JACOB GASKINS CHAPTER, NSDAR, LEARNS FROM “DAR 101” PRESENTATION
Northeast District Director Provides Members with In-Depth Overview of Society’s History, Programs, and Opportunities for Service and Leadership
The members of the Jacob Gaskins Chapter, NSDAR, learned more about the fundamentals of the organization from Leann Baxter McGann, Northeast District director for the Ohio DAR, during the chapter’s October meeting.
North Canton, OH — The Daughters of the Jacob Gaskins Chapter, NSDAR, gathered in October for their monthly meeting. Regent Stephanie Martin Shively introduced guest speaker Leanne Baxter McGann, Northeast District director for the Ohio DAR, who presented a comprehensive overview of the Society in a program titled “DAR 101.”
During her presentation, McGann outlined the three-part mission of the DAR – historic preservation, education, and patriotism – emphasizing the organization’s global reach as the largest women’s patriotic nonprofit. Since its founding on October 11, 1890, the Society has welcomed more than one million members, each contributing to a wide range of activities that include community service, support for veterans, educational programs, and historic preservation projects.
The presentation also highlighted the DAR’s origins, beginning with four founding women committed to ensuring the contributions of Revolutionary War patriots were remembered through active civic engagement. McGann provided an overview of the DAR Headquarters in Washington, DC, and members learned about the symbolism of the DAR Insignia. The director also highlighted influential DAR members throughout history, such as Clara Barton, Susan B. Anthony, Marjorie Merriweather Post, Laura Bush, Lillian Gish, and Grandma Moses.
The presentation included updates on current DAR initiatives, such as the Women’s Memorial on the Mall in Washington, DC, and ongoing historic preservation projects, including the Christian Waldschmidt Homestead in Camp Dennison, Ohio, an 18th-century property now serving as a Civil War museum and educational resource. She also outlined educational and training opportunities available online to members, helping them identify ways to contribute and assume leadership roles within the Society.
Finally, the session emphasized the DAR’s commitment to community service, highlighting the Service to America initiative, which tracks and encourages members’ volunteer efforts nationwide.
The presentation provided members with a thorough understanding of the DAR’s history, mission, and opportunities for engagement, inspiring continued participation in preserving history and promoting patriotism within the community.
Individuals interested in learning more about their genealogy or membership in the NSDAR should contact the chapter.