Virginia State Visit
Laurie Nesbitt, Virginia State Regent

My visit with the Virginia Daughters was filled with warmth, sparkle, boundless spirit and patriotism, which made every moment an absolute delight! Having the 129th Virginia State Conference gathering hosting in historic Williamsburg, so rich with American Revolution history, made it even more special. Gratitude to Virginia State Regent, Laurie Nesbitt, my Page, Mackie Storage, and to Pam Meiring for providing wonderful transportation. Every moment of this visit radiated with friendship, joy, and the true heart of DAR.

- Pamela Wright, President General 

The 129th State Conference of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution took place on March 20-23, 2025 in Williamsburg

The 129th State Conference of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution took place on March 20-23, 2025 in Williamsburg. A variety of workshops, luncheons, tours, and shopping opportunities scheduled around official conference events attracted more than 650 attendees to this historic city.

Workshops covered New Member Orientation, Introduction to Genealogy, Project/Event Planning, and Building Dynamic Chapters. Individual research support was also available. Other activities included a walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg in the daytime and a Ghost Walking Tour in the evening.

The State Regent’s Project Luncheon on Friday

Our “Bling Brigade” fundraiser premiered, located next to the Insignia Pop-Up Shop. For a nominal fee, Pages organized new and already-loved pins on members’ ribbons in the correct order. Proceeds – almost $2,200 -- benefitted the newly created Page Fund, which helps offset the costs of attending State Conference for our hard-working pages.

The State Regent’s Project Luncheon on Friday opened with a Missing Man Table Ceremony, performed by Navy veteran and DAR Service for Veterans State Co-Chair Donna Sayre. State Regent Laurie Nesbitt updated the attendees on her state project, Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, a Virginia-based non-profit that provides custom-trained mental health and mobility service dogs to disabled American veterans, free of charge. Semper K9 primarily uses rescue dogs who are then trained for a specific veteran’s needs. A dog that doesn’t pass the final evaluation is retrained as companion or facility dog; it is never returned to a shelter.

Friday’s Opening Night Banquet featured Martha Washington, portrayed by Katherine Pittman of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Nation Builders

Friday’s Opening Night Banquet featured Martha Washington, portrayed by Katherine Pittman of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Nation Builders. She provided new and entertaining glimpses into the life of this remarkable woman. Also with us were three visiting state regents: Rebecca Kline of Kansas, Linda Conrad of Kentucky, and Emily Robinson of Tennessee. Four C.A.R. debutantes were presented to the State Regent. Army veteran and Fort Lewis Chapter Daughter Seyward McKinney received the Outstanding DAR Service for Veterans Award, along with her service dog, Knight, who is beloved by all. Courtney Dozier received the State Outstanding Junior Member Award, with Stephanie Hamoodi named the State Outstanding Junior Runner-Up.

Almost 100 awards were presented at Saturday’s State Awards Luncheon, hosted by State Vice Regent Jennifer Inskeep. The State Outstanding Teacher of American History and the DAR Good Citizen Award winner were presented, and the DAR Leadership Training Course graduates were recognized as a group.

Saturday evening’s processional to the Banquet Honoring Chapter Regents was accompanied by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums

Saturday evening’s processional to the Banquet Honoring Chapter Regents was accompanied by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, a gift to State Conference attendees from the Williamsburg Chapter to celebrate its 100th anniversary in April. President General Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright was presented by First Vice President General and Virginia Honorary State Regent Ginnie Storage, and after our fourth visiting state regent, Marguerite Fritsch of Pennsylvania, brought greetings, Mrs. Wright gave an inspiring and entertaining keynote address on “Celebrating DAR Service and Friendship.”

Sunday morning’s Celebration Breakfast honored the work of our District Directors and included the results of our State Officer elections. Virginia DAR looks forward to a bright future!

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