Today's DAR
I was thrilled to join with members of the DAR Application Task Force (ATF) for a week of genealogical research at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. The purpose of the trip was two-fold; the first goal was to assist numerous prospective members with the research and completion of membership applications.
Application Task Force Assists Prospective Members
The Application Task Force is composed of volunteers networked across the country whose goal is to help chapters with difficult applications and supplementals. We work on the chapter’s behalf to find solutions to problems and assist the Lineage Research Committee (LRC) and Volunteer Genealogists Committee by finding answers for difficult applications and Supplementals, including help with AIR letters.
The second purpose of the visit was to join Utah State Regent Hollie Gilliland and State Registrar Bette Bohman for the presentation of a DAR Certificate of Appreciation to Utah member Jennifer Moulder. Jennifer recently created and implemented a two-part program, “Preserving Your Patriot’s Legacy” for use in the FamilySearch Library’s online Learning Center. The video presentation helps researchers with the use of DAR’s Genealogy Research System (GRS) and includes instructions on how to complete the DAR Membership Application form. You can view Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
The week was not all work and no play! Application Task Force members connected with other DAR members and prospective members attending the annual NEHGS Genealogy Conference at the FamilySearch Library and l was able to speak with several women about their personal interests in becoming DAR members.
While there, the group was given the added opportunity to tour the famous Tabernacle at Temple Square. First, the women were given a personal demonstration of the famous pipe organ, a massive instrument comprised of five keyboards and 11,623 pipes! Principal organist Richard Elliott delighted DAR members by playing John Phillip Sousa’s “Liberty Bell March” in honor of our Revolutionary Patriots. In fact, Mr. Elliott also confided that he is directly descended from a Maryland militia man from the Revolutionary War era. Later that evening ATF members enjoyed seeing the weekly rehearsal of the Tabernacle Choir.
Task Force members ended their successful week by finding numerous new Patriot ancestor lines for prospective members, and by breaking down a few lineage brick walls, too.
