I’ve really enjoyed my first year as the Gettysburg Chapter, NSDAR chapter regent! I wondered what brought more than one million women to join this amazing service organization since its founding in 1890? Here are my top ten reasons I’ve learned this year:
1. The friendliness of our DAR chapter with its diverse group of interesting women never failed to impress me. Although I had enjoyed our discussions for six years since I joined DAR; as regent, I “had an excuse” to contact many more daughters and enjoy getting to know them better. We have homemakers, active and retired service women, professional accountants, teachers, business women, orchestral performers, artists, writers, health-care workers. Our meeting discussions are always interesting.
2. We have a large and historic chapter. The Gettysburg Chapter, NSDAR, was founded in November 1904 and throughout the years has established awards for local students; supported Camp Colt and patriotic activities during World War I including the rebuilding of the French town of Tilloloy; and during World War II, chapter members sold war bonds. In 1930 the chapter helped with the establishment of the Marsh Creek Society Children of the American Revolution. We have participated in the celebration of the 75th, 100th and the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the 150th, 175th and the 200th Anniversary of Adams County and of the town of Gettysburg. Mamie Eisenhower was a member when she lived here.
3. Our members range in age from their 20’s to their 90’s.
4. Everyone can be involved on the level that works best for them, through simply attending meetings; supporting local, state, or national projects; teaching new citizen classes; chairing a committee that gives awards, helps veterans and service people, helps the environment, or celebrates our country.
5. That involvement can be on the local chapter level, the PSSDAR state, and the national NSDAR level. Our chapter holds nine regular meetings and two to three social meet-ups a year. Our region and state DAR holds events regularly as do other chapters around us. The state PSSDAR invites all PA DAR members to their fall meeting and spring conference. NSDAR holds their annual Continental Congress in Washington D. C. in June to which all DAR members are invited.
6. Our chapter speakers at our monthly meetings have been fascinating. For example, I’ve learned how an early German woman would have lived in our area, how to properly preserve family papers and treasures, and how a retired Lt. Col. in the Air Force flew the last dignitaries home from Europe on 9/11.
7. We take great tours of historical sites like the Old York Jail, Renfrew Farm Park, and the DAR headquarters in Washington, D. C.
8. Regional, State, and National events are a blast and you get to know people from all over the country who are also striving to support historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
9. DAR is making a huge impact for kids through their online curriculum, support of the Children of the American Revolution, student contests, scholarships, DAR and American Indian schools.
10. DAR is fun!
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