Mississippi State Visit

My heart is full after such a special visit with the Mississippi Daughters at the 119th MSSDAR State Conference! From honoring dedicated members and future leaders to the warm fellowship shared over tea at the Governor’s Mansion, every experience was a beautiful reminder of the strength and spirit of our mission. My sincerest thanks to Mississippi State Regent Cynthia Mangum; Librarian General, Cynthia McNamara; my wonderful Pages Sadie Kate Varnes and Caitlyn Green; Sally Patterson who provided my transportation, as well as all the incredible Daughters who made this visit unforgettable — I will cherish these memories!

- Pamela Wright, President General

The first luncheon of the conference focused on the rich history of the State Society’s historic federal-period home, Rosalie Mansion and Gardens, located on the Mississippi bluff in Natchez. The luncheon was led by Rosalie Governing Board Chair Janet Looney Whittington, Honorary State Regent, Past Curator General, and past Vice President General. She recapped progress of the State Regent Project for restoring the historic brick paths leading into the house, adding handicap accessibility, and installing a Patriots brick pathway into the grounds. After lunch, the Mississippi Daughters greeted President General Pamela Rouse Wright and traveled downtown to attend the Society’s annual Daughters Memorial Service at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral. Afterwards, the daughters and guests walked across the street to the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion for a tea reception. First Lady Elee Reeves, a Mississippi Daughter, hosted the tea honoring Mrs. Wright.

Day Two began with the NSDAR Philanthropy Breakfast. MSSDAR officers for the 2025-2028 term were nominated and elected at the business sessions while visiting dignitaries toured the Mississippi Museum of the Two Mississippi Museums (Museum of MS History and MS Civil Rights Museum). The new officers were installed on Saturday by Mrs. McNamara.

During the National Defense luncheon, USAF Col. (ret) Beth Smith, chief, collective joint training at U.S. Cyber Command, enthralled attendees with a provocative discussion on cybersecurity. Student and community DAR award winners were honored at the luncheon. 

President General Pamela Wright was the Chapter Recognition Night keynote speaker. The Mississippi and visiting Oklahoma C.A.R. State Presidents brought greetings and gave thanks to DAR for our ongoing support. The sixty-six Mississippi chapters were spotlighted in a slide program assembled by State Regent-elect Amelia K. Langford and VIS State Chair Shana Fondren. The evening concluded with dessert: homemade cakes cut by outgoing Mangum Administration and incoming Langford Administration State Officers and Mrs. Wright.