The Botetourt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met Saturday, April 12 in the Family Life Center of Fincastle United Methodist Church. Craig Valley DAR Chapter members also attended as all members and guests were able to virtually tour the Custom House in Yorktown.
This Custom House, built about 1720 by Custom Agent Richard Ambler, is one of only 12 Historic Custom Houses in the United States. It is maintained solely by the Comte de Grasse DAR Chapter. The tour was led by Jennifer Carver, former regent of the Comte de Grasse Chapter and the current Virginia DAR State Chair of the Yorktown Custom House. Those in attendance learned of the history of this building, and then were treated to a virtual tour of this building and museum. The Custom House is open to the public on Sundays from June to October since 1930 at no charge.
Upcoming plans for the Botetourt Chapter include dedicating two benches at the Allen-Carper Cemetery in Eagle Rock on April 27; Malcom Allen and all of his sons were very active in Colonial and Botetourt County affairs. Then on May 10, members will celebrate the chapter’s 69th anniversary at the Historic Wilson Warehouse in Buchanan.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. If you are interested or have questions about joining the chapter, contact Membership Chair Emily Talbot-Guillote via email at eptg1019@gmail.com, or Registrar JoElla John, jjohnregistrar@gmail.com.
~ Botetourt County Chapter of the DAR
