a few HODARs welcomed two honor flights to Ronald Reagan National Airport, greeting over 160 Korean and Vietnam War Veterans. In November, and in partnership with American Legion
Post 1976 and Cook for Vets, members prepared and served Thanksgiving dinner to more than 135 Veterans and their families. Many friendships were made that day!
In early 2024, following the February chapter meeting, members made valentines for Veterans at the Brightview Woodburn Senior Center. In honor of Vietnam War Veteran Day on March 29, and as a Commemorative Partner, the chapter invited Vietnam Veteran Thomas Ritchie to speak at its March chapter meeting. Ritchie, who served 21 years in the U.S. Army to include four tours in Vietnam, was presented with the DAR Vietnam Veteran Pin and a certificate of appreciation for his selfless service and sacrifice. The next week,
Chapter Regent Amanda Fowler presented a Vietnam Veteran flag and certificate to American Legion Post 1976 Commander Dorothy Vigano in honor of the 103 Vietnam Veterans of the post.
James Pittman Chapter, Commerce, Ga., welcomed Joy Frederick, Georgia State Society N.S.C.A.R. State President, who gave a presentation on her state project, “America’s Guardian Angels,” and spoke about her experience as a member of America’s oldest youth patriotic organization. Ms. Frederick, a dual DAR-C.A.R. member, spoke about the history of C.A.R. Chapter members were surprised to learn that Organizing Regent Frances Brooks Pittman was one of the first Georgia Daughters to serve as a committee chairman for the Georgia State Society N.S.C.A.R. “America’s Guardian Angels” will send families of policemen, who died in the line of service, to National Police Week. Additionally, as part of her project, she created certificates of appreciation, upon request, for first responders. Chapter members were quite impressed with Ms. Frederick’s poise and presentation skills at such a young age.
Following the presentation, a memorial service was held for three members: Mary Bates, Theresa Tiller and Marie Parks. After a short business meeting where the
2024–2026 Chapter Ofcers were elected, the group shared a meal together. The chapter proudly supports C.A.R. and the work done to train good citizens, develop leaders and promote love of the U.S. and its heritage among young people!
When restoring a missing DAR emblem on a chapter member’s gravestone at Greenwood Cemetery, Jean Nicolet Chapter, De Pere, Wis. made a discovery. The chapter learned that seven of its founding Organizing Chapter Ofcers, Real Daughter Betsey Newton and True Daughter Mary Ann Call are also buried at the cemetery. The chapter wanted to honor the lives of these Daughters and their Patriots and share the history of their ancestors’ service in the Revolutionary War and the Daughters’ contributions in the local community.
Nicolet Chapter restored the DAR emblem, cleaned the Daughters’ gravestones and held a cemetery walk at Greenwood Cemetery. The chapter created a brochure featuring pictures of the headstones, family monuments and short biographies of the Daughters and their Patriot ancestors. The booklet was shared with the cemetery board and the public and was very well-received. Following the cemetery walk, a Jean Nicolet Chapter “stamp” was entered on each Daughter’s memorial page on www.findagrave.com
Jean Ribault Chapter, Jacksonville, Fla., celebrated Veterans last November.
The chapter hosted two Vietnam Veteran pinning ceremonies. The first pinned eight Vietnam Veterans and four surviving spouses, recognizing their sacrifice and service. The second pinning, which occurred on Veterans Day, pinned 21 Vietnam Veterans and 19 surviving spouses. Each Veteran and spouse received a certificate, presidential proclamation and the ofcial pin. Receptions followed both ceremonies.
During last year’s November chapter meeting, chapter member Nancy Russell and U.S. Coast Guard Commander Bob Armacost presented a program of local Veterans’ stories, which Mrs. Russell collected at the retirement community where she and Armacost reside. The stories were from a WWII Marine who landed on Iwo Jima twice on D-Day, a U.S. Air Force nurse who was at Tan San Nhut Air Force Base in Vietnam when the Tet Ofensive started, a U.S. Air Force captain who was responsible for air trafc control during the air trafc controllers strike, and a U.S. Air Force pilot who described the difference between coming home from Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. The most moving story was that of Richard Stratton, the husband of past Chapter Regent Alice Stratton, who was imprisoned in North Vietnam from 1967–1973.
John Marshall Chapter, Louisville, Ky., has a long DAR history as the fourth chartered chapter, and over the past 132 years, the chapter has created some memorable services that paid tribute to local
Revolutionary War Veterans. In researching past chapter records and newspaper articles, members found a Flag Day service of remembrance that was first delivered in 1899. To pay tribute to its past members, the chapter reenacted the service as it was first presented in 1899.
The service took place on Flag Day 2024 at Historic Cave Hill Cemetery. Besides appropriate choral readings, patriotic songs, prayers and poems, chapter members placed Flags
and flower bouquets on graves of the same Revolutionary War Veterans who were honored 125 years ago. The most notable Veteran honored was General George Rogers Clark, who led his men in the conquest of the Northwest Territory to ensure that land would be part of the U.S. Those honored included General Clark and two of his brothers, General Jonathan Clark and Captain Edmund Clark; William and David Meriwether; and John Austin. Thanks to the 1,899 chapter members who provided the inspiration for this service!
Kennesaw Mountain Chapter, Kennesaw, Ga., proudly supports United Military Care (UMC). The organization’s mission is to help Veterans of all ages, lifestyles and challenges navigate the journey to a better life.
One hundred agencies joined to provide services to Veterans from May 13–14, 2022, at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta. The Department of Labor provided CaptionCall, a free visual telephone for hearing impaired; lawyers to help Veterans draft wills and ofer other legal services; showers; laundry facilities to wash clothes; companion animals for adoption; and food, including goodie bags, breakfast, lunch, and a constant supply of snacks and beverages. The list was endless!
Kennesaw Mountain Chapter was privileged to provide support on both days of this event. On Friday, chapter members assured food tables were supplied with burgers, hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, chips, condiments, desserts, water, Gatorade, Propel, lemonade, iced tea and cofee. It was especially moving to interact with and assist Veterans, some of whom shared their stories. On Saturday, chapter members stafed the canteen and brought homemade cookies, brownies and mufns.
Everyone was amazed at the endeavor, and chapter members did what they could to serve those who have greatly served our nation!
Knauss Homestead Chapter, Emmaus, Pa., was organized on October 5, 2023, and chapter members hit the ground running! In just two weeks, the chapter held its first Vet Fest, bringing in donations of money, non-perishable foods and clothing for Veterans.
In November 2023, the chapter donated 120 boxes of rice to the Emmaus High School (EHS) Angel Network, which provides basic assistance to students in need to support their ability to focus on learning in school (receiver students). Volunteer students packaged the rice and other donated items into holiday food baskets and delivered them to receiver students. In
early 2024, the chapter provided various personal care items, like deodorant, for the EHS Angel Network’s Easter holiday baskets.
In April 2024, Knauss Homestead Chapter held a joint meeting with Lieutenant Matthew Smith Chapter, Pennsburg, Pa., to learn about “Tails of Valor,” a nonprofit that trains service dogs for disabled Veterans. Owner Heather Boyd brought along McKay, a certified service dog.
Chapter members volunteer during events sponsored by the Knauss Homestead Preservation Society. Additionally, the chapter is running a plastic bag and wrapper collection program for Emmaus Moravian Church, which will transform 1,000 pounds of plastic into a bench for church use.
For the past 10 years, she has presided over a rapidly growing city, leading multiple projects to improve the community and extensively collaborating with neighboring cities on regional concerns. Lakota Chapter honored Mayor Backus for the milestone she accomplished, her track record in ofce and the inspiration she gives to the youth in our community.
Lakota Chapter has been involved in various other activities this year. Chapter members have volunteered at the Auburn Food Bank and collected items for a Christmas donation to the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting. Additionally, Daughters ventured on a field trip to the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, where they viewed the chapter’s exhibition on the Civilian Conservation Corps in Washington and Oregon. Lakota Chapter has multiple projects planned throughout the end of 2024 and looks forward to making DAR matter while sparkling in service!
On Friday, March 29, 2024, Lawrence Kearny Chapter, Cape Coral, Fla., hosted an event, presenting a program at Eco Park in Cape Coral honoring Veterans who served during the Vietnam War. The event was a collaboration with Caloosahatchee, Estero Island and USS Hannah Chapters and saw more than 100 attendees.
carrying their chapter flag, presented the Colors. The national anthem was sung by Kathy Jenkins, and Guns & Hoses played patriotic songs and the service medley. Mayor Pro Tem Keith Long read the City of Cape Coral’s proclamation and proclaimed March 29 to be “Vietnam Veterans Day.” Each Chapter Regent presented parts describing the Missing Man Table, symbolism of the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Lapel Pin, the commemorative partnership and General Dempsy’s 2012 memorial speech. Chapter members presented 36 commemorative lapel pins and DAR certificates of appreciation to Veterans who served during the Vietnam War, regardless of location. The widow of a Vietnam Veteran was also honored with a Family Lapel Pin. After the ceremony refreshments were served, including homemade cookies supplied by DAR members.
On February 10, 2024, Lakota Chapter, Auburn, Wash., presented City of Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus with the Women in American History Award. When Mayor Backus began her term in January 2014, she became the city’s first female mayor.
The Lighthorse Harry Lee Chapter SAR Color Guard, along with DAR members
LeRay de Chaumont Chapter, Watertown, N.Y., visited Seneca Falls, N.Y., and the Women’s Rights National Historic Park this summer. The chapter arrived just in time to join a tour to the Wesleyan Methodist Church where Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Martha Wright, Mary Ann McClintock and Jane Hunt hosted the First Women’s Rights Convention held in the United States on July 19–20, 1848.
Joining the chapter was an actress portraying Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She described the event and the people that attended, presenting insight and answering questions. She spoke of the Declaration of Sentiments that was presented at the convention declaring that men and women are created equal, transporting attendees back to an era when so much was not equal. Many men and women signed the Declaration of Sentiments, propelling the movement forward. An actor portraying
Frederick Douglass was there and spoke supporting the cause.
Liberty Bell of the West Chapter, Chester, Ill., hosted a high tea in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. This celebration was held at Cafe Bloom in Benton, Ill. All daughters from District VII were invited, with a total of 31 attending.
Attendees learned that many other tea parties happened during our nation’s fight for freedom from the British. One was the Edenton Tea Party, a declaration signed by
51 women stating that they would boycott English products. This action was daring for this time as women were not allowed many rights and could endanger their children and husbands by signing this document. This tea party was the beginning of women becoming politically active on this continent.
May 25, 2024, dawned a perfect spring morning as Lieutenant Matthew Smith Chapter , Pennsburg, Pa., held grave marker dedications to honor Revolutionary War Patriots Ludwick Benner, his wife Catherine, their son John Benner and his wife Elizabeth at St. Peter’s Tohickon UCC Cemetery in Perkasie. These were the first DAR Revolutionary War Grave Markers in this historic cemetery.
Those in attendance heard remarks on the upcoming America 250! celebration from Pennsylvania State Regent Marguerite Fritsch, who reminded the
history and its impact on the growth of the Colonial-era frontier and America. It was the home of Samuel Wallis, one of the largest landowners/land speculators in Colonial Pennsylvania with more than 8,000 acres to his name. Wallis was instrumental in developing the frontier as a land speculator and surveyor.
group that “Next to every Patriot was a wife who supported his eforts.” Also in attendance from the Pennsylvania State Society were State Corresponding Secretary Briana Holladay; State Registrar Sharon Martini, who helped connect living DAR member descendants of the Benners from three states; and America 250! Committee State Chair Cynthia Pritchard. Chapter Regent Carolyn Kitchen spoke on the Pennsylvania supply tax.
Janine Sanford, a Benner descendant from Texas, had reached out to Lieutenant Matthew Smith Chapter in late December 2023. Mrs. Kitchen then met with the church sexton, and together, they located the Patriot headstones at the cemetery. The chapter invited State Ofcers and local community members to attend the meaningful and educational ceremony on Memorial Day weekend.
In March 2024, Malibu Chapter, Malibu, Calif., hosted a presentation open to the public featuring June Aochi Berk, age 92, a survivor of America’s forcible relocation and incarceration of more than 125,000 Japanese residents from western states during World War II. Berk said, “I was just 10 years old when my family and I were ordered to get on buses. We didn’t know where we were going or for how long.”
On May 14, 2024, Linda Poulton, a member of the Lycoming Chapter , Williamsport, Pa., Historic Preservation Committee, presented an award to Malcolm Barlow and John Schaefer, coowners of “Muncy Farms.”
