The Iowa Board of Management Meeting

They say there is something unforgettable about your first love. No wonder I feel so connected to the Iowa Daughters, who warmly welcomed me for my very first official visit to a State DAR Society function as your President General. I will likely never forget their gracious hospitality and many kindnesses – and best of all? They brought that same welcoming attitude to every guest, regardless of her title or sash. In short, they made everyone feel right at home – which is so important if we are to attract and retain new women to our ranks.

The Iowa Daughters 2019 Board of Management Meeting was held August 4-5 in beautiful Ames, Iowa, and as I watched the sun rise above the sweeping cornfield outside my hotel room window, I wondered if Iowa might, indeed, be heaven after all! I had the pleasure of visiting Iowa six years ago and have held an Associate Membership in the Hannah Caldwell Chapter ever since, so it was a delight to reconnect with many of these women. 

State visits like these afford me the privilege of hearing from our members about those things that matter most to them. In particular, I thank the ladies who took time to attend the Heritage Club event, where we had time for an exchange of questions about issues and challenges. While we recognize that we have much work to do, there was widespread enthusiasm to reach higher in order to achieve our service, membership and financial goals. And ladies: I know that we can do it!

I am especially grateful to Sheila Bingaman, who spoiled me with private tours of both the Hoyt Sherman and Salisbury House historic properties in Des Moines. As someone who loves learning more about local history, it was my kind of afternoon! If ever you are in this lovely city, please make time to enjoy these properties, which represent historic preservation success stories. Sheila is a member of the Abigail Adams Chapter, the oldest in Iowa.