Today's DAR
The VanBuren Administration introduced the inaugural DAR Genealogy Research Institute at DAR headquarters on May 2nd. The three-day Institute was created as an on-site companion to the virtual DAR Genealogy Lecture Series and was led by team members Pat McFall, Dawn Lemongello, Cynthia Sweeney, Shari Thorne-Sulima and myself. The enthusiasm generated by the Institute’s initial announcement in February easily carried over into the event held last week in Memorial Continental Hall.
A Successful Inaugural DAR Genealogy Research Institute
The Institute began on Monday morning with the arrival of one hundred member-attendees from 32 states across the country. The DAR Library was abuzz with Daughters who had not visited the Library for at least two years, and with others who were visiting for the very first time. After registration, DAR Library and Genealogy department staff members Dr. Stephanie Tuzynski and Olivia Millunzi provided detailed instruction on DAR Library resources and the many uses of the online GRS system. Education on the use of the Seimes Technology Center was provided by multiple Library staff members throughout the day. Institute participants also enjoyed a surprise greeting by President General Denise Doring VanBuren at lunchtime. Tuesday and Wednesday classes were held in the newly renovated Constitution Hall on topics including National Archives research, Revolutionary War records, deciphering of colonial handwriting, methodology of genetic genealogy, and the calculation of ancestral birthdates. Instructors included nationally known genealogists Michael Strauss, Shannon Combs-Bennett, Adrienne Abiodun, and Victor Dunn. A special treat was the presentation of the “Forgotten Patriots Research Forum” by expert DAR staff genealogists Elizabeth Drembus, Amanda Taylor and William Campbell, as well as Library Director Dr. Stephanie Tuszynski and E Pluribus Unum Research Specialist Dr. Jonathan Hanna. Their interactive discussion proved that DAR is leading the way in uncovering the history of African-American, Native-American and female Patriots from the Revolutionary War era. DAR members are encouraged to visit the E Pluribus Unum and Honoring Our Patriots websites for more information.
Private 30 minute “brick wall“ consultations with expert staff and volunteer genealogists were also offered to Institute participants. Precious library research time was included and many enthusiastic attendees confirmed they uncovered records needed to prove prospective member and supplemental applications.
A special addition to the Institute was a fun-filled Dinner in the Tavern held Tuesday evening in the O’Byrne Gallery. The sun was shining on the adjacent C Street portico as the group gathered for appetizers and a pre-dinner photo! Registrar General Pat McFall later explained to the audience that the taverns of the 1700s functioned as gathering places for Patriots to share information on news of the Revolutionary War. A tavern meal of chicken pot pie and apple crisp was served after a welcome was given by the President General. The guest speaker for the evening, NEHGS Chief Genealogist David Allen Lambert, presented an entertaining and informative program on “Your Genealogical Time Clock” which asked everyone to consider how their own genealogy records will be protected for the future.
Special thanks go to the many member volunteers who served as Ambassadors with Shari Thorne-Sulima and Jacquelyn Cronin. Their sun flowers signaled participants that the Ambassadors were available to help.
The consensus of opinion was that the Institute’s training sessions, classes and personal consultations all served to enhance attendees’ knowledge of DAR genealogical research resources. More important, however, was the fellowship and comradery experienced by all DAR members and guests within our House Beautiful.