The significance of this property and its ownership has established its place in Lycoming County and American
President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor authorizing the forcible removal of Japanese Americans, including U.S. citizens by birth such as Berk and their Japanese immigrant parents. Their passports were confiscated, and they became illegal aliens. Berk’s parents never cried in front of the children or showed any frustration.
Berk continued, “The adults boarding the evacuation buses were dressed up as if they were going to attend a church service … Our family of five first went to the Santa Anita racetrack where we were housed in a small horse stall … We were given empty
white pillowcases and told to fill them with straw; that’s what we slept on.” Soon, the family was relocated to Arkansas. Released three years later, they each received $25 and a one-way train ticket to Denver.
Last October, Manatee Chapter, Anna Maria, Fla., dedicated a DAR America 250! Patriots Marker, the sixth marker in the state of Florida. The marker is prominently displayed at the Donald L. Courtney Veterans Plaza in Bradenton, along with other markers honoring Veterans of foreign wars. More than 60 people attended the dedication, including the State Recording Secretary Laura Marriott; local government ofcials; Veterans council members; family; friends; and Daughters from Manatee, Myakka and Osceola Chapters. It was a beautiful day to dedicate this legacy. In addition to the honor guard, greetings from the Florida State Organization, wreath laying and dedication, the chapter also presented Jim Klocke, chairman of the Manatee Co. Veterans Council with an America 250! Commendation Medal for his
Last October, Margaret Whetten Chapter, Washington, D.C., honored its member Lena Santos Ferguson with a wreath-laying at her grave at Arlington National Cemetery. Mrs. Ferguson was a catalyst for change. Because of her, DAR took actions to ensure that no chapter may discriminate against an applicant on the basis of race or creed. She actively promoted inclusivity throughout the National Society.
For over 20 years, Mary Carroll Caton Chapter , Catonsville, Md., has dedicated one of its yearly meetings to hosting a baby shower in support of the women members of our Armed Services.
support in adding the Revolutionary War Patriot Marker to the plaza. Guests were able to stroll through the Patriot garden, browse the Revolutionary War information booth and learn if they might have a Patriot in their family tree.
Manatee Chapter is honored to add this Patriot marker celebrating the brave Patriots who founded our nation as a reminder, and the importance of emulating their conviction, courage and cooperation for national unity.
Mrs. Ferguson’s struggle to become a DAR member lasted from 1980 to 1983, after no DAR chapters advanced her initial Application. An agreement was reached in 1984 between Mrs. Ferguson and DAR that resulted in DAR revising its National Bylaws to bar discrimination by any of its chapters on the basis of race or creed, which led to Mrs. Ferguson joining Margaret Whetten Chapter as a full member. Among other things, DAR also focused more research on Revolutionary War Patriots of color and supported students of color in the Washington, D.C., community through DAR scholarships.
Chapter members were joined by Corresponding Secretary General Janet Chapin McFarland, Historian General Suzanne Heske, State Regent Beth Hicks, and Mrs. Ferguson’s daughter and grandson. Mrs. Heske helped Chapter Regent Lee Holifield present DAR’s Women in American History Award to Mrs. Ferguson’s family.
Chapter members participated in hosting a baby shower at the February chapter meeting for Mallory Noble, USO Center Operations Supervisor at Fort George G. Meade Military Base, Ft. Meade, Md. Noble, seated behind a children’s book, co-founded the Fort Meade Baby Shower at Ft. George G. Meade several years ago for the expecting women at that base.
Mary Isham Keith Chapter, Fort Worth, Texas, held a Patriot luncheon and program at a local church. The Chapter Regent welcomed all to the luncheon and introduced the people at the head table and special guests. “The American’s Creed” was recited by all. All participated in the pledge to the American Flag and the singing of “The StarSpangled Banner.”
Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter , Fort Wayne, Ind., has an active Historic Preservation Committee chaired by Benita
Steyer, who is a past Chapter Regent, and Mary Modezjewski. Under their guidance, the committee has joined the Cemetery Friends of Oak Grove Cemetery in the local Aboite Township to explore the genealogy of those interred there and to conduct work days where they clean
gravestones, clear brush and limbs with chain saws, and landscape the cemetery. Their eforts have resulted in a dramatic improvement in this rural cemetery, and they continue to support Oak Grove as well as maintaining 12 historic chapter markers in the Fort Wayne area.
In September 2023, Mary Warrell Knight Chapter, West Allis, Wis., conducted a grave marking ceremony recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made by WWII pilot Second Lieutenant Albert Joseph Sieben. The event was a collaboration with Milwaukee Chapter, Milwaukee, Wis.; Caroline Close Chapter, Lake St. Louis, Mo.; and VFW Auxiliary Post 1865. The service was attended by Wisconsin State Regent Sandy Snow, State Vice Regent Sue Cowan and members of the community. Lieutenant Sieben was 23 years old when his P-47 Thunderbolt airplane crashed
near Wilmington, N.C., on March 29, 1945, during training exercises. His body was brought back to Milwaukee for burial, but for unknown reasons, his grave went unmarked for 78 years until Chapter Regent Karla Francken discovered it while doing genealogy research.
With additional research help from DAR members Karen Larson and Jan Tokraks and assistance from Honorary State Regent Brenda Majewski, documentation was supplied to the Veterans Administration to obtain a bronze grave marker for Lieutenant Sieben.
Also assisting in the service were Honorary Chapter Regent Gail Pavletic; Milwaukee Chapter Regent Patricia Volbrecht; DAR members Jean Laack, Debbie Leszczynski and Janet Brophey; Second Lieutenant Alex Suarez; soloist Lucy Irwin; and VFW Post 1865 Auxiliary President Barb Goode and Conductress Joan VanSwol.
SAR, with its President Brett Reed, the dinner meeting was catered by a local restaurant at the local American Legion.
Chapter members either attended with a Veteran or sponsored an attending Veteran. Following the opening ritual, chapter members introduced their Veterans, their service branch and their years served. All four major branches were represented.
The special guest speaker was Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Jim Whaley. He is also CEO of Mission Roll Call, an organization that is “the first-ever of its kind: a non-traditional nonpartisan movement providing Veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities.”
Those seated at the head table included SAR National Historian Brooks Lyles; Jim and his wife, Jill, who is a chapter member; Mrs. Howard and her personal guests; and all Veterans. Please visit www.missionrollcall.org for more information on this worthwhile nonprofit.
Chapter , Norwalk, Conn., loves Veterans and was honored to present a Quilt of Valor to Bessie Kempf McVay, Retired WWII Seaman First Class, at her 100th birthday party. Another highlight was awarding Quilts of Valor to two chapter members who are
Nation Ford Chapter, Tega Cay, S.C., has honored Veterans with an annual appreciation dinner since organizing in 2006. (During Covid in 2020, chapter members honored a personally known Veteran by donating a meal of their choosing.) This year was no diferent, as Chapter Regent Caitlin Howard led the event. Co-hosted with the Colonel William Bratton Society
U.S. Air Force Veterans, created by Chapter Vice Regent Judi Mobilio. The Service to America Committee Chapter Chair Christie Hughes, who has coordinated the making of more than 200 Quilts of Valor, spearheaded these awards. Mrs. Mobilio also helped
create two Quilts of Valor awarded at the Connecticut State Conference this past spring. The chapter was also proud to have two nominees recognized as the American Legion Veteran of the Month.
Chapter members delivered supplies to the homeless female Veterans at Nicholas A. Madaras House, and Judi Rotar sparkled by cooking holiday meals for these families and even made Easter baskets and clothing for children. The chapter was especially honored when Retired Colonel Beverly Sanford Follis was chosen as the keynote for the Veterans Day ceremony, speaking about Veterans mental health and suicide prevention. Chapter Regent Alice Schroeder also organized a large turnout from Norwalk at the spring Honor Flight sendof to cap of the chapter’s Veterans activities.
From May 30 through June 6, 2024, Oceanus Hopkins Chapter, Pittsburg, Kan., and Little Balkans Chapter, Pittsburg, Kan., were honored to present the American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit at the Crawford County Historical Museum. A collaboration between the American Battlefield Trust and DAR, the innovative pop-up exhibit includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration and technology to connect
modern audiences to the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation. On June 1, 2024, a reception was held to welcome the exhibit to Pittsburg, during which Mayor Stu Hite, a Kansas Society SAR member, ofered remarks.
Dressed in Colonial attire, chapter members helped the museum with its Wacky Wednesday event, which featured a theme centered on the American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit: red, white and blue. Wacky Wednesday takes preschool to middle school-aged children and their parents on a journey all the way back to 1776 to learn about the American Revolution. Chapter members supplied information, cookies, punch and Patriot coloring sheets, and they also helped children make whirligigs, just like the Colonial kids played with. Within the chapter’s small community, 182 people enjoyed the exhibit!
On June 8, 2024, Olathe Chapter, Olathe, Kan., held a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day at Olathe’s Veterans Memorial Park in honor of Albert “Al” Cerne, an Olathe paratrooper who jumped on D-Day with the 101st Airborne Division. A memorial brick was dedicated in his
honor. Chapter Regent Melissa Precht welcomed attendees, including Cerne’s daughter, Connie Rishworth and husband, Bill. She presented Mrs. Rishworth the DAR D-Day Commemorative Pin, as well as a commemorative silver dollar.
Omaha Chapter, Omaha, Neb., organized a day-long event to coincide with the grand opening of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial on June 6, 2024. Vietnam Veterans from Victory Apartments visited the new Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial and attended the grand opening ceremony. Following the ceremony, these
Vietnam Veterans were treated to a recognition luncheon in their honor. Each Vietnam Veteran was presented a certificate of appreciation by State Vice Regent Ann Cox, and a challenge coin and pin set by State Regent Marcia Shavlik. The Nebraska Society SAR Color Guard posted the Colors. After the luncheon, these Vietnam Veterans received thank-you notes and cards from individuals and organizations in
the community. As these Vietnam Veterans arrived back home, they were greeted with a long overdue welcome home celebration. Signs and balloons lined the driveway, cheerleaders greeted them, and supporters waved Flags and pompoms.
Victory Apartments provide safe, clean and affordable housing for Veterans. Omaha Chapter became a commemorative partner of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration on June 6, 2013. The primary purpose of this commemoration is to recognize, thank and honor U.S. military Veterans who served during the Vietnam War.
Members of Oregon Trail Chapter, Gresham, Ore., were honored to recognize 11 Vietnam Veterans with a certificate of
recognition and pin for their service. At a local park, more than 150 people attended this moving event. Each of the 11 Veterans came forward and received a pin and DAR certificate, honoring their valor, service and sacrifice during the war. The Veterans represented many branches of service, demonstrating the wide participation and commitment of these men.
As DAR members, we all strive to better know the brave men and women in our family genealogies who bravely fought for American Independence. Further, we hope to share our Patriots’ stories with others who will appreciate them. In 2022, Owasco Chapter, Auburn, N.Y., embarked on a unique America 250! initiative when it formed the Patriot Legacy Committee to pursue this project. Using the National Society’s GRS Website, members are recording information about their original Patriots on forms that have been provided. On additional pages, original Patriots’ personal stories are recorded based upon members’ research and family histories. At each regular chapter meeting, two members share the information which they have written about their Patriots during a special segment of the meeting. Members
Chapter’s Patriot Legacy Notebook. To further commemorate members’ original Patriots, the chapter displays its Patriot tree which includes Patriot ornaments representing all chapter members.
Peaks of Otter Chapter, Bedford, Va., organized the first ever Wreaths Across America event held in the town of Bedford.
Thanks to the hard work of the chapter’s Wreaths Across America committee, all 1,400 military graves at the Longwood/ Oakwood/Greenwood Cemetery and at Fairmont Cemetery were marked with wreaths. The event opened with words
Chapter members were eager to march in the parade! Those pictured include (from left to right) Shirley Jackson, Rachel Scappaticci, Sue Ellen Andrews, Andrea Stepien, Nancy Schlager, Dana Wood, Kathleen Presecan and Margaret Bigham.
who share original Patriots collaborate to produce their Patriot presentations. What a delight to discover that members’ Patriots share the same birth colony or settled in the same area when their service ended! The pages on which members recorded their information are then placed in the Owasco
of welcome and the invocation. “Amazing Grace” was played on the bagpipes and the presentation of the Colors was given by the Bedford County JROTC. Chapter Librarian Louise Burroughs led the Pledge of Allegiance, and “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung by a local Veteran. Honored guests included, District VII Director Jeanne Dooley and Commander of Military Order of Purple Heart, Buck Krantz. Two moving poems about Vietnam were read, followed by the playing of “Taps.” Once the Colors were retired, closing remarks were given and the wreaths were distributed throughout the two cemeteries. Chapter members were happy that this event brought the community together in an act of selfless patriotism.
