Zooming to the Bahamas

I had the pleasure of zooming off to the Bahamas this weekend – regrettably not via the airplane that was planned, but rather thanks to a virtual meeting staged by The Bahamas Chapter, which is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year. The chapter is vibrant and healthy, with 36 members (many of whom live in the United States) and more than 500 Associate Members. Recent travel concerns prompted the decision to transition the chapter’s annual January meeting to a virtual format, and though I would have loved to greet them in person (and enjoy some sunshine!), I was nonetheless grateful to do so over the internet. In addition to the officers on the screen, many members joined us via live stream on the chapter’s social media page.

I was so impressed to learn that the Chapter has been dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children through a variety of substantial special projects. In 2015, they outfitted 21 impoverished Bahamian students with uniforms required by local public schools. In 2016, they expanded their efforts to give a “hand-up” to unemployed single women to support their families by supplying refurbished sewing machines, fabric and notions to them to help sew the students’ uniforms. In 2017, these local women made Bahamian Androsia fabric textile products such as placemats, tablecloths and napkins that were sold at the Units Overseas Luncheon, with profits used to bolster the program. In 2018, The Bahamas Chapter added an educational component to the special project, presenting awards for perfect attendance, improved grades and other accomplishments to the students. Recently, they supported a new roof for a single mother with six children who had been living beneath a tarp since Hurricane Dorian hit the island in 2019. Though the pandemic reshaped many things, the members of the chapter continue to focus their energies on improving outcomes for local students.

Please allow me to express my deepest gratitude to these dedicated Daughters, who give so much of themselves to their community and to our National Society. They left me dumbfounded with an exceptionally generous gift to support the Next Act project for DAR Constitution Hall. With about $750,000 remaining to reach our fundraising goals, this was a kind and much-appreciated surprise.

Finally, I was curious as to any possible connection to the American Revolution that occurred in this island nation just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. I was intrigued to read about the British recapture (from the Spanish) of The Bahamas in 1783. I am ashamed to say that I never knew the story of Loyalist Andrew Deveaux, Jr., from South Carolina, who led the skirmish. Ashamed because he ultimately ended up living most of his adult life on his estate in Red Hook, New York, which is about 30 miles north of my home. His home reportedly had a fireplace with a bas relief of the fortification at Fort Nassau. Deveaux died in New York City on July 11, 1812, after falling from a balcony, striking his head and developing lockjaw. Online sources indicate he is buried in Red Hook, but I was unable to find anything definitive about his final resting place through an initial search. (More detective work for my retirement!) But, truly isn’t it amazing how much history lies hidden plain sight all around us? If you are interested, you may read more about the British recapture of The Bahamas here.