Today's DAR
On August 19, 2023, the DAR returned to the City of Detroit with the organizing meeting of The Detroit Chapter, held at the historic Detroit Yacht Club, founded in 1868. Following the banging of their new gavel and the opening ritual, Organizing Regent, Elizabeth Findeis, welcomed everyone, including Michigan State Regent, Kelly VanWormer and members of her Board, myself, Mickey McGuire, President of the Michigan Society, Sons of the American Revolution, and the organizing members of the chapter. The first order of business was the installation of the chapter officers by State Regent Kelly VanWormer: Regent, Elizabeth Findeis, Vice Regent, Leigh Anne Tiffany, Chaplain, Grace Bliss Smith, Ph.D., Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Ann Hertel, Organizing Secretary, Karen Batchelor, J.D., Treasurer, Emma Marie Huber, and Registrar, Marie Ann Waurzyniak Zawol. The chapter bylaws were presented and adopted by those present, including those attending by Zoom. Following a delicious lunch, remarks were given by myself and by Mickey McGuire.
A Huge Day for Detroit, Michigan
Elizabeth Findeis gave exciting remarks on the City of Detroit and the plans of the new chapter. Some of her remarks follow: “…I would like to thank Antione de la Mothe Cadillac and Alphonse Tonty, when they came to the north bank of the Detroit River to start Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit (put a French accent on it) …
…The Detroit Chapter’s goals are to weave magic into the racially diverse quilt that we all live in. We want to show how historic preservation projects are happening within and around the city to bring these historically significant homes and buildings into the 21st century while being sensitive to modern needs. We also will be working with city based genealogical societies to help residents explore their genealogical identity and appreciate where their journey takes them regardless of whether or not they can become a DAR or SAR member... So when you see a shirt or a sticker that says “Detroit hustles harder” that because it does, and The Detroit Chapter will be hustling harder too while appreciating the DIA, the Burton historical collection housed at the main branch of the Detroit Library, the numerous community service leaders, the students and their schools, the vast amounts of historic preservation projects, the Veteran’s and current servicemen and women’s projects happening at the John Dingell VA hospital or the soon to be built Fisher House based in Detroit, and welcoming naturalized citizens to this country, because it is literally ALL in our backyard and chapter catchment.
So, remember, say nice things about Detroit, and the Detroit Chapter because we will hustle harder, to keep moving and grooving into the adventure that lays before us.”
With the excitement that filled the room, there is no doubt that we will see great things from these members. WELCOME to The Detroit Chapter!
The Detroit Chapter Mission:
To illuminate the rich tapestry of underrepresented history in our community by discovering and expanding on stories of families and their connection to ancestors from pivotal moments, such as the American Revolution. Through our efforts, we aim to bridge the past and present to foster a deeper understanding of our shared American heritage. In all that we do, we strive to instill the values of Patriotism, Education and Historical Preservation, as embraced by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Ultimately, we seek to spark curiosity, enthusiasm, and pride in the sharing of our collective history from one generation to the next.