Philip Livingston Chapter, Howell, Mich., kicked of its observation of America 250! by participating in two Fourth of July Parades in Livingston County, Mich.
Piankeshaw Chapter, New Albany, Ind., presented its 40-year member, Kathy Kessinger, with the Ellen Hardin Walworth - Founder’s Medal for Patriotism award. The chapter is proud and moved by her dedication to helping refugees become U.S. citizens. Mrs. Kessinger assists Syrian refugees as they navigate the naturalization process. These individuals have survived civil war and experienced trauma we can only imagine. She admires their tenacity
and desire to be part of our citizenship. Mrs. Kessinger sees it as an honor to help and subsequently celebrate a newly sworn in citizen at a naturalization ceremony.
Piety Hill Chapter, Birmingham, Mich., joined forces with the Elias Cady N.S.C.A.R. Society, Waterford, Mich., for a joint day of service supporting DAR Project Patriot. Chapter First Vice Regent and DAR Project
Patriot Committee Chapter Chair Jeanette Keatts organized and planned the event. The National DAR Day of Service was held at the Stage Nature Center in Troy, Mich., on October 21, 2023.
Thirteen boxes were packed with requested items and sent to activeduty military at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.; Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Ind.; Armed Services YMCA Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, N.C.; and the USS Gerald Ford Additional requested items were packed and sent to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Harrison Township, Mich., which included 40 Halloween treat bags for military children to enjoy.
The day of service participants included members of Piety Hill Chapter; Sashabaw Plains Chapter, Clarkston, Mich.; Elias Cady Society N.S.C.A.R., including its President Emma Nelson. Michigan Society C.A.R. Senior President Deb Rakoczy also attended.
Piety Hill Chapter members Lisa Steward and daughter Lauren Swanson sparkled by donating the lunch, cards, stickers and craft items for the enjoyment of all as we Rejoice in Our Ties of Service and Friendship!
Ponca City Chapter, Ponca City, Okla., awarded the Ellen Hardin Walworth - Founder’s Medal for Patriotism to life-long
resident Joe Glaser at its May 2024 luncheon meeting.
A Veteran who served in both the U.S. Army and the Oklahoma National Guard, Glaser honors the memory of Veterans by placing flags on their graves each Memorial Day and repairing damaged gravestones.
As co-chair of the Veterans Day Parade Committee, Glaser is responsible for procuring the flyover of numerous airplanes at the parade. In addition to coordinating the reenactors and displays in War Memorial Park, he portrays a Civil War soldier at school assemblies.
Preston Trail Chapter , Pottsboro, Texas, marched in a local Independence Day parade to celebrate the nation’s birthday. The chapter worked with a local C.A.R. Society on a float for the parade. Outreach such as the Independence Day parade participation is key to growing membership in the chapter, as well as the local C.A.R. Society.
Princeton Chapter, Princeton, N.J., awarded a medal to Keith Wadsworth, a career firefighter in Princeton. This medal is awarded to emergency first responders; emergency health responders, active-duty military and Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as citizens who have contributed to the defense and security of the community, state or nation in an exceptional manner.
in which he is involved and to the state of New Jersey in an exceptional manner as a firefighter/first responder specializing in firefighting, and multiple forms of rescue.
Quaker Meadows Chapter, Morganton, N.C., dedicated a DAR America 250! Patriots Marker on May 18, 2024. The marker was installed at Greenlee Ford in the Catawba Greenway, where, on October 1, 1780, as many as 1,400 Patriots crossed the Catawba River en route from their reconnoiter at the Quaker Meadows home of Patriot Colonel Charles McDowell to meet Major Patrick Ferguson and his Tory army at the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7. According
Wadsworth has contributed to the defense and security of the communities
to Thomas Jeferson, the Patriot defeat of Ferguson’s army turned the tide of the Revolution in the South. The chapter, led by Chapter Regent Pat Wells and America 250! Committee Chapter Chair Becca Heacock, purchased the marker in partnership with the City of Morganton and Burke County.
A member of Rhea-Craig Chapter, Sweetwater, Tenn., Carrie Ann Bright, was responsible for a month-long program.
Dressed in costume as Ben Franklin and maintaining his persona throughout, she presented a delightful program on 10 little-known facts about the founding fathers. Her costume, including the Ben Franklin wig, and her selection of founding fathers who are seldom highlighted, was absolutely memorable. As Ben Franklin, Mrs. Bright shared stories of founding fathers like Lemuel Haynes, William Hooper, Gouverneur Morris, Samuel Adams and others. And, of course, she brought a kite to remind chapter members of Franklin’s theory of electricity.
Richard Bard Chapter, Mesquite, Texas, enthusiastically participated in the 65th annual Mesquite Rodeo Parade on April 6, 2024. This parade, which celebrates the opening of the annual Mesquite
Championship season, is always held on the first Saturday in April. Participation in the parade was an excellent opportunity to show support for community activities and promote the chapter within the community. Chapter members and HODARs dressed in Colonial and patriotic attire, and the chapter’s parade float included the chapter’s banner and numerous historic American Flags. This year’s parade theme was “Solar Eclipse,” so chapter members who walked beside the float passed out Moon Pie Minis with stickers containing chapter information to spectators. Everyone had
a wonderful time, and the chapter looks forward to participating in future Mesquite Rodeo Parades.
The chapter has also recognized Historic Mesquite, Inc. (HMI) with DAR’s Excellence in Historic Preservation Medal. HMI is an organization that identifies and preserves historic structures within the City of Mesquite, maintains seven historic properties, and secures historic designations for these properties. Richard Bard Chapter is very happy to work with HMI to promote educational programs for local students and the public at these properties.
On May 11, 2024, at the end of National Nurses Week, Rincon del Diablo Chapter, Escondido, Calif., celebrated nurses at its monthly meeting. Chapter members invited current and former nurses as their guests. Tables were decorated with a red and white flower arrangement that included a photo of the DAR Hospital Corps Pin, inside a cube of photos and short bios of nurses in history.
In an ongoing efort to celebrate and become educated about commemorative events, past Chapter Regent, American History Committee State Chair and DAR Today Podcast Committee National Vice Chair Sherrie Stein gave a presentation
about the DAR Hospital Corps. All nurses in attendance were presented with a DAR Hospital Corps Nurse Certificate and a rose. Chapter members who were nurses also received a commemorative Hospital Corps Pin. The chapter then honored DAR’s own Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee as a DAR Woman in American History.
For the second year, River of Pearls Chapter, Madison, Miss., was honored as a top chapter for its outstanding activities! In 2023, chapter members dressed in Colonial attire during Constitution Week to teach 500 students about the framers
who signed the Constitution, presenting books to a school library. On the National DAR Day of Service, the chapter hosted an area-wide event, presenting 15 local chapters with 5-foot tall pecan trees to plant in community spaces of their choice. December saw chapter members honor the Boston Tea Party through an original skit at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. The chapter held its annual Christmas card coloring day at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, with the decorated cards to be distributed to Veterans Afairs (VA) hospitals and nursing homes.
In February 2024, chapter members volunteered at a senior Valentine’s Day lunch, with 250 decorated valentine cards distributed to VA facilities. During Read Across
America Week, the chapter presented a book about plants to students, who planted 200 narcissus bulbs in their school garden and received bulbs to take home. Chapter members made 1,000 sandwiches for Run for the Wall riders as they journeyed to Washington, D.C., for Memorial Day. Now, on to another year!
After conferring with John Edney about Veterans’ needs, Samuel Paul Dinkins Chapter, Kilgore, Texas, was honored to refinish and beautify seven benches at the Kilgore Veterans Monument. The chapter extends a huge thank-you to Sherwin-Williams, who donated all the materials and stain that were used. The goal was to complete the project by Memorial Day, which was achieved! Those who volunteered on the project were Chapter Regent Patti Cunyus, Bruce Cunyus, Anne Hale, Sandra Curry Mullis, Amy McLaughlin, Patti McElligott, Martha Hale Deen and Duane Deen. Amanda Murry and Will Murry were hired to do the beautiful sanding and preparing of each wooden piece. Kilgore Veterans were very thankful and appreciative for the beautifully refinished benches, matching their beautiful Memorial Monument.
On January 29, 2024, San Gabriel Chapter, Cedar Park, Texas, presented a $10,000 check to the Ride On Center for Kids (ROCK) in Georgetown, Texas. The funds were granted by the State Regent’s Project Grant to benefit women Veterans. ROCK is a nonprofit organization that provides equine-assisted services to children,
adults and Veterans with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. The chapter successfully applied for a grant to help ROCK expand the “Rock On Veterans” women’s classes. This money will allow the organization to purchase a new horse and open additional spots for female Veterans.
Santa Clara Chapter, San Jose, Calif., is incredibly excited to announce its $6,000 donation to State Regent Sharon Maas’ State Regent’s Project for Honor Flight. Throughout the last year, the chapter has been hard at work raising money for Honor Flight. Chapter members held a clothing drive for Savers thrift store and collected more than 4,000 pounds of goods to sell to the store, gathered from our closets, neighbors, family members,
co-workers and the community through a drive-through drop-of event.
At each chapter meeting, Daughters passed a helmet for donations and received donations from so many generous chapter members. They set aside chapter funds raised and donated by all members and threw a fabulous tea benefitting Honor Flight, complete with hats, gloves and a fashion show.
St. Louis-Jeferson Chapter, St. Louis, Mo., was delighted to honor several people with awards last fall. The awards committee team honored the chapter’s new members and Life Members. They also presented special awards to four recipients:
• DAR Community Service Award: Peg Lee
• Historic Preservation Medal: Christy Franchot James
• DAR Women in American History Award: Blanche Touhill
• Women in the Arts Recognition Award: Dottie Vaughan
The chapter hosted a Veterans ceremony last November and was proud to honor guest speaker Tom Fischer and his wife, Sandi Fischer, with the DAR Distinguished Citizen Medals for their many years of work with Veterans.
Additionally, St. Louis-Jeferson Chapter co-hosted a grave marking for Revolutionary Patriot Robert Quarles at Bellefontaine Cemetery with Saint Charles Chapter, St. Charles, Mo. The chapter is most grateful to its awards team for helping to honor these impressive individuals and to Patti Dickherber for her tireless patriotic research.
Who can trace her lineage to a ninth great-grandmother who was arrested in 1692 and tried as a witch? Mell White, age 91 and an active member of Three Trails West Chapter, Stilwell, Kan., presented an extraordinary program about the tragic life and prosecution of her ancestor, Ann Higginson Dolliver.
It was the height of the Salem Witch Trials. Mell recounted how the 40-year-old Mrs. Dolliver was arrested and questioned about “sundry acts of witchcraft” on two girls, who testified they had been harmed by Ann’s “spectre.” Her Puritan father, the Reverend John Higginson, described his daughter as “overbearingly melancholy” and “crazed in her understanding.”
Mrs. Dolliver’s original written trial examination survives. The chapter was relieved to learn she was neither hanged nor imprisoned. But she was forced to live the rest of her sad life in the care of strangers. Mrs. Dolliver lost her husband and children.
Trial documents and family albums were displayed nearby. A highlight was Mrs. White’s application (and acceptance!) as a member of the Associated Daughters of Early American Witches.
The Salem Witch Museum was built on the site of her home. Their mission is to give a voice to the innocent victims of witch hunts from 1692 to the present day.
In a vibrant display of growth, Topeka Chapter, Topeka, Kan., enthusiastically welcomed six out of 10 new members during its October meeting! A total of 15 members have been approved and/or reinstated in 2023, with four more currently pending. Kudos to the Chapter Registrar and Assistant Registrar for their
commendable support in expanding the chapter’s membership.
Trenton Chapter, Aiken, S.C., realizes that membership retention is aided by social interaction that provides an opportunity for friendships to be built. The chapter began having birthday dessert dates every other month, which entails small groups of members who may not have a reason to get together the occasion to meet one another and share something as enjoyable as dessert. The Membership Committee Chapter Chair contacts members who celebrate birthdays during the two months and provides information as to when and where their birthday dessert will be held. These dates are set at diferent times of the day, days of the week, and locations in town.
On October 5, 2023, nine members and one member of the William Stroud Society C.A.R. met at Marble Slab Creamery. They were Polly Stimmel, Susan Davis Faulkner, Dawn Patrick, Cynthia Thomas, Linda Dominick, BQ Garmon, Claye Clyatt, Tasha Garmon, Karen Hendricks and Robin Verenes. The October 2023 birthday dessert date attendance represented 12% of the Trenton Chapter membership.
