- Welcome Message
- President General's Project Update
- Member Spotlight: Bobbi McMullen
- New DAR Museum Exhibit - Lafayette Quilts
- The Genealogy Consultant Training Workshops
- DAR Christmas Open House
- NEW FOUNDERS CLUB MEMBERS
- NEW HERITAGE CLUB MEMBERS
| Welcome Message |
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I look forward to meeting with you during the 119th Continental Congress. Please make sure to stop by the Office of Development on the third floor of the administration building and we would be happy to answer any of your questions, process your donations, or simply introduce ourselves. Carolina Camargo |
The New Year has begun with a great start!| President General's Project Update | ||||
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It is inspiring to look back on the successes of the President General's Project of the Calvin Administration. The - "Open Doors of Hospitality" Project- set forth the goal to begin the restoration our National Headquarters. A summary of the numerous improvements that the members supported through their generous donations include: Phase I: A new heating and cooling system was installed and new shelving was added in the DAR Museum. Both Memorial Continental Hall and Constitution Hall received much-needed repairs. Phase II: Both the North and South Porticos of Memorial Continental Hall were cleaned and the stone restored; a new storage vault was made possible under the North Portico; and an entry was created for the DAR Library. Phase III: The urgent and critically important upgrades to the electrical system and switchboard were completed.
We are now preparing to embark upon the fourth phase of the renovations: upgrading the heating and cooling distribution system at National Headquarters. This ever-growing problem has been in serious need of attention over the past several years.
The outdated equipment has caused flooding in several of our offices with ceiling and wall damage due to failing pumps and other faulty mechanical parts. Left unattended these problems will occur more and more frequently. Such flooding is not only destructive and costly to clean up but also disruptive to the day-to-day business of NSDAR. If you would like to make a donation to the President General's Project, please contact the Office of Development at 1-800-449-1776. |
| Member Spotlight: Bobbi McMullen | ||||
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There is no better example of a modern day DAR than Bobbi McMullen. Bobbi represents one of the many different types of Daughters who make up today's DAR. She is a member of both the Heritage Club and Founders Club and is active in helping prospective members prove their ancestors and become members. She is deeply passionate about the DAR and the work done by members across the country.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, the youngest of four, Bobbi attributes her love of genealogy to her father, who raised her to have a deep understanding of her heritage and family history. Her father made it a point to instill a strong sense of family in his children and even wrote an autobiography. Her family has been in Pennsylvania for centuries and, in addition to her membership in DAR, she is a member of several other lineage societies. Bobbi married soon after high school and worked at several different jobs while raising her three children. Until recently she lived on a farm with her second husband where they raised cattle, horses, and champion bulls. In addition, she is an avid fox hunter and says that genealogy is her passion. She has eight grandchildren and, and by the time you are reading this article, she will have a 9th. She has been married to her husband, Joe, for twenty years and he is president of his SAR chapter. Her daughter is also a member of DAR and was a Pennsylvania Outstanding Junior.
Several women on her father's side were members of the DAR, including her sister, grandmother, and two half sisters. After some encouragement from her sister she joined her local chapter and within a year was chapter regent. She has been a member for 20 years and has held several positions within the organization both at a chapter and national level. She has held the offices of State Treasurer, Chapter Corresponding Secretary, Chapter Treasurer, State Registrar, and is currently State Vice Regent Elect.
As a member of both the Heritage Club and Founders Club, Bobbi has truly shown her commitment into ensuring the future of NSDAR. She encourages ladies to help with the work of the society and feels that it is important to support an organization you love now rather than later. She strongly believes that you should support causes you care about while you still have the ability. Bobbi explains that her passion for genealogy and DAR is inspired by our motto - God, Home and Country. She believes that having an understanding of our own personal histories is essential and feels personally rewarded by helping others join the DAR. She shared that watching new Daughters, especially juniors, progress and become more and more involved with the organization and transition from new members to paging for a State Regent is especially gratifying. Bobbi also participated in the 'Real Daughters' project and had the opportunity to travel around Pennsylvania. She says that it was particularly enjoyable to meet so many fellow members who were able to share personal stories about themselves or historical sites in their area. It is these stories, which often do not make it out of the small towns across America, that truly tell of where our nation has been and the changes that continue to shape it. It is the work of Daughters, like Bobbi, that help to keep our story alive. She is a perfect example of today's DAR members. She can seamlessly transition from overalls and tractors to gowns and gloves. She explains that, "DAR ladies come from all walks of life." She truly feels that the DAR members of today are not afraid to get their hands dirty, both physically and metaphorically. There is work to be done along several avenues - from educating children to ensuring proper historical markers on grave sites throughout the country, to simply ensuring that the stories that make up our history stay alive and continue to be told.
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| New DAR Museum Exhibit - Lafayette Quilts | ||||
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The DAR Museum is proud to announce the opening of their newest exhibit, "Honoring Lafayette: Contemporary Quilts from France and America." The exhibit will be in place from April 16 through September 4, 2010 and will be available for viewing during this year's Continental Congress. The exhibit commemorates the Marquis de Lafayette, the Frenchman who was instrumental in supporting the American Revolution. 'Honoring Lafayette also includes items from the DAR Museum Collection that were made or saved to remember Lafayette's triumphal visit to the United States in the 1820's in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Revolution.
Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roche Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette was born in 1757 in France. He served in the French army. However, after hearing of the Americans' struggle for independence he decided to come to the colonies and aid them in their endeavors. He landed in Charleston, SC in 1777 and was welcomed by the colonists who soon commissioned him a Major General. He served under General George Washington in the Continental Army. In addition to serving in several battles, Lafayette also advocated for an increased commitment from France toward the American cause. He is honored today for his devotion to our independence in several cities through city names, statues and city squares.
'Honoring Lafayette' features pieces made by quilters around the world who were chosen to make pieces that honor Lafayette. In 2007, in celebration of the 250th birthday of the Marquis de Lafayette, the city of Lafayette, Louisiana spearheaded activities to celebrate and educate the public about his contribution to American independence with their own exhibition. As part of the initiative, quilters chosen from the United States, Canada, Belgium and France made pieces that honored Lafayette. When these Lafayette quilts later traveled to France, the French hosts were inspired to add another element to the exhibit. Quilts by two noted African American quilters from Louisiana were included to examine the intersection of French and African cultures and the quilting inspirations that come from the formerly-French Louisiana region.
This exhibit is exemplary of both a historic and contemporary collaboration between the French and Americans. 'Honoring Lafayette' is a vibrant and inspiring collection of quilts and historic items that is worth visiting. To learn more about the exhibit and some of the items featured, visit the DAR Museum's website.
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| The Genealogy Consultant Training Workshops | ||
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Many of you have a knack for genealogical research and could find a new patriot in your sleep. Others are new to researching family trees or simply want to improve their skills. Did you know that DAR offers a training course at National Headquarters for becoming a Genealogical Consultant?
The Genealogy Consultant Training Workshops classes span four days and provide much detailed information regarding the application process. Generally, four to five classes are offered each year and times are usually published on the Volunteer Genealogists Committee Web site. There are still three more sessions scheduled for 2010:
The classes will cover several topics and include presentations, informational sessions, tours, and the opportunity to get to know our staff and genealogists. Below are some of the topics the class will cover:
The training curriculum concentrates on improving the quality of papers submitted rather than simply on how to verify papers. By learning these skills, learning how we operate at National Headquarters, and getting to know our staff you can help yourself, your chapter and others expedite the process of becoming a member or proving another line. In addition, at the end of the course you will have qualified for the Genealogy Consultant pin. After completing the Genealogy Consultant class you will be qualified to conduct workshops speak before other groups and work on DAR papers in conjunction with the Volunteer Field Genealogists. You may receive credit toward the Volunteer Field Genealogists pin under the new requirements established at the April Executive meetings..
Interested in enrolling? If so, please contact the NSDAR Genealogy Department at [email protected] or telephone 202-879-3268. The interest in these classes is so great that a waiting list has been established and applicants are encouraged to place their name on the list. |
| DAR Christmas Open House | ||||
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On December 9, 2009 the National Society opened its doors to the public in our annual Christmas Open House. Each year, a sizable crowd enjoys refreshments in the O'Byrne Gallery, caroling in the DAR Library and tours of our historic buildings decorated for the holidays with trees, wreaths, and garlands throughout. Children shared their Christmas lists with Santa and played with replica 18th and 19th century toys in the DAR Museum's Touch of Independence Education Center. "This is wonderful, what a great way to celebrate the season!" said one guest about the 8th annual event.
The Open House offers activities for everyone from kids to parents and grandparents. Docents greeted visitors as they toured the building while learning about the historical relevance of the period rooms and the antiques within them. "Amazing building so rich with history! It is an honor to be here!" a visitor from Washington State said. The Thomas
Elementary School Choir could be heard singing Christmas Carols in the DAR Library while the genealogists educated the guests about tracing their ancestors. There were several members in attendance who were able to share with the public the work the chapters around the country had done that year. In addition, the DAR Museum's exhibition, "Wedgwood: 250 Years of Innovation and Artistry" was a great hit. Guests had the opportunity this year to view this monumental exhibit while enjoying the festivities.
The DAR Christmas Open House had many returning visitors but also welcomed new ones. One guest from Virginia has been coming to the Christmas Open House for three years and plans on continuing to do so. It has become a cherished tradition that brings joy and cheer to the members, staff, community, and visitors from across the country. We hope that you will be able to join us next year!
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| NEW FOUNDERS CLUB MEMBERS | ||||
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From November 12, 2009 to May 25, 2010 The NSDAR is proud to welcome the following as new members of our legacy society, the Founders Club. These generous Daughters, by including the NSDAR in their will or other estate plans, have become part of a visionary group of people dedicated to sustaining the mission of our founders. Due to space constraints, each issue of the Heritage Club newsletter will present a list only of new members.
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| NEW HERITAGE CLUB MEMBERS | ||||||||||||
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From November 12, 2009 to May 25, 2010 The National Society is proud to welcome new members to the Heritage Club. Due to space constraints, each issue of the Heritage Club Newsletter will carry a listing only of new members accepted and any upgraded members since the previous issue.
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Are you looking for ways you or your chapter can support the NSDAR more specifically? It's easy to do with the NSDAR Wish List! The Wish List is a list of many of the NSDAR's currently unbudgeted needs. You can see the Wish List at http://members.dar.org/dev/wish/.
