Alabama State Visit

It was wonderful to gather with the Alabama Daughters for a few days in beautiful Montevallo. I enjoyed visiting with both old and new friends hearing about their incredible chapter projects. During my visit, we explored American Village and dedicated six benches in celebration of America 250!  The Village is an educational site for visitors both young and old! Heartfelt thanks to Alabama State Regent Malinda Williams for her gracious southern hospitality and transportation and my Pages Christina Eldridge and Shelby Coates for their assistance.  

- Pamela Wright, President General

That afternoon, workshops allowed participants to learn more about DAR’s committees. Almost 150 Daughters learned about all that NSDAR is doing on the Road to 250! in a workshop led by Kathryn West, National Chair of the America 250! Committee. In addition, Val Crofts, American Village’s Chief Education Officer, gave special guided tours where Daughters could see a talking Liberty Tree, as well as an incredible movie produced by American Village Citizenship Trust about events leading up to the American Revolution. During the social time before dinner, members had time to visit, learn more about committee initiatives, and visit the pop-up DAR Insignia Store, as well as the President General’s Project and the new State Regent’s Project tables. During our Patriotic Picnic, local favorites, including Alabama white BBQ sauce, were featured, and we were thrilled to have Patrick Henry join us during dinner! 

The Alabama Society then recognized its members who had recently completed NSDAR leadership training courses.  Awards were also presented to those who significantly contributed to the organization through leadership roles, volunteer work, or promoting the DAR’s goals within their communities. 

American Village Citizenship Trust’s Chief Executive Officer Alan Miller and Chief Education Officer Val Crofts, who also serves on the America 250th U.S. Semiquicentennial Commission, were both presented with the NSDAR America 250! commendation medal and certificate for “Extraordinary Effort in Raising Awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250th Anniversary.” American Village provides a window into the early history of our country for Alabama’s children and thousands of guests every year.