Maybe you’ve seen them marching in a local parade or have heard of their involvement establishing the beautiful statue in Reading’s Centre Park. Maybe they gave you a flag pin or awarded a member of your family a college scholarship. Maybe they inspired you to reflect on our nation’s history of strength and sacrifice. Whatever it may be, when it comes to promoting American history and patriotism locally, few organizations do the work like the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Our Berks County chapter celebrates a milestone this fall with its 125th anniversary of service.
Back in 1892, women in Berks County petitioned for their chapter of DAR just two years after the national organization formed. Our local chapter became the seventh in the state of Pennsylvania and the 29th in the country. In those days, there were 15 founding members, one of whom was the great-great granddaughter of Conrad Weiser.
Today, the DAR has 95 chapters. The membership in Berks County has reached 126 women, all of whom are direct descendants of those who served in the cause for American independence. These women are passionate about preserving patriotism, as well as about educating younger generations in our society on the Revolution’s history and value.
“We try to be as involved with the community as possible,” says Hallie Vaughan, Regent of the chapter. This endeavor has impressive results, considering their volunteering at veteran events, awarding medals to outstanding JROTC students in our local high schools, planting trees and maintaining flowerbeds at the Conrad Weiser Homestead, and largely doing whatever is required to keep the spirit of patriotism alive.
At the Wyomissing Public Library, members meet monthly from September to June. These get-togethers are an opportunity to have discussions, to enjoy refreshments and to be addressed by a key speaker who educates the group with bits of history. April’s meeting is replaced by an annual Ladies’ Tea, which due to popularity has now become a two-day event. For 10 years now, the Tea has given guests a taste of the 18th century. Some members even dress up as a character from the past as an impersonator of sorts. Proceeds from the event benefit a Good Citizens Scholarship Fund.
Other central events include a Flag Day Luncheon and a celebration of Washington’s Birthday with the Governor Joseph Hiester chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). On Oct. 14, the group will host a special 125th Anniversary event at the Berkshire Country Club. This will be an early celebration for their Nov. 8 Founding Day.
The dedication of DAR has always come from love for their country and home. The group’s objective is to remind citizens of our nation’s hard-fought freedom and to commemorate the memory and spirit of those who gave it all for that cause. In the years to come, our Berks County chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution members desire to continue honoring these deep historical roots.