In mid-May, the members of TrumbullPorter Chapter , Watertown, Conn., donated a new American Flag to the students and staf of Gainfield Elementary School in Southbury, Conn. The chapter noticed that the school’s had begun to rip. Following an email to the school principal, Jon Romeo, plans were underway to make this an important and meaningful occasion.
On the designated day, chapter members gathered with the fifth-grade students for a wonderful program to dedicate the new
Flag. The dedication event started with a warm welcome from Principal Romeo, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Chapter Vice Regent Penny Nalband spoke briefly about DAR and why we are able to be DAR members. Mrs. Nalband pointed out that our Flag, in a way, tells the story of our nation—from the American Revolution to its journey to the moon.
Mrs. Nalband presented the new Flag to Principal Romeo along with a DAR Certificate of Award for the proper display of the Flag. Finally, the Flag was raised, accompanied by a chorus of “You’re a Grand Ole’ Flag,” sung by all in attendance.
US 12 Heritage Trail Chapter, Coldwater, Mich., dedicated two DAR America 250! Patriot Markers on June 22, 2024. The first marker was in the newly renovated Four Corners Military Memorial Park at US 12 and Marshall Street. David McDonald, who had worked on the park project for 14 years, was the featured speaker. He spoke on two of the 10 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Branch County.
Each guest received a copy of the chapter’s DAR charter, which was also on display.
Lunch was served and members and guests moved on to Hillsdale County, where another marker was dedicated on the Hillsdale County Courthouse lawn. Michigan State Representative Andrew Fink was the featured speaker.
In both locations, there were no memorials to Revolutionary War soldiers among the other war monuments.
Both dedications featured performances by the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps, dressed in Revolutionary-era costumes.
In Hillsdale, several descendants of the 12 Revolutionary War soldiers from the county were present. Representing the family of soldier Caleb Bates (A007421) were Mathew Preston and Michael Preston Sr. They unveiled the DAR America 250! Patriots Marker.
The chapter spent over two years raising the funds for these, the eighth and ninth markers dedicated in Michigan. The chapter hopes the markers will inspire patriotism, encourage DAR membership and serve as the chapter’s legacy.
Watauga Chapter, Memphis, Tenn., combined its annual awards luncheon with the celebration of the chapter’s 130th anniversary on March 2, 2024. Organized with 16 charter members on May 10, 1894, by Jean Robertson Anderson, one of the four DAR Founders, Mary Desha, transferred to Watauga in September 1894. The chapter derived its name from the Watauga Association, organized on May 17, 1772, for self-government on land bought in 1769 from the Cherokee and Choctaw Tribes.
More than 75 members and guests celebrated Watauga’s long history of service. The chapter recognized members with more than 10 years of service with certificates and yellow roses. Several members, including Chapter Regent Vicki Tyler, dressed in historical attire.
Honored guests included State Second Vice Regent Nannette Feeback, who brought greetings from State Regent Emily Robinson; Chickasaw District Director Debbie Parker; speaker Dr. Barbara Prescott; and several State Chairs and Chapter Regents from the Memphis area.
Awards included Teacher of the Year, the Mary Robertson Day Scholarship at Rhodes College recipient, DAR Good Citizen essay winner, Patriots of the American Revolution essay winner and the American History essay winners, who also won district and state awards.
As the culmination of a three-year project, Williamsburg Chapter, Williamsburg, Va., held a dedication ceremony in Bicentennial Park for a new DAR America 250! Patriots Marker with more than 50 people in attendance. The chapter was honored to have the American Flag presented by the Color Guard of the Williamsburg Chapter Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Chapter members were also delighted to welcome Chapter Regents from across Virginia’s second district and several city ofcials.
It was only fitting that during the dedication the Patriots marker was dedicated, the chapter also presented America 250! Commendation Medals to three employees of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Janice Canaday, James Ingram and Mark Schneider work tirelessly to educate thousands of people each year about the service and sacrifices of early American Patriots. Canaday’s research brings to light previously untold stories of Williamsburg’s enslaved people. Ingram brings to life the moving story of Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved tavern worker who was our nation’s first ordained Black minister. Schneider’s portrayal of the Marquis de Lafayette captivates visitors and locals alike and embodies the zeal and enthusiasm of our young nation.
Worthington Chapter, Worthington, Ohio, co-sponsored a blanket party for My Very Own Blanket (MVOB), a nonprofit dedicated to providing every child in the foster care system with a personalized blanket, giving them comfort and security and making them smile. To fulfill its goal, MVOB depends on volunteers.
The MVOB volunteers from Worthington Chapter, called “blanket angels,” created numerous fleece blankets in various colors and designs. They sew special tags onto each blanket, inscribed with their first name and a brief, positive message to inspire each child. For example, Chapter First Vice Regent Sue Funk wrote, “You are amazing.” Other positive messages written by chapter members included: “I believe in you,” “You have greatness in you,” and “You are special.”
Each blanket is unique, which allows social workers to match the perfect one for each child. After selecting a blanket for a child, social workers add each child’s name to the blanket’s tag. This gesture shows each child that someone cares enough to make a special blanket for them to treasure!
These blankets become familiar to the children, and since they are easily portable, they can keep them throughout their journey. What a great way to sparkle and service for kids!
There is a nominal fee of $30 for each submission to the "With the Chapters" section of the Daughters Newsletter. Each chapter may publish one article per calendar year. Please send the materials via email to newsletter@dar.org with the subject line indicating: "With the Chapters Submission—Name of Chapter, State". Payment must be received by the DAR Magazine Ofce before any submission is printed.
We accept credit card payments by calling the DAR Magazine Ofce at (202) 879–3281
We also accept check payments made payable to Treasurer General, NSDAR.
Mail checks with Writable Form DNL-1003 to:
DAR Magazine Ofce
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There is a nominal fee of $30 for each submission to the “State Activities” section of the Daughters newsletter. Each chapter may publish one article per calendar year. Articles are limited to 200 words, only one photo may accompany the article, and articles will be edited for length and content. If the submitted article is not published in the desired issue due to space limitations, the article will be published in a future edition.Submissions are highly recommended via email to newsletter@dar.org with the subject line indicating: “State Activities Submission—Name of State Society.” One email transmission should include the following attachments: one Word document (containing the article and optional photo caption), one optional high-resolution digital photo (300 dpi or greater in .jpg or .tif format), and one Writable Form DNL-1003 (signed and completed). Payment must be received by the DAR Magazine Ofce before any submission is printed. For check payments, mail with Writable Form DNL-1003 to: DAR Magazine Ofce, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006–5303. For credit card payments, call the DAR Magazine Ofce: (202) 879–3281
The Nebraska and South Dakota State Societies Join for a Revolutionary War Patriot Grave Marking
On June 22, 2024, the Nebraska and South Dakota State Societies hosted a DAR Revolutionary War Patriot Marker dedication ceremony honoring Brigadier General Daniel Brodhead at the Milford Cemetery, Dingman Township, Pa.
In 1894, Charlotte Faulk Parmer and her older sister, Caroline Faulk Burleigh, were appointed by the National Society to form State Societies in Nebraska and South Dakota, respectively. The Faulk sisters were descendants of BG Brodhead, who served in the Continental Army under George Washington. In anticipation of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Nebraska and South Dakota State Regents jointly placed the marker.
Attending the ceremony were Nebraska State Regent Marcia Shavlik, South Dakota State Regent Kathy Tarrell, Pennsylvania State Regent Marguerite Fritsch, Missouri State Regent Renee Pace, Vice President General Elizabeth Watkins and past Historian General Laura Kessler (2019–2022). Approximately 20 living descendants of the Patriot attended from 19 diferent states.
The highlight of the ceremony was when the sixth greatgrandson of BG Brodhead, Technical Sergeant Patrick Newton McCracken, a soldier in the United States Space Force stationed in California, saluted BG Brodhead’s monument and said, “General— it’s an honor to serve!”
The Oklahoma Capital District Commemorates the Indian Citizenship Act
The Capital District of the Oklahoma State Society celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 on June 1, 2024. Around 100 Daughters; representatives from the Chickasaw, Quapaw, Cheyenne Arapaho, Absentee Shawnee, Shoshone-Bannock, Mississippi Choctaw and Muscogee Creek Nations; and other guests gathered at the Oklahoma Capitol for the event. The Mvskoke Nation Honor Guard presented the Colors. Capital District Director Susan Howard of the Muscogee tribe led the ceremony, recognizing the great contributions made by Native Americans to Oklahoma. U.S. Dr. Ross Hugues of the ShoshoneBannock Tribe also spoke about his experiences growing up on the reservation and the importance of gaining an education.
At a reception following the ceremony, tribal leaders expressed appreciation for this intertribal event and shared the history of the Indian Citizenship Act as it pertained to their tribes. American Indians Committee National Vice Chair Sue Allen spoke on the importance of the act. Special thanks to Dr. M. Angela Nievar, Oklahoma Prairies Chapter Regent and Oklahoma City Regents Council president, for organizing the event.
If your “State Activities” article and accompanying photo were submitted to the DAR Magazine Ofce last spring or earlier, and have not appeared in their respective section to date, please contact Cheryl DeVine-Holick at email: cheryldevineholick@gmail.com. We will do our best to include the article in the next available issue, depending on the timing of the resubmission.
The NSDAR Board of Management accepted the following ancestors between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2024, after verification of documentary evidence of service during the American Revolution.
