DAR surpasses 1 million members since its founding

This fall, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution surpassed 1 million total members who have joined the organization since its founding in 1890. The 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.

The Colonel David Hall DAR Chapter, based in Lewes, has grown to over 150 current members since the chapter began in 1951. The chapter is excited to join the national society in celebrating this milestone by spotlighting members of the chapter through the years.

Throughout the chapter’s 68-year history, its membership has included many remarkable women from the local community. The chapter was founded by Betty N. Seimes, Helene C. Potter, Marie Louise Maull, Sara Chambers and Jane B. Chambers, among others.  Seimes went on to become a leader in the national DAR, and they established the Betty Newkirk Seimes Microfilm Center in 1970 in her honor. It serves as the hub of one of the largest genealogical research centers in the United States as well as housing special collections on Native American, African American and women’s history, genealogy and culture.

Another establishing member was Potter.  She was also involved in founding the Lewes Yacht Club and served as the treasurer for nearly three decades.  Genealogy was a passion for her, and she authored many genealogical publications.

Some more recent members include Cape Gazette food writer Denise Clemons. Clemons is the author of “A Culinary History of Southern Delaware,” and conducts cooking demonstrations and nutrition workshops throughout the Cape Region. Member Kay Carnahan has served on the all-volunteer, nine-member Lewes Planning Commission since 2001, holding multiple offices. Last month at a chapter meeting, member Joe-Anne Corbin spoke to the chapter about her giving back to the community by serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA is a national association in the United States that supports and promotes court-appointed advocates for abused or neglected children in order to provide children with a safe and healthy environment in permanent homes. 

These are just five of the 1 million women who have joined DAR since 1890. Each DAR member has a unique story, but all share a passion for historic preservation, education and patriotism and a dedication to her local community. .

The Colonel David Hall DAR Chapter focuses much of its efforts on helping veterans and the historic preservation of the colonial era Maull House, located at 536 Pilottown Road, Lewes. The chapter encourages women interested in DAR membership to become better acquainted by attending the upcoming November meeting or visiting the Maull House for the Holiday Open House and Bake Sale Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If interested in learning more about DAR membership, go to www.davidhalldar.org/about or contact klindemer@gmail.com.