On-Site Staffing Reduced -- But Not Productivity

While the District of Columbia remains at a level that allows just 25 percent of employees to be physically on site at any given time, the remainder of the staff continues to work remotely in order to complete the important work of the National Society. I wanted to share with you highlights of just some of the work that has been accomplished since the conclusion of the Virtual 129^th Continental Congress by our staff, working at Headquarters or remotely. These examples represent just a sample from the last several weeks, and are presented in random order:

Genealogy/RG Data Entry

Reviewing Applications and Supplementals, with pandemic shut-down backlog now addressed; processing Legacy requests.

The Historian General/Archives

Approved 11 Revolutionary War markers, nine Historical/Commemorative markers, and answered 34 reference questions; Completing new Honorary President General biographies for publication in the online version of The Wide Blue Sash.

DAR Museum

Updating existing and adding new catalog records; writing articles, (e.g. current exhibit was published in the journal of the Decorative Arts Trust) and lectures; conducting research for future exhibits. Added several new items, including a Revolutionary War powder horn, two 18^th-century paintings and an early 19th century needlework. Planned and executed virtual World’s Fair event and continue to create digital programing, including on-going period room tours and museum collections-based activities.

Buildings/Facilities

Rearranged offices to achieve better spacing, installed protective shields and help facilitate enhanced cleaning procedures throughout the building in response to pandemic. Security monitoring buildings, deliveries, fire/burglar alarm systems, interior/exterior patrols. DAR Store and RG Data Entry office renovations completed, including painting, patching, ceiling work, electrical, carpeting and installation of furnishings. Installation of a new roof on the cooling tower roof that had been causing water problems in both the Museum Gallery as well as the DAR Archives. Coordinated various governmental inspections related to elevators, boilers, etc.

Reporter General

Finalized the printing of Congress Certificates for mailing to State Regents. Processed payments for scholarship recipients and fielded calls related to school changes due to pandemic

Information Systems

All computers have been updated. Added remote-management software in order to fix issues without the need for in-person visits.  

This is just a partial list of work accomplished in the last few weeks, but I hope that it helps you have a better appreciation for everything that our staff continues to accomplish in order to keep our National Society functioning during these uncertain times. I also hope that you know how grateful I am for your continued assistance, for it is your generous moral and financial support of our important mission that makes all of this possible. Thank you.