ADAIR: ADARE
Samuel: b p 1752 d a 2-2-1813 SC m (1) Sarah X Sol SC
ADAMS: ADAM, ADDAMS, ADDOMS
Abigail: b 11-11-1744 d 10-28-1818
MA m (1) John Adams PS MA
ALLEN: ALLAN, ALLIN, ALLING, ALLYN
Abel: b 2-20-1736 MA d 10-141819 MA m (1) Jerusha Tarbell Lt CS MA
BATES:
Joshua: b 1-27-1755 MA d 2-31804 MA m (1) Tirzah Pratt Sgt MA
BEARDSLEY: BEARDSLEE
Silas: b 5-7-1761 CT d 7-18-1820 PA m (1) Catherine Treadwell Pvt CT BEST: BEAST
Henry: b 3-1-1748 PA d a 9-251793 PA m (1) Elizabeth Barbara Kuntz PS PA
BLAIR: BLARE
Joseph: b c 1758 d 9-25-1830 MA m (1) Marcy Truant Pvt MA BRADT: BRATT
Harmanus: b 9-3-1721 NY d a 9-191803 NY m (1) Eva Brouwer PS NY
BRANDT: BRAND, BRANT
George: b 5-4-1739 d 4-12-1821 PA m (1) Susanna X Pvt PA
BUCK: BECK, BOCK, BUCKS
John: b 9-13-1763 MA d 12-2-1847 NY m (1) Mary Smith Pvt MA
BULLOCK: BULLOCH
Sawyer: b 11-8-1744 MA d 4-281838 NH m (1) Susannah Reed CS NH
BURNETT: BURNET
Henry: b c 1740 d 12-7-1817 MA m (1) Ruth Miriam Sgt MA
John: b a 1753 d 4--1815 VA m (1) Phebe Lifesey Smith PS VA
BUSHNELL:
Nathaniel: b 6-26-1727 CT d 4-121806 CT m (1) Rebecca Chalker CS CT
BYERLY: BEYERLE, BEYERLIE, BEYERLY
David: b c 1755 d 12-30-1822 NC m (1) Lucy Luckabill PS NC
CARDWELL: CARDELL, CORDWELL
George: b 8-24-1746 d 5-20-1817 KY m (1) Sarah McGehee PS VA
CARMER: CARNER, KERMER
Cornelius: b bp 2-1-1730 NY d a 8-13-1799 NY m (1) Jannetje Keter PS NY
CARVER:
Oliver: b 5-12-1751 MA d a 6-41819 NY m (1) Mary Perkins Pvt RI
CLARK: CLACK, CLARKE, DECLARK
David: b c 1755 d 8-15-1825 TN m (1) Charity Boon Sol NC
Jeremiah Sr: b 3-16-1726 CT d 5-31-1798 CT m (1) Hannah Gould
PS CT
CLAY:
Lisa Margarethe: b a 1720 d p 4-15-1786 PA m (1) Johann Nicolaus Clay PS PA
CLEARWATER: CLEARWATERS, KLAARWATER
John: b bp 3-16-1755 NY d 12-1826 NY m (1) Rachel Davis Pvt NY
COCKLEY: COGLEY, CONKLIN
Joseph: b a 1760 d a 4-20-1803 PA m (1) Margaretha X Sol PA
COLLINS: COLLENS, COLLINGS, COLLONS, COLONS
Abraham: b c 1743 d a 10-13-1818
MD m (1) Jane X Pvt PS MD
COOPER:
Thomas: b c 1754 d 2-20-1823 PA m (1) Margaret Blackburn PS PA
CRAVEN: CRAVIN
James Jr: b c 1754 d 7-4-1811 VA m (1) Sarah Wynkoop (2) Merab
Kirkpass-Consort PS PA
James Sr: b a 1731 d a 5-10-1802
VA m (1) Antje Ann Nevius PS PA
CROWELL: CROWL
John: b 1- -1720 MA d 2-29-1788
MA m (1) Lydia Baker Lt CS MA
CUMMINGS: COMINGS, COMINS, COMMONS, CUMMINS
Richard: b 2-19-1750 MA d 9-81839 ME m (1) Elizabeth Robbins Pvt MA
CURTIS: CURTES, CURTICE, CURTISS
Jeremiah: b 10-16-1728 CT d a 5-29-1810 NY m (1) Lydia Grannis
CS CT
DAME: DAM
Timothy: b 11-30-1736 NH d 9-101803 NH m (1) Elizabeth Pickering Pvt CS PS
DAVIS: DAVES, DAVIES, DEAVES
David: b p 1751 d 9-17-1832 NC m (1) Jane Sloan Pvt NC
Hanover: b a 1755 d a 12-22-1809
PA m (1) X X
DAWSON:
Eleanor: b a 1724 d p 1790 PA m (1) George Dawson PS PA
DE HOYOS: DE OYOS
Juana: b bp 02-16-1709 SA d p 08-13-1785 SA m (1) Andres Hernandez PS SA
DE LA MYRE MORY:
Andre Jerome: b 4-8-1762 FR d 9-18-1807 FR m (1) Bernarde Francoise De Bertier DeSauvigny
Capt FR
DEAL: DAL, DEALE, DIEHL
Henry: b a 1751 d a 10-6-1821 MD m (1) Mary Foos PS MD
DELK:
William: b a 1752 d a 11-23-1779
VA m (1) Lucy X PS VA
DODD: DOD, DODDS
William: b a 1755 d a 11- -1825 NC m (1) X X (2) Henrietta Weaver PS VA
DORTCH: DORCH
David: b a 1727 d a 5-13-1782 VA m (1) Lucy X PS VA
DOWELL: DEWELL, DOUELL
Nehemiah: b a 1746 d a 5-26-1806
VA m (1) X X PS VA
DRURY: DREWRY
Ignatius: b a 1748 d p 1794 MD m (1) Anastasia French PS MD
DUROUZEAUX:
Stephen: b a 1760 d a 7-21-1834
GA m (1) Piety Brown Sol GA
EDELEN: EDELIN, EDELINE
Richard: b c 1753 d a 11-29-1803
MD m (1) X X PS MD
EELLS:
Samuel Sr: b 2-16-1734 MA d a 10-23-1793 MA m (1) Priscilla X Pvt MA
Samuel Jr: b 6-29-1759 MA d 8-31800 m (1) Lydia Josselyn Noncom MA
ELFER:
Maurice: b c 1740 d bu 7-26-1824
LA m (1) Marie Madeleine Debade Hoffman PS LA
FORT: FEURT, FOURT
Louis Jacques: b c 1756 FR d 4-1-1801 LA m (1) Marie Francoise Malbert PS LA
FRANKLIN:
Dean: b 5-12-1763 RI d p 3- -1837
NY m (1) Electa Morse (2) Cynthia Stetson Pvt MA
GARDNER: GARDENER, GARDINER, GARDNER
Yost: b a 1747 d a 5-4-1816 MD m (1) X X (2) Ann X PS MD
GATEWOOD:
John: b 9-1-1765 VA d a 9-13-1847
KY m (1) X X Pvt VA
Peter: b a 1731 d a 6- -1822 KY m (1) Sarah Sanders PS VA
GILBERT: GILBIRT, GILBURT
Esther: b bp 9-26-1725 NY d 3-291804 PA m (1) Nicholas Gilbert PS PA
GILLENWATER:
Thomas: b a 1738 d a 3-6-1780 VA m (1) X X PS VA
GOODNOW: GOODENOUG, GOODENOUGH, GOODENOW
David Sr: b 3-10-1713 MA d 7-1793 MA m (1) Mary Bent CS MA
GOULD: GOLD, GOOLD
Anthony: b a 1746 d a 9-27-1803 NJ m (1) Phebe Lummis PS NJ
GRACE:
James: b a 1760 d p 6-25-1791 VA m (1) X X PS VA
GRUBB: GROB, GRUB
Henry: b a 1742 d a 5-21-1799 PA m (1) Veronica X PS PA
HAIRSTON: HERSTEIN
John: b 3-10-1754 EU d 2-17-1829 PA m (1) Catherina Shantz (2) Eva Reiff PS PA
HALL: HAUL
Atherton: b 3-7-1748 MA d 12-71821 VT m (1) Ruth Crowell (2) Elizabeth Howland PS CS MA
HAMILTON: HAMBLETON, HAMMILTON
Andrew: b c 1745 d 11-2-1833 MA m (1) Mary Wark Pvt MA
HARRIS: HARRISS
Abner: b 6-11-1730 d 3-16-1788 RI m (1) Amy Colwell CS RI
HEFFELFINGER: HEFFLEFINGER, HEFFLINGER
John: b a 1751 d a 6-7-1802 PA m (1) Margaret Rebecca X PS PA
HEMINGWAY: HEMENWAY, HEMMINGAY
Adam: b a 1751 d a 12-5-1782 MA m (1) Lydia Rice Pvt MA
HENDON:
Robinson: b 2-4-1751 MD d 10-31832 GA m (1) Elizabeth Hartsfield Sol PS NC
HILTON: HYLTON
Jesse: b a 1755 d a 9-13-1823 KY m (1) Judith X PS VA
Monica: b a 1740 d p 1790 MD m (1) James Hilton PS MD
HINDMAN : HEINSMAN, HINDSMAN, HINESMAN
John: b a 1730 d a 8-1-1780 PA m
(1) Sarah X PS PA
HOOKER: HUCKER
John: b 4-22-1722 MA d p 5-61782 VT m (1) Mary X PS CS NY
HUBBELL: HUBEL
Jeptha: b a 1736 d a 8-28-1794 CT
m (1) Experience Prindle PS CT
HUNTLEY: HUNDLEY
George: b c 1755 d 1-28-1807 VA
m (1) Elizabeth X PS CS VA
HYATT: HIATT, HIETT
Simeon: b a 1749 d a 6-25-1798 VA
m (1) Mary Province PS VA
IDEN:
Samuel: b a 1743 d a 11-10-1800
VA m (1) Cathron X PS VA
ISRAEL: ISREAL
John: b 2- -1750 d 8-1-1839 NY m
(1) Nancy X Pvt PS VA NY
JENNINGS: JENINGS
Hezekiah: b a 1750 d 4-19-1823 NY
m (1) Eunice Horton Pvt PS NY
JUDY: JUDAH, TSCHUDI, TSCHUDY
Martin: b c 1708 SW d a 8-9-1785
VA m (1) Rosina Schaffner PS VA
KENNEDY: CANADY, CANNADAY, KANADAY, KENNEDAY
Robert: b a 1707 d a 4-1-1783 CT m
(1) Mary Cady PS CS CT
KIVETT:
Henry: b c 1753 NC d a 8-5-1806
NC m (1) Sarah X PS NC
LAWTON: LAUGHTON
James: b 9-22-1747 MA d 1-1-1804
MA m (1) Mary Raymond Pvt MA
LEONARD: LENHART, LENNARD, LEONHART, LINNARD
Nicholas: b c 1715 d 4-7-1796 CT m (1) Hannah Stimson PS CT
LEVIS:
John: b 3-23-1755 d 1-4-1833 PA m (1) X X Ens PS PA
LINCOLN: LINKHORN, LINKON
David: b c 1727 d 7-19-1822 MA m (1) Deborah Crossman PS MA
LOUGHRY: LOCKRY
Mary: b a 1758 d p 5-4-1791 PA m (1) Archibald Loughry (2) John Guthrie PS PA
MANLOVE:
Sarah: b 7-13-1739 d 12-10-1787 DE m (1) Matthew Manlove PS DE
MARKEY:
Nicholas: b a 1749 d a 1-24-1809
PA m (1) X X PS PA
MASON: MAYSON
John: b c 1726 d 5-1-1784 MA m (1) Elizabeth X CS MA
MCELWAINE: MCELVAIN, MCELVEEN, MCILVAINE
John: b c 1755 d 11-21-1815 SC m (1) Elizabeth Fullwood Pvt SC
MCGUIRE:
John: b a 1758 d a 4- -1825 VA m (1) Elizabeth Gottel Sol VA
MORRISON: MORISON, MORRISSON
Gabriel: b a 1728 d a 4-30-1799 PA m (1) X X PS CS PA
MOSHER: MOSER, MOSIER, MOSSER, MUSSER
Anthony: b a 1742 PA d p 5-181795 SO m (1) X X Sol PS NC
MOUNT:
Richard: b 6- -1741 d 7-12-1825
NJ m (1) Lydia Dey (2) Ann X Job PS NJ
MUMMA: MEWMAW, MUMA
David: b c 1725 d a 10-17-1791 MD
m (1) Ann X (2) Barbara X PS MD
MYERS: MAYER, MAYERS, MEIER, MEYERS, MOYER
Christian: b 1-12-1762 PA d 8-271805 PA m (1) Anna Neff PS PA
NICHOLS: NICCOLS, NICHOLAS, NICKELS, NICOLS
Elisha: b c 1754 d 4- -1792 VT m (1) Lucy Dewey Sol CS VT
NORTHEN: NORTHERN
Joseph: b c 1763 d p 1840 NC m (1) X X Pvt NC
PENFIELD:
Abel: b 2-11-1758 CT d 3-27-1852
CT m (1) Elizabeth Payne Pvt PS CT
PEREZ:
Jose Joaquin: b 1-16-1761 SA d p 7- -1817 SA m (1) Maria Jesusa Gonzales PS SA
PINTO:
Pablo: b c 1732 SA d 11-30-1783
SA m (1) Francisca Xaviera Ruelas PS SA
PREJEAN:
Marin: b c 1748 d 1-13-1798 LA m (1) Marie Rose Benoit PS LA
PROSSER:
William: b a 1735 d a 2-15-1787 VA m (1) Elizabeth X PS VA
REESE: REECE, REES, REESS, REEZE
James: b 11-15-1756 d 5-2-1815 PA m (1) Elisabeth X PS PA
REIFF: RIFE, RIFFE
Christian: b a 1732 d a 2-15-1809 PA m (1) X X PS PA
REINHARD: REINER, REINHARDT, REINHERD, RINEHART
Georg Friedrich: b a 1734 d p 9-11793 NY m (1) Catharina Frolich Pvt PS NY
REMSTER:
Frederick: b a 1760 d p 5-13-1822 NJ m (1) Juliana X (2) Margaret X Pvt NJ
RICE: RISE, ROYCE, ROYS, RYCE
Reuben: b 6-22-1750 CT d 5-311811 CT m (1) Lois Doolittle Lt CT
RICKER: RICKERS, RUCKER
Maturin: b bp 9-24-1758 MA d 9-5-1832 ME m (1) Olive Horsom Pvt MA
ROBINSON: ROBERSON, ROBERTSON, ROBESON, ROBISON
John: b 5-15-1759 MA d 3-20-1835 MA m (1) Penninah Willson Pvt PS RI
ROOT: ROOTES, ROOTS
Christian: b 6-5-1764 NY d 9-17-1842 NY m (1) Elisabeth Southerland Pvt NY
SANFORD: SANDFORD, SANDIFORD, SANTFORD
Edward: b c 1725 VA d a 7-25-1786 VA m (1) Elizabeth Spence (2) Catherine Pope PS VA
SEARCY:
John: b 2- -1762 NC d 11-15-1848 KY m (1) Milley Lea Pvt NC VA
SHUMWAY:
Amos: b 1-31-1722 MA d 5-2-1818 MA m (1) Ruth Parker PS CS MA
SLACK:
Ralph: b a 1752 d a 12-28-1792 PA m (1) X X Pvt PS PA
SMITH: SCHMIDT, SMYTH, SMYTHE
Hasadiah: b 9-30-1734 MA d 7-51819 MA m (1) Abigail Woodbery (2) Anna Thorndike Groves Pvt PS MA
Thomas Calthorpe: b 9-10-1758 d 4-9-1827 VA m (1) Susan Rebbekah Bernard Noncom VA
SPELMAN: SPELLMAN, SPILLMAN, SPILMAN
John: b c 1740 d 2-25-1815 VA m (1) X X Sol PS VA
STANLEY: STANDLEY, STANDLY, STANLY
John: b 1-29-1743 MA d p 1780 NH m (1) Sarah X Lt CS NH
STEFFEY: STEFFEE, STEFFY, STEPHAN
Anna Maria: b a 1740 d p 6-4-1783 PA m (1) Peter Steffey PS PA
Michael: b 12-16-1758 MD d 5-181850 MD m (1) Maria Christina Nunemacher PS PA
STINEMAN: STEINMAN, STONEMAN
Rudolph: b a 1739 d a 10-23-1779 NJ m (1) Catherine Snook CS NJ
STOKES: STOAKES, STOOKS
Richard: b bp 2-23-1746 NY d a 3-21-1826 NY m (1) Anne Carmer PS NY
TARBELL:
Joseph: b 8-8-1757 MA d 6-271826 ME m (1) Miriam Butterfield Pvt MA
TEEL: TEAL, THIEL
Joseph: b a 1763 d 8-25-1795 CT m (1) Hannah Parsons Pvt CT
THOMPSON: THOMASON, THOMSON, TOMSON
