Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Jeptha Abbott DAR holds kick-off meeting, inducts 3 new members
The DAR also recognizes contralto singer Marian Anderson, who triumphed over racial prejudice and became an inspiration for America’s civil rights movement.
Led by Regent Teri Fischer, Jeptha Abbott DAR held a potluck committee fair and social last night to kick off the start of their 2023-24 volunteer season.
Some of the committees with display material included Community Classroom, Community Service, DAR Good Citizens, DAR Schools, DAR Service for Veterans, Historic Preservation, Literacy, Service to America, the Flag of the United States, and Women’s Issues.
In addition, there were three new members inducted that night: Mary Purtil, Kim Seibert, and Erica Metzger. As suggested by Wreaths Across America, members also waved flags to remind them and all Americans of the feeling they had — the pride in country, unity, and patriotism — expressed in the days following 9/11.
The chapter was fortunate to have Southeastern District Director Lory Fraraccio-Kenney visiting with them as well as Taryn Kennedy, National Vice Chair for the DAR Marian Anderson Scholarship. Taryn spoke to the chapter about the Marian Anderson Scholarship and the Marian Anderson Roaring Twenties Soiree on October 28th.
Marian Anderson was a contralto and international opera singer who triumphed over racial prejudice to become an inspiration for America’s civil rights movement. When Marian couldn’t sing at Constitution Hall in 1939 because of her race, she performed a historic concert
on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to a crowd of 75,000 people.
Afterward, the DAR recognized its need for change. As a result, Marian Anderson sang at Constitution Hall several times after 1939, including a benefit concert for war relief in 1943.
In addition, Marian chose Constitution Hall as the place to launch her farewell American tour in 1964. In 2005, at the invitation of the United States Postal Service and Ms. Anderson’s family, the DAR was honored to host the dedication ceremony of the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp at their national headquarters.
In 2009, on the 70th anniversary of Ms. Anderson’s Lincoln Memorial concert, DAR joined the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission in hosting a special reception at the DAR headquarters following a Marian Anderson tribute concert and naturalization ceremony.
In 2014, on the 75th anniversary, the DAR was proud to host the “Of Thee We Sing” concert in DAR Constitution Hall to pay tribute to the talent, strength, and courage of this remarkable and inspiring woman. The Marian Anderson Historical Residence Museum, 762 South Martin Street, Phila, is the Epi-Center for the Life and Legacy of
Marian Anderson. Marian bought the house in 1924, and it later became a historical site and museum.
Sadly, in 2020, some water pipes burst at the historic home and caused significant damage. After being made aware of the situation, DAR donated $150,000 to the Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society to assist with the critical repairs.
If you would also like to help, please go to Marian Anderson Historical Society or consider attending the Marian Anderson Roaring Twenties Soiree on October 28th by clicking “Marian Anderson Fall Soiree.”
At this year’s Continental Congress, the annual national meeting for DAR members, President General Pamela Rouse Wright, announced that the organization will be offering the Marian Anderson Scholarship: A $5,000 award for a student pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in music. Preference will be given to students from the Philadelphia, PA, metropolitan area.
In addition to offering the new Marian Anderson scholarship, the DAR provides grants for teachers, scholarships for students, and essay contests for grade school and high school students. Read more here: DAR Scholarships and here: DAR Essay Contests.
The DAR also supports
seven schools: Chemawa Indian School, Bacone College, Hindman Settlement School, Hillside School, Crossnore School & Children’s Home, and Berry College. For more information about them, go to DAR Schools.
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.
Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and the world. In addition, DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890. Go to www.dar.org.
Named after Jeptha Abbott, a Revolutionary War soldier, the Ardmore-based DAR chapter was founded on November 18, 1929, by Elizabeth Abigail Ransley. Now, more than 200 Jeptha Abbott members continue the tradition of helping to educate children, preserve
the nation’s history and champion patriotism.
The Jeptha Abbott chapter has supported national and local charities including the donation of two stained glass windows to the National Patriots Bell Tower, Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historical Park,
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The Bell Tower, housing one of the largest and finest carillons in the world, was built with funds from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. To learn more about Jeptha Abbott DAR membership, visit Jeptha Abbott DAR.