The New York State Conference

While not an official visit, I had the pleasure of joining the New York Daughters for our 123rd State Conference in historic Albany at the end of September.  My mother was born in Albany in 1927, and generations of my family have been born and buried there. While I moved about 100 miles south 35 years ago, it is always a joy for me to return to this city on the Hudson to rekindle fond memories (especially of the women in my life).

Our annual state conference affords me the equally enjoyable opportunity to reconnect with other important women in my life:  those who so warmly welcomed me into DAR in 1988. These ladies represent the lasting friendships and bonds of solidarity that make active involvement in our organization so fulfilling.

And it was, indeed, a marvelous gathering of Daughters from across the Empire State. Though health concerns unfortunately kept our State Regent Wilhelmena Rhodes Kelly from presiding, our State Vice Regent Patrice Birner capably took the reins and steered us through a substantive and enjoyable weekend of meetings, workshops, tours and evening events that recharged our collective DAR battery. I’m delighted to share just a few highlights here.

The curatorial staff at the Institute readied a surprise from its collection for the Guests of Conference: the 1895 Charter of Albany’s storied Mohawk DAR Chapter (to which fourth President General Mary Margaretta Manning belonged). The charter is preserved in a unique “relic frame” decorated with blocks of wood from famous trees, objects and sites. What a privilege to explore this treasure. 

The Guests of Conference tour also featured a delightful and delicious lunch courtesy of the ladies from my late mother’s chapter,  General Peter Gansevoort, at their 1755 Van Schaick Mansion. It was a thrill to dine in the home where Generals Schuyler, Arnold, Clinton and Gates planned the American advance at the Battle of Saratoga. I thank these ladies for both a great lunch and for being such proud and proper stewards of this historic property. 

In fact, I thank every Daughter who RISES up to support of our mission of historic preservation, education and patriotism – and I urge all of you to SHINE by telling other about the good works we do in communities across the nation and around the world.