John: b 10-2-1748 CT d 9-7-1801 CT m (1) Sarah Chamberlain (2) Lois Cushman Sol PS CT
TUNISON:
Cornelius D: b bp 4-22-1746 NJ d 1-19-1824 NJ m (1) X X PS NJ
UPTON:
Abiel: b 10-20-1755 NH d 8-151831 MA m (1) Molly Jenkins Pvt MA
VAN ARSDALE: VANARTSDALEN, VANAUSDALE
Cornelius: b a 1724 d a 8-28-1787 PA m (1) Lammetje X (2) Jannetje X PS PA
VAN METER: VAN METRE, VANMETRE
Elizabeth Rebecca: b 1752 VA d 8-9-1817 KY m (1) Abraham Van Meter PS VA
VAN VALKENBURGH: VAN VALKENBURG
Francis: b 12-25-1755 NY d 3-191813 NY m (1) Sylvia Coval Pvt NY
WAGNER: WAGGERNER, WAGGONER, WAGONER
Michael: b a 1755 d a 1-23-1815 OH m (1) X X PS PA
WARD: WARDE, WORD
James: b c 1755 d 11-17-1830 IL m (1) Elizabeth Henson Pvt PS VA
WASH:
Mary: b a 1732 d p 5-6-1814 VA m (1) Thomas Wash PS VA
WICKERSHAM: WICKERHAM, WICKERHAM
Abner: b 4-26-1754 PA d a 2-151806 PA m (1) Mary Taylor PS PA WILDISIN: WILDASIN, WILTENSTEIN, WILTESON
Samuel : b 5-6-1730 d 8-18-1804 PA m (1) Susanna Yingling (2) Margaret Apfel PS PA
WILEY: WHILEY, WILLEY, WILLY, WILY, WYLIE
Joseph: b 6-26-1744 CT d 7-291812 CT m (1) Mary Campbell (2) Elizabeth Campbell Huston PS CS CT
WILLIAMS:
John: b c 1750 d a 9-15-1806 VA m (1) Susannah Ellis PS VA
WILSON: WILLSON
Mary: b a 1735 IR d p 1810 VA m (1) Matthew Wilson PS VA
Samuel: b 1-8-1764 MA d 5-161833 NY m (1) Lydia Hunter Pvt MA
WINSHIP:
James: b 9-27-1733 MA d 10-251793 MA m (1) Lydia Phillips Pvt MA
WISNER:
Gabriel: b 1754 NY d 7-22-1779 NY m (1) Elizabeth Waters Ens NY
WOODWARD: WOODARD
Peter: b 8-16-1733 CT d a 10-71806 CT m (1) Althea Armstrong (2) Mary Frost (3) Deliah Butt (4) Ruth Whitney CS CT
WOOLAM: ULAM, ULM, WOOLUM
Mathias: b c 1747 d a 10-3-1812 VA m (1) Naomi X PS VA
WYATT: WIATT
Thomas: b a 1732 d a 11-12-1812 DE m (1) Sarah Abbott PS DE
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Do you descend through a French or Spanish Patriot? Great news! If your French Patriot state of service is identified as France, you may wear the French Alliance pin as a state of service pin. Te same is true for Spanish Patriots whose state of service is listed as Spain, Spanish America, Mexico, Cuba, California, Florida, Louisiana or Texas, you may wear the Spanish Alliance pin as a state of service pin for that Patriot.
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Our country stands on the eve of a grand anniversary, and DAR is preparing to celebrate in a big way!
Our country stands on the eve of a grand anniversary, and DAR is preparing to celebrate in a big way!
This pin, the tenth in a Limited 250th Anniversary series, commemorates Filippo Mazzei. Mazzei provided inspiration for the phrase “all men are created equal” in the Declaration of Independence. Filippo Mazzei’s significant patriotic contributions are honored with the beautiful commemorative: A Zealous Defender: Filippo Mazzei Pin.
This pin, sixth in a Limited 250th Anniversary Series, commemorates the Marquis de Lafayette's Farewell Tour, 1824-1825. In the late 1890s, NSDAR established the Franco-American Memorial Committee. Its purpose was to facilitate the creation of monuments to Generals Washington and Lafayette in gratitude to France for her generous aid in our struggle for independence.
Our country stands on the eve of a grand anniversary, and DAR is preparing to celebrate in a big way! This pin, the eighth in a Limited 250th Anniversary series, commemorates the Legacy of Bernardo De Gálvez. On May 8, 1782, Gálvez and his Spanish forces captured the British naval base at New Providence in the Bahamas. He was busy preparing for a grand campaign against Jamaica when peace negotiations ended the war. After the fighting, Gálvez helped draft the terms of treaty that ended the war, and he was cited by the American Congress for his aid during the conflict.
“And ALWAYS remember to celebrate our Patriots Abroad!”
Alabama
Please use this guide to help you easily locate your chapter or nearby chapters to read information on anniversaries, updates and other exciting news in this
Stephens 504
Tristan de Luna 504
Arkansas
Frederick Van Patten ...................................... 514
California
Aurantia 496
Chatsworth ...................................................... 509
El Marinero 497
Malibu 519
Rincon del Diablo 525
Santa Clara 526
Colorado
Centennial State 509
Columbine 512
Connecticut
Norwalk-Village Green .................................. 521
Trumbull-Porter 527
District of Columbia
Margaret Whetten 520
Florida
Biscayne 507
Clearwater 510
Estero Island 498
Jean Ribault 516
Lawrence Kearny 518
Manatee 520
Georgia
Chestatee River .............................................. 509
Colonel William Candler 511
James Pittman 516
Kennesaw Mountain 517
Idaho Ee-da-how 513
Illinois Liberty Bell of the West 519 Little Fort 500
Indiana Dubois County 512
Mary Penrose Wayne ................................... 520
Piankeshaw 523 William Tufs ................................................... 505
Iowa
Jean Marie Cardinell
Kansas Olathe 522
Topeka ............................................................... 527
Kentucky John Marshall 517
Maine
Elizabeth Wadsworth 513
Eunice Farnsworth-Ruth Heald Cragin 498
Michigan Amos Sturgis
Lucy Wolcott Barnum ...................................
Lydia Barnes Potter
Phillip Livingston 523
Piety Hill 523 US 12 Heritage Trail 528
Minnesota
Mississippi
Colonel Aaron Ogden ....................................
Conococheague 512
General Perry Benson 515
Governor William Paca 515
Mary Carroll Caton 520
Peggy Stewart Tea Party .............................. 502
Massachusetts
North Carolina
Clear Creek Militia 510
Colonel Joseph Winston 511
Old North State 501
Quaker Meadows .......................................... 524
New Jersey
Church and Cannon 510
Jersey Blue ....................................................... 499
Princeton 524
New Mexico
Stephen Watts Kearny 504
Ohio Cincinnati 497
Clough Valley 510
Elijah Gunn Sr. 513
Jonathan Dayton 500
Worthington 529
Oklahoma
Captain Peter Ankeny 508
Colonel John Starke Sr. ................................. 497
Ponca City 524
Oregon Beaver 507
Bend 507
Oregon Trail 522
Rogue-Applegate 503
Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pa. 507
Fort McIntosh .................................................. 514
General Thomas Mifin 498
Knauss Homestead ........................................ 517
Lieutenant Matthew Smith 519
Lycoming ........................................................... 519
Oceanus Hopkins 522
South Carolina
Nation Ford 521
Trenton 527
Tennessee
Chief John Ross 509
David Craig 512
Ocoee 501
Rhea-Craig ....................................................... 524
Watauga 528
Texas
Alexander Love 495
Captain James Jack 508
John Davis 499
John McKnitt Alexander 500
Mary Isham Keith 520
Ol' Shavano ..................................................... 502
Preston Trail 524
Richard Bard .................................................... 525
Samuel Paul Dinkins 526
San Gabriel ...................................................... 526
Utah
Sego Lily 503 Uintah 505
Vermont Green Mountain 515
Virginia
Colonel William Preston 497
Fauquier Court House ................................... 514
Henry Clay 516
Peaks Of Otter ................................................ 523 Williamsburg 528
Washington Lakota 518
West Virginia
Colonel Charles Lewis 511
Colonel Morgan Morgan 511
Wisconsin
Jean Nicolet ...................................................... 516
Mary Warrell Knight 521
Racine................................................................ 502
St. Croix-Chequamegon 503
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Right: Abendshone Chapter members operated a booth at the International Chili CookOff held at Holiday Island, AR. Members distributed American Flags, membership information and sold voices on a patriotic quilt. Proceeds on the sale of the voices go toward the chapter’s America 250! project.
Downing and chapter members helped to provide and distribute 50 complete Thanksgiving meals to local student Veterans at Northwest Arkansas College, Northwest Technical Institute and the University of Arkansas.
Barbara Lewis, District Director; Marsha Day, Director-Elect; Laurie Cowling, Secretary; Lori Jarrett, Treasurer; Frances Rankin, Historian; Pam Redfern, Parliamentarian
Abendschone Chapter, Sharon Lawlor, Regent
Fort Smith Chapter, Lori Jarrett, Regent
Harrison Colony Chapter, Janice Duffy, Regent
James Bright Chapter, Debra Lewis, Regent
Lovely Purchase Chapter, Lynn Wiggers, Regent
Marion Chapter, Christina Twardowski, Regent
Ozark Mountains Chapter, Glenda Downing, Regent
Deena Reynolds, District Director; Laura Partlow-Foster, Director-Elect; Christina McGaughey, Secretary; Ruth Ann Jefferies, Treasurer
Captain Nathan Watkins Chapter, April Baily, Regent
Charlevoix Chapter, Ann Bush, Regent
Frederick Van Patten Chapter, JoyLynn Edwards, Regent
Independence County Chapter, Deeana Brown, Regent
Jonesboro Chapter, Robin Yates, Regent
Little Red River Chapter, Christina McGaughey, Regent
Robert Crittenden Chapter, Sharon Richardson, Regent
Strawberry River Chapter, Margo Lusk, Regent
Gale Parsons Markley, State Regent 2022–2025
Belinda M. Jones, District Director; Cindy Smith, Director-Elect; Brenda Cunningham, Secretary; Cassie Turner, Treasurer
Akansa Chapter, Jackie Patton, Regent
Arkadelphia Chapter, Teresa Hagood, Regent
Benjamin Culp Chapter, Georgia Estes, Regent
Hot Springs of Arkansas Chapter, Martha Koon, Regent
James K. Polk Chapter, Dorothy Kinnun, Regent
John Cain Chapter, Theresa James, Regent
John Percifull Chapter, Cynthia Hankins, Regent
Mine Creek-Paraclifta Chapter, Elizabeth Overton, Regent
Provincia De La Sal Chapter, Mendy Wright, Regent
Texarkana Chapter, Patty Mitchell, Regent
Committee Chair for “Operation Send
and Doris Compton presented certificates of appreciation to officers of the AR Military Enlistment Command (MEPCom) in Little Rock. For this chapter project, Gilbert Marshall Chapter members wrote over 1,636 cards of encouragement and appreciation and provided toiletry kits and snacks for the enlistees as they leave for basic training.
