125th Continental Congress Commemorative Performance

https://youtu.be/08FKXGoX6SA

Mrs. VanBuren developed the concept for the program, and then researched archival Proceedings and DAR Magazines to select representative highlights of DAR achievements through the Society’s 125 years of service to America before writing the performance script. While Mrs. VanBuren wrote the dialogue for participants, she based each segment on an actual Congress report or magazine submission. 

Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter

Indianapolis, IN 

It is with great personal joy that I portray DAR’s first President General and First Lady, Caroline Scott Harrison at the Harrison’s home (The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site) in Indianapolis, IN., throughout the state of Indiana for historical events/presentations, and often in Caroline’s home town,  Oxford, Ohio. When I joined DAR in 2007, a blind, ninety year old Caroline Scott Harrison chapter member, who volunteered at the Harrison’s home, insisted I volunteer there as well, because of my great love of history and twenty years of Civil War enacting experience.

What an unexpected happy new direction this created along in my life path, and what an opportunity to share Caroline’s life and legacy through “living history”!

Hudson River Patriots Chapter

Chappaqua, NY

I am honored to be portraying Reubena Hyde Walworth. Reubena and I are both from New York DAR chapters and former teachers. Reubena was a college graduate at a time so few women were. The courage in which she embraced her responsibility to care for the men serving our nation is inspiring. Her acts were selfless and resulted in the ultimate sacrifice. I can only hope that by getting be a small part of portraying her that I have helped keep the memory of her devotion and strength alive. 

Sarah Platt Decker Chapter

Durango, CO

Being given the opportunity to portray a 'Real Daughter' was especially gratifying for me.   As a genealogist,  I have always felt a strong kinship to the ancestors that I discover in my research.   To know that Caroline Randall had been nurtured by a Revolutionary War soldier,  made it very special for me.  I envy her having had this wonderful experience.  

Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter

Litchfield, CT 

As State Regent-elect for Connecticut, I was thrilled to portray our own Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter’s Organizing Regent, Elizabeth C. Barney Buel.   Mrs. Buel was also a Vice President General, an author, the compiler of the first DAR Citizenship Manuals, and she served as State Regent in Connecticut for 13 years.   The Mary Floyd Tallmadge chapter has not had a member become State Regent since Mrs. Buel.  In September they will place a marker beneath a beautiful Crowninshield stained glass window that Mrs. Buel had installed to remember over 3000 Revolutionary War soldiers from the area.  

Fort Greene Chapter
Brooklyn, NY

As a costumed interpreter, I regularly use theatre to portray patriotic women from history. Just as Mrs. Perkins provided lessons in garment making to educate and raise the spirits of Ellis Island detainees, the arts have also allowed me to teach and inspire thousands of children—many with special needs or language barriers. Additionally, I was thrilled to discover that Mrs. Perkins grew up only two blocks from where I currently live in Brooklyn! It is an honor to portray this incredible daughter and further her message of outreach and empathy.
 

Knickerbocker Chapter

Brooklyn, NY

The first thing I did when I discovered I would be playing Mrs. Turner was to look her up in the Magazine archives and on ancestry (super genealogy nerd here)! She's from the East Coast but relocated to Texas—the opposite direction of my journey, I was born in San Francisco and now live in NYC. It was so fascinating to learn about the Memorial Forests. My husband is from Michigan, so he was thrilled to hear that they led all other states at the time. I'm hoping one day to visit one (or more) of the memorial forests—what a great idea!

Fort Graham Chapter

Whitney, TX

It is an honor to portray Georgia O'Marr, State Regent of Wyoming during World War II. Her report on the activities of DAR members during the war caused me to reflect on what it must have been like for my mother, a young bride and new mother during those years as my father served in the Army.  She died when I was eight, but I would imagine that she would have approved of the Wyoming daughters' support of our soldiers.

Malibu Chapter

Malibu, CA

Heroes of Kings Mountain Chapter 

Grant, AL

My connection with the character I am portraying is that we are both from Alabama. She was the American History Essay winner and seemed like she had a strong passion for history. I'm a history major in college and I myself enjoy and have a passion for history. 

Narrow Passage Chapter

Woodstock, VA

Katherine Reynolds Stark was State Regent of Virginia from 1974 to 1977, covering the U.S. Bicentennial celebration. In 1976, I was the Outstanding Junior Member from Virginia, as well as Mrs. Stark's personal page. The State Conference was held at Williamsburg, and the Page's ribbons were red, white and blue, both in honor of the United States Bicentennial. Marie Yochim served as State Vice Regent in that term, and became State Regent in 1977. 

Chief John Ross Chapter

Chattanooga, TN

I strongly identify with the Kentucky regent, Nancy Rouse.  I just completed my forty-fourth year teaching U.S. History and Government and I am a firm believer that an educated, informed electorate IS the key to the survival of our democracy. I am the in-coming TSDAR Historian, I serve as my city and county historian and I am a member of the Tennessee Historical Commission. 

Fort Pickens Chapter, Gulf Breeze, FL

Pensacola, FL

It's an unbelievable feat that Mrs. Kahre and her volunteers compiled 44,079 pages of records during a three year period. Who knows how many future members used their research to become DAR members? New members are our Society's lifeblood so it is an honor to portray someone who assisted so many.

Mrs. Kahre died a few years ago and it was a challenge to portray someone that so many Daughters knew and remember. She was a member of the St. Louis - Jefferson Chapter in Missouri, a chapter that I ironically have been an associate member of for many years.

Come and Take It Chapter

Bryan, TX

I cannot explain the depth of my gratitude for my sister Daughters who not only emotionally sustained me through my sons' deployments but also sent many prayers on our behalf.  DAR members from all over the country sent care packages to them.  After a shipment of 47 dozen homemade cookies, a soldier asked my son Jonathan, “Who are these people and why do they keep sending us stuff?”  Jonathan's answer was, “It’s from my mom’s DAR friends and it’s just what they do.”

Dottie was one of the first members to befriend me when I joined DAR thirteen years ago.  Since then we have shared a special friendship bound by our love of our soldiers.  One of my favorite memories is introducing her to my son Henry when he attended National Defense Night at the Texas State Conference.  

Fort Lewis Chapter

Reston, VA

As the national chair of this unique committee, I was pleased to represent the current membership and its response to the call to serve others. No matter where members found themselves, here or abroad, they served -- and in countless ways! Sharing their experiences through social media only enhanced the public perception of what the NSDAR is and what is can do.  It was truly exciting to note that the objectives of this committee were met with time and talent -- something which DAR members have in abundance!