Members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution from across the Commonwealth gathered March 20-22 in Williamsburg for their annual state conference.
Holding the conference in historic Colonial Williamsburg allowed members to experience the places and stories of those who contributed to the founding of the nation nearly 250 years ago.
With more than 9,300 members in 122 chapters across Virginia, the organization continues to make an impact through projects and events. Attendees from Botetourt County included Betty Holt, Beth Pappas and Susan Hays.
The Botetourt County Chapter received the Virginia DAR award for outstanding event, “Remembering the Botetourt Resolutions,” recognizing its work with the Botetourt County Historical Society to write, plan and present the program in March 2025. During the event, 10 historical interpreters portrayed life in Botetourt County as militia members departed for what is now known as the Battle of Point Pleasant.
More than 500 women attended the conference, hearing from speakers whose work highlights the importance of preserving and sharing early American history.
Author Barbara VornDick discussed her research into Eliza Monroe Hay, daughter of President James Monroe, who was buried in Paris. After four years of research and coordination, Hay’s remains were returned to the Monroe family plot at Hollywood Cemetery. VornDick recounts the effort in her book, “Bringing Eliza Home.”
Author Karen Chase spoke about her research on the Declaration of Independence, which informed her book, “Carrying Independence.” Jerri Marr, superintendent of Colonial National Historical Park and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, discussed the importance of preserving historic sites from the founding of Jamestown to the present. These sites include the Yorktown Battlefield, which will host events for the Commonwealth’s America 250 commemoration this summer.
Attendees also met a young Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Kurt Benjamin Smith of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Smith shared stories from the Continental Congress, including the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, first read publicly in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
On March 21, chapter members gathered at the Fincastle Library to hear member Roblyn Brand present “Jack, the Slave.” Brand has researched the life of this Botetourt County man and shared her findings with attendees. She has been a member of the DAR for more than 40 years and has served several years as chapter registrar.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