Gale Parsons Markley, State
Jayne Spears, District Director; Leeann Mobley, Director-Elect; Candy Roman, Secretary; Charline Manning, Treasurer
Cadron Post Chapter, Lynn Tanguay, Regent
Dardanelle Rock Chapter, Jeanne Reynolds, Regent
General William Lewis Chapter, Leeann Mobley, Regent
Gilbert Marshall Chapter, Rhonda McRae, Regent Little Rock-Centennial Chapter, Kathy Balkman, Regent
Major Jacob Gray Chapter, B. J. Camp, Regent
Polly Conway Chapter, Jayne Spears, Regent Prudence Hall Chapter, Jacquannette Armstrong, Regent
Chapter Regent
Susan
Chapter Regent Candace Carrie and members of Tate’s Bluff Chapter in Camden, AR, celebrated with Ms. Mattie Bryd Upton on her 106th birthday on May 23, 2024. She has the distinction of being Arkansas’ most senior Daughter. Ms. Mattie almost never misses a meeting and likes to show off by demonstrating she can still touch her toes!
2022–2025
Nonnie Carroll, District Director; Candace Carrie, Director-Elect; Cheryl Vickers, Secretary; Melody Berry, Treasurer
Captain Robert Abernathy Chapter, Lana Forrest, Regent Chicot Trace Chapter, Cindy Crum, Regent Colonel David Love Chapter, Jerri Willis-Mendiola, Regent Grand Prairie Chapter, Nonnie Carroll, Regent Pine Bluff-John McAlmont Chapter, Virginia Over, Regent Tate’s Bluff Chapter, Candace Carrie, Regent
1 The i s 5:11 “Therefore c rage e her d bu d each her up, ju as fact y are do g.” The Georgia State Society, NSDAR Proudly Presents
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Brown Harrah
Vice President General, NSDAR, Class of 2027
Honorary State Regent State Regent, 2022-2024
James Waldrop Chapter • Fayetteville, Georgia
The Georgia State Society, NSDAR Presents with Pride
Helen Robertson Powell State Regent, 2024-2026
Colonel William Candler Chapter Gainesville, Georgia
1 The i s 5:11 “Therefore c rage e her d bu d each her up, ju as fact y are do
1 The i s 5:11 “Therefore c rage e her d bu d each her up, ju as fact y are do g.” The Georgia State Society, NSDAR
Proudly Presents Joyce Ball Patton
Honorary Vice President General, NSDAR
Vice President General, NSDAR, 2018-2021
Honorary State Regent • State Regent, 2016-2018
Atlanta Chapter • Atlanta, Georgia
Caitlen Ann Parish Green
State Outstanding Junior 2024
Philadelphia Winn Chapter Lawrenceville, Georgia
1 The i s 5:11 “Therefore c rage e her d bu d each her up, ju as fact y are do g.”
March 21-24, 2024
Abraham Baldwin Altamaha Andrew Houser Andrew McBride Apalachee Archibald Bulloch Atlanta Augusta Augustin Clayton Bainbridge Barnard Trail Baron DeKalb Benjamin Hawkins Bonaventure Brier Creek Brunswick Burkhalter Captain Edward Hagin Captain James Kell Captain John Wilson Captain Thomas Cobb Chehaw Cherokee Chestatee River College Hill Colonel Daniel Appling Colonel Ebenezer Folsom
Colonel John McIntosh Colonel William Candler Colonel William Few Council of Safety Earl of Camden
Edmund Burke Elijah Clarke Elizabeth “Quatie” Ross Etowah Fayette-Starr’s Mill Fielding Lewis Fort Frederica Fort Peachtree General Daniel Newnan General Daniel Stewart General James Jackson General Josiah Tattnall
George Walton Governor David Emanual-Adam Brinson Governor Jared Irwin Hannah Clarke Hawkinsville
Henry Walton Hightower Trail Jacob Braselton James Pittman James Stewart James Waldrop John Benning John Benson John Clarke John Franklin Wren John Houstoun John Laurens Joseph Habersham Kennesaw Mountain Kettle Creek King’s Gap LaGrange Lachlan McIntosh Lamar-Lafayette Levi Sapp
Liberty Hill Lt. James Monroe Lyman Hall Martha Stewart Bulloch Mary Hammond Washington Matthew Talbot Mineral Springs Nancy Hart Nathaniel Abney Nathaniel Macon Oglethorpe Old Herod Old Noonday
Old Unicoi Trail Oliver Morton Patriots of Liberty Peter Early Philadelphia Winn Pulaski Reverend John Andrew Robert Loughridge Roswell King Sandy Springs Savannah Sequoyah Sergeant Newton St. Andrew’s Parish Stallings Island Stephen Heard Sukey Hart Sunbury Suwanee Creek Sweetwater Tallassee Thomasville Thronateeska Toccoa Tomochichi Trahlyta Vidalia William Day William Marsh William McIntosh Xavier
The Georgia State Society, NSDAR
Afectionately Honors the Life of
Rose Elyea Bell
Honorary State Regent
State Regent, 2002-2004
Fort Peachtree Chapter • Atlanta, Georgia
1 The i s 5:11 “Therefore c rage e her d bu d each her up, ju as fact y are do g.”
The Georgia State Society, NSDAR Remembers with Love and Gratitude
Barbara
Blakely Chastain
Vice President General, NSDAR, 2010-2013
Honorary State Regent State Regent, 2008-2010 Fort Peachtree Chapter • Atlanta, Georgia
1 The i s 5:11 “Therefore c rage e her d bu d each her up, ju as fact y are do g.”
Orphan to Patriot ~ Explore George Walton’s life, from his beginnings as an orphan in Virginia where he apprenticed as a carpenter through his travels to Georgia where he became a successful lawyer and a leading voice in the Revolutionary cause. This determined young man signed the Declaration of Independence at only 26 years old.
Meadow Garden is curating new interpretation in the Cellar Kitchen and Weaving Room to better understand the story of the enslaved at Meadow Garden who did difcult work without pay to maintain the household.
Uniquely Historic Meadow Garden shares the story of American Independence and brings it to life through historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
1 The i s 5:11 “Therefore c rage e her d bu d each her up, ju as fact y are do g.”
Celebrating DAR Friendships and Service in Hawai`i at the 2024 State Conference.
This annual gathering of our Hawai`i DAR family renews our spirits as well as inspires our dreams.
Honored dignitaries: Cindy Mangum, MS State Regent (seated); Sandra Pollack, NSDAR Director of Development (seated); Nancy Slagle, OR State Regent (standing); Julie Ignacio, Hawai'i State Regent (seated), Christine Crowder, State Regent (standing); Elizabeth Calhoun, ME State Regent (seated); and Diane Oliver, NJ State Regent (seated). Hawai'i State Organization Board of Management members and State Conference pages (standing, left to right): Pauline Wagnon, Chaplain; Lynn Daue, Page to Ms. Wright; Robin Moorehouse, Hawai’i Loa Chapter Regent; Christine Domhoff, Aloha Chapter Regent; Barbara Kenrich, Haleakala Chapter Regent; Alice Incorvaia, Page to visiting State Regents; Kathryn Johnson, Registrar; Laura Ingenluyff, Vice Regent; and Marcia Brinkley, Secretary. (seated) (seated) WA (seated)
101st Hawai'i State Conference attendees, March 2, 2024. 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, Hilo, Hawai'I, was 101st Hawai'i State Conference attendees, March 2, 2024. 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, Hilo, Hawai'I, was the venue. Leahi Society C.A.R. members filled in the ranks of our pages. Sandra Pollack, NSDAR Director of Development, served as President General Pamela Wright's personal designee.
Hawai'i Honorary State Regents in attendance (left to right): Kathy Johnson (2016–2019), Mary Ellen Smith (2013–2016), Diane Hom (2004–2007) and Myrtis Mohica (2001–2004 2004
Illinois State Organization NSDAR
State Song We are Family
State Regent 2023 – 2025
State Scripture: “Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.”
Hebrews 10:24 NIV
Illinois State Organization NSDAR
Presents with Admiration and Gratitude
State Board of Management 2024 ~ 2025
Front row (left to right): Sharon Bittner ~ State Organizing Secretary; Lori Hill ~ State Librarian
Christina Davis Bannon ~ State Regent; Patricia Hopkins-Price ~ State Vice Regent; Diane Eads ~ State Treasurer; Gail Balsamello ~ State Corresponding Secretary
Back row (left to right): Cyndi Valencia ~ State Historian; Lisa Thomas ~ State Chaplain; Denise Scislowicz ~ State Recording Secretary; Laurie Perry ~ State Registrar
State Theme: Working Together — Making a Difference.
Seated: Chaplain Brenda Lowry, First Vice Regent Toni Turk, State Regent Cheryl Whitlow Gott, Second Vice Regent Louise Ganucheau, Recording Secretary Melissa Wiygul.
Standing : Curator Bobbi Foster, Historian Charlotte Nagy, Treasurer Myra Tener, Corresponding Secretary Margo Rhinehart, Organizing Secretary Geni Newman, Registrar Regina Wood, Librarian Janis Lowe, Parliamentarian Margaret Trahan
Gerstner Field was located southeast of Lake Charles in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The field served as a major training base for pilots during World War I. U.S. Army Signal Corps began training at Gerstner Field in 1917. The Field included 24 hangars and 90 auxiliary buildings. Over 3,000 military personnel were assigned to the training facility.
Gerstner Field was the site of many aviation “firsts” including the first military base to provide comprehensive training by combining flight courses, advanced flight training and gunnery courses in one location, the first military airfield in Louisiana and the first flight aerial gunnery schools to use floating targets. Wireless air-to-ground transmissions were perfected at Gerstner Field enabling pilots to communicate while in flight.
LSDAR State Committee Chairs (seated) Denise Malesic, Betsy Havens, Caroline Tyler, Tamara Greathouse, Carolyn DunnMiller, Lea Evans (standing) Cindy Madden, Berniece Kovac, Sonja Webb, Tammy Andrews, Vicki Kirby, Theresa Ables, Paula Roper, Cielle Clemenceau, Cyndy Hardaker, Norma Lester, Sharron McAvoy, Dorothy Donald, Holly Talley, Jean Murlin, Geni Newman, Peggy Aycock, Margaret Tyler, Margaret Trahan, Lynne Alexander, Suzanne Causey, Martha Bauman (not pictured) Kay Alpaugh, Libby Bentson, Ann Bergeron Elaine Boston, Sarah Brooks, Sue Brown, Nan Davis, Stacy Dempsey, Bonnie Dennis, Jan Dye, Mondra Fazely, Rae Gremillion Barbara Guillory, Pam Herty, Melissa Johnson, Marianne Jones, Sue Lee, Norma Lester, Nicole Lobello, Rose Mary Martin, Vicki McNeil, Minnie Metoyer, Syria Mougrabi, Jean Murlin, Zora Olsson, Lauren Pourciau, Rachel Shaw, Donna Sutton, Myra Tener, Charlotte White.
Held in the historic town of Natchitoches, the 3rd and final LSDAR Summer Workshop of the Gott Administration was a destination experience and heartfelt tribute to our FrancoAmerican ties. Established in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French colony in Louisiana and the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Attendees were immersed in the rich history of the region through pre-workshop tours of historic sites and museums. NSDAR National Chair of the Franco-American Memorial Committee, Patricia Maclay, M.D. gave a captivating presentation about her committee with an emphasis on the Marquis de Lafayette.
proudly honors beloved Daughters serving on the State Executive Board
State Regent Dawn Moulthrop-Brady with (from left) State Director Shannon Larson, State Librarian Karen Woodworth, PhD, State Registrar Debbie Blaske, State Organizing Secretary Cindy Miilu, State Recording Secretary Carolyn Stubbs, State Vice Regent Christy Saniga, State Chaplain Eileen Rhodes, State Corresponding Secretary Carol Dunn, State Treasurer Kim Martin, State Historian Deb Mohatarem and State Director Sarah Deming
State Outstanding Junior
Juniors and Pages working and playing
Sp ons oring Chapters:
Dist ruict V
Astenrogen
Betsy Baldwin
Comfort Tyler
Fayetteville/Owahgena
Fort Stanwix
General William Floyd
Henderson/General
Nicholas Herkimer
Holland Patent
LeRay de Chaumont
Oneida
Ontario
Skenandoah
D Dist rict VI
Chief Taughannock
Iroquois
James Madison
Oneonta
Honor ing Our Patr iots –P re servi ng the ir Legacy
Chair
Vice Chair
Recording Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Treasurer
Donna WassalL
Suzanne Bellinger
Diane Miller
Suzanne Bowley
Chery Kapfer
District V Director Erin Gurdak
Peter C. Hein and Scott Dwyer from the Sons of the Revolution of the State of New York were presented with the Hannah White Arnett Award during the Flag Day Celebration at Fraunces Tavern Museum, June 14, 2024. The Hannah White Arnett award is presented as an acknowledgment of the exemplary contributions of the Sons of the Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution in service to the DAR.
The Chapters of District I, II & XII: Brooklyn • Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge • Fort Greene • Knickerbocker Manhattan • Mary Washington Colonial New York City • Peter Minuit • Richmond County
113 Warren Street, Hudson, NY
The house is maintained by the Hendrick Hudson Chapter and is the site of the city’s first and only free public library, which was managed by DAR members, until the new city library was established in 1959. The house is known as Hudson’s Museum where historic collections including artifacts, documents and fine art are exhibited. The DAR chapter was awarded the Department of the Interior, National Park Service Save America’s Treasures award September 2021.
262 Main Street, Schohaire, NY
Lasell Hall was built as a tavern in 1795 as a Federal style house. In 1913, the heirs of the Lasell Family deeded it to the Schoharie Chapter. It was built by Johannes Lawyer III and originally named the Fountain Town Tavern. The inn ran successfully and changed hands several times prior to being purchased by Chester Lasell in the early 1800s. In 1855, the inn closed, and the house was enlarged to accommodate room and board for students attending the Schoharie Academy. After repairs and renovations, the chapter held its first meeting in the hall on October 18th, 1914.
The General Peter Gansevoort Chapter owns the historic Van Schaick Mansion, Cohoes, NY, which in September 2008, was placed on the NYS Heritage Trail of the American Revolution. The Van Schaick Mansion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, served as the headquarters of the Continental Army in the months preceding the Battles of Saratoga in l777. As such, it hosted 5,000–10,000 Continental Soldiers and the leadership of the war.
302 Clinton Avenue, Kingston, NY
In 1909, the Wiltwyck Chapter became owners of 17th Century Dutch/English Colonial style house. The house is named for Kingston Village President Hendricus Sleight, who purchased the home in 1736. During the American Revolution, the British attacked and burned the City of Kingston on October 16, 1777, but the house was quickly restored. George Washington is believed to have visited the house after the surrender at Yorktown.
103
Isaac Paris House is the home of the Fort Plain Chapter. It was originally built in 1786 by Isaac Paris Jr as a trading post and home. During the Battle of Oriskany, Isaac’s father and brother were killed fighting with the Tryon County Militia. Notable figures who made a stop at the inn are Continental Lt. Col Marinus Willett and Mohawk War Chief Joseph Brant.
Capital District Round Table Officers
Margaret Scuderi, President
Dianne Rizzo, Secretary
Jude Kasler, Vice President Gretchen Maresco, Treasurer
District III Chapters, Liz Goodermote, Director
Captain Christian Brown – Jean Yaro, Fort Crailo – Elaine Silvernail, General Peter Gansevoort – Theresa Kusche, Hendrick Hudson – Virginia Martin, Mohawk – Nicole Richmond, Old Hellebergh – Angela Fabiani, On-Ti-Ora – Kimberly Linden, Schohaire – Dianne Rizzo, Tawasentha – Vicki Folger, Van Rensselaer – Elizabeth Alessandra Curley, Wiltwyck – Selina Guendel
District IV Chapters, Melissa Dawson, Director Amsterdam – Kathleen Watras, Champlain – Jean Dickerson, Fort Plain – Katharine Brust, Jane McCrea – Tamaris Dolton, Johnstown – Cynthia Short, Nihanawate – Marlyne Miller, Saranac – Diane Parmeter-Wills, Saratoga – Heather Mabee, Schenectada – Kim Mabee, Swe-Kat-Si – Sally Hartman, Ticonderoga – Margaret Scuderi
Section 6. DAR MAGAZINE/NEWSLETTER:
A. If your chapter contributed $40 to a DAR advertisement and/or to the Daughters Newsletter and it was submitted to the DAR Magazine Office with a postmark of no later than 12/31/2024, score 25 points; otherwise, score 0 points.
B. If your chapter submitted a “With the Chapters” article to the DAR Magazine Office postmarked by 12/31/2024, score 25 points; otherwise, score 0 points.
C. If all your new members by Application for 2024 subscribe to the DAR Magazine, score 50 points; otherwise, score 0 points. (No new members, 0 points.)
D. If the Chapter Regent had a subscription as of 12/31/2024, then all other subscriptions, including those to schools, libraries, professional offices, etc., totaling 20% or more of the chapter membership count, score 20 points; 30% or more, score 30 points; 40% or more, score 40 points; otherwise, score 0 points.
District VI
Honoring our Patriots – Preserving their Legacy
The members of the Southern Tier DAR Council and District VI are proud to honor New York State Regent Pamela Neth Barrack!
The Southern Tier DAR Council recently met at The Chestnut Inn on the shore of Oquaga Lake in Deposit, NY. The structure was built almost entirely of American Chestnut in 1927,
Sponsoring Chapters: Ag-Wron-Doug-Was-Cunahunta, Beulah Patterson Brown, Chemung, Chief Taughannock, Go-Won-Go, Iroquois, James Madison, Koo Koose, Oneonta, Otsego, Tianderah, Tioughnioga, Tuscarora.
District VI Director: Morgan Hapeman Southern Tier DAR Council Of�icers: President Casey Korchynsky, Vice President Linda Pearce, Chaplain Gail Merian, Recording Secretary Laurie Tebbe, Corresponding Secretary Rosemarie Tucker and Treasurer Michele Shirkey.
H u d s o n V a l l e y C o u n c i l
Mahwenawasigh Chapter
130th Anniversary 1894 – 2024
The Poughkeepsie chapter was organized and chartered on April 30, 1894. Mahwenawasigh, the original name given to the Wappingers Creek by the Algonquin native Americans, literally means “great body of foaming water.”
Beaverkill Chapter
Bambi Meadow, Regent
Bettina Vom Saal
75th Anniversary 1949 - 2024
Enoch Crosby Member
Eizabeth “Bettina” Vom Saal joined the Enoch Crosby Chapter when she was 19 years old. In her early days, Bettina paged at Continental Congress, and remains an active member of Enoch Crosby Chapter.
Mahwenawasigh Chapter
Sandra Pullinger, Regent
Chancellor Livingston Chapter
Doris Krohn Harrington, Regent
Enoch Crosby Chapter
Susan Rebentisch, Regent
Melzingah Chapter
Nancy Giordano, Regent
Minisink Chapter
Barbara Loyas, Regent
Old Mine Road Chapter
Audrey Innella, Regent
Quassaick Chapter
Tammy Nosek, Regent
Shatemuc Chapter
Janice Reynen, Regent
Westchester Regent’s
District IX | New York
proudly salutes one of our own
Anne Hutchinson
Sally Reagan, Regent
Hudson River Patriots
Philomena Dunn, Regent
Mohegan
Susan Soussan, Regent
Polly Cooper
Rosemarie Schmidt, Regent
Ruth Lyon Bush
Hope Stone, Regent
White Plains
Maura Reilly Light, Regent
Rachel Innella, District IX Director
New York State Districts X & XI
invite you to learn about a site on the “New York State Revolutionary War Trail”
Hall
on
One of the finest pre-Revolutionary War homes on Long Island, Rock Hall was built in 1767. The Georgian-style manor home belonged to two of the area’s most famous families, the Martins and the Hewletts. Currently, Rock Hall is a museum of colonial life administered by the Town of Hempstead. The Warming Kitchen, Cold Storage Room and Wine Cellar offer fascinating views of the rarely seen working areas in an 18th century plantation -style home. In the museum's ongoing Archaeology Exhibit Room, you will see a display of 18th and 19th century artifacts that continue to be uncovered during excavations at Rock Hall.
Take a Virtual Tour: https://www.friendsofrockhall.org/
Anna Smith Strong, Nancy Dorney
Colonel Aaron Ogden, Carla Hall D’Ambra
Colonel Gilbert Potter, Kelly Bianco
Colonel Josiah Smith, Erin Michelle Shaw
East Hampton, Hedwig Edwards
Floyd Woodhull Dawes, Martha Meyer
Increase Carpenter, Charlene Fletcher
Jerusalem, Kay Kenney
:
Ketewamoke, Pamela Hanson
North Riding, Betsy Pascucci
Oyster Bay, Katherine Bracken
Shelter Island, Lynn Kay Winters
Southampton Colony, Jacqueline Rambo
Southold, Ruthanne Corazzini
Suffolk, Bonnie Boeger
National Winner for state projects –
NSDAR Historic Preservation Committee
2024 Board of Curators
Historic Restoration Award – Wisconsin
Historical Society
2024 Outstanding Junior for Wisconsin and National Finalist
Calendar opens up to 11x17! 1 1/2” x 1 3/8” white blocks allow you to write down what you are doing each day!
Larger numbers for dates make them easier to read from a distance! Keep it as a family heirloom!
Big discounts for purchases of two or more calendars!
A noteworthy event appears on 100 of the 365 days of this year!
An educational tool for you, your children, and grandchildren!
Makes great Christmas & birthday gifts for family and friends! Makes excellent door prizes for your chapter!
Every stamp collector should have this calendar!
To ensure a sellout again, only 1,775 calendars will be printed!
Hurry! Order yours now!
Sorry! We do not accept credit or debit cards!
Captions under stamps discuss 9 notable patriotic Americans and 3 noteworthy events! Includes 65 holidays and observances!
Got a chapter? Order in bulk at our discounts! Sell to your members at our regular prices as a fundraiser! Call us!
Got a business? Calendars are tax-deductable ofce supplies. Buy one for each employee now! Back cover has a detailed description about the “Shot Heard Round the World”!
If you need more for your business or chapter at further discounts, call us at 1-703-533-8064 or email us at columbiapress@verizon.net ORDERS SHIPPED WITHIN 3 DAYS OF RECEIPT!
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Chapter Angels are chapter members who subscribe all their new members whose applications were approved during 2024, unless they subscribed on their own. By doing this, Chapter Angels are helping their chapter gain a sizable 50(!) points in the 2024 Chapter Achievement Awards (CAA)/Chapter Master Report (CMR).
Chapter Angels must subscribe their chapter’s 2024 new members before the end of December to gain the 50 points. Please remember this December 31, 2024 deadline and look for all the ways to gain DAR Magazine CAA credits for your chapter listed in this issue of the Daughters Newsletter on page 474. If you are a Chapter Regent or Registrar using a chapter-issued credit card with multiple members to subscribe, it will be easier and faster for you to call toll-free at (866) 327–6242
Wishing you abundant DAR sparkle and spirit this holiday season.
Congratulations to Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter of Folsom, Calif., for winning the 2023 “Spread the American Spirit” Subscription Contest with the highest percentage of magazine subscriptions (180%) based on the ratio of total subscriptions to the chapter’s membership count on January 1, 2023. The chapter’s chosen article appears in this issue of American Spirit. A new subscription contest, the 2024 “Share the Spirit” Subscription Contest has now replaced the previous contest with the first awarding of prizes to be held at the 134th Continental Congress in June 2025.
With this issue of American Spirit, the section titled “Wide Blue Sash” has been retired. We will begin to showcase a new feature titled “Brave & Bold: A Legacy of Remarkable Women.”
The change is based on CMR feedback as we endeavor to keep the magazine’s subject matter fresh and meaningful. We introduce the “Brave & Bold” section by featuring Admiral Lisa Franchetti. Admiral Franchetti is the first woman to serve as chief of naval operations and the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staf
Gifting subscriptions to American Spirit this holiday season is a wonderful way to share the DAR spirit with a family member, friend or fellow Daughter as we actively prepare for our nation’s 250th Anniversary in 2026.
Wishing you abundant DAR sparkle and spirit this holiday season,
Lisa Christensen Melland National Chair, DAR Magazine Committee Email: magazineeditor@dar.org or via the Daughters Online Community (DOC), DAR Magazine Committee
State Regent—Helen Powell
State Chair—Annette Hopgood
HAWAI’I $660
State Regent— Julene Ignacio
State Chair—Mary Ellen Smith
ILLINOIS $1,980
State Regent—Christina Bannon
State Chair—Gail Balsamello
*LOUISIANA .................................................... $1,960
State Regent—Cheryl Gott
State Regent—Elizabeth Deering
State Chair—Kelli Hosier
State Regent—Dawn Brady
State Chair—Kathleen Conley
*NEW YORK..................................................... $6,443
State Regent—Pamela Barrack
State Chair—Sarah Lynch
*RHODE ISLAND $660
State Regent—Anne Harrigan
State Chair—Melina Ragosta
State Regent—Hollie Gilliland State Chair—Cheryl Thomson
State Regent—Sandra Snow
State Chair—Shannon Moore
OR RENEW
NOTE: The State Regents listed above are those appearing in the advertising pages in this issue. The State Magazine Chairs listed are those serving with their respective State Regents. * Indicates states sponsoring the issue