Iowa State Visit
Sarah Steinke, Iowa State Regent

I had a wonderful time in Des Moines with the Iowa Daughters for their 126th Iowa State Conference. These ladies are shining stars sharing their talents with their communities across the state, I enjoyed hearing about all their important work. A heartfelt thank you to State Regent Sarah Steinke for her warm hospitality, to my Page Michelle Ankrum for her gracious assistance, and to Honorary State Regent Cindi Carter for ensuring seamless transportation.

-Pamela Wright, President General

The 126th Iowa State Conference was held April 3–5, 2025, in Des Moines, bringing together more than 175 enthusiastic Iowa Daughters. Members warmly welcomed President General Pamela Rouse Wright back to Iowa. 

Our state theme, “Be A Shining Star,” serves as a meaningful reminder of the unique light each of us carries and the importance of using our talents to brighten the way for others.

The conference began Thursday evening with time to socialize and reconnect. Members of the State Officers Club were treated to a delightful and informative presentation about artist Grant Wood, his painting Daughters of Revolution, the inspiration behind this well-known piece and his connections to the American Revolution. The presentation sparked laughter, especially with the charming, googly-eyed brooches of the painting given as keepsakes. Afterwards, members visited the hospitality room to sign a star on the Walk of Fame. 

Business sessions throughout the weekend were filled with impactful reports from State Officers, State Chairmen, and Chapter Regents highlighting the remarkable work being done in support of our mission.  One member shared her incredible talents with a stunning recreation of the Iowa Room at Memorial Continental Hall. 

During the Memorial Service we honored the lives and legacies of 46 beloved Daughters who passed away this year, including Honorary State Regent Barbara Halpin and past State Officer Judy McNamara. Their dedication to service and love for DAR will not be forgotten.

We were privileged to hear President General Wright’s inspiring message, “Celebrating DAR Service and Friendship,” which resonated deeply with members. One special moment was when attendees had the opportunity to hold the President General’s insignia—an experience that made many feel connected to both the history and future of our organization in a tangible, personal way.

Before her departure, Mrs. Wright was presented with two heartfelt gifts: a handmade, original-design lap quilt crafted by Collette Travis of the Ladies of the Lake Chapter, and a commemorative challenge coin honoring the commissioning of the USS Iowa. These tokens reflected Iowa DAR’s strong appreciation for her leadership.

Saturday morning began with a special event: a livestream of the commissioning ceremony of the USS Iowa in Groton, Connecticut. Iowa Daughters beamed with pride as we watched the ceremony, knowing our continued support of the ship’s single sailors through our Project Patriot committee makes a meaningful impact. 

Throughout the weekend, we presented the Hannah White Arnett Medal and recognized the DAR Good Citizens, ISDAR Scholarship Recipients, American History Essay Contest Winners, Outstanding Teacher of American History, the North Central Division DAR Service to Veterans Outstanding Veteran Volunteer, and Junior American Citizens contests. Each award presented was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and shared values that bind us as Daughters.

This year’s Iowa State Conference was a beautiful celebration of service, sisterhood, and shining brightly together. We left Des Moines feeling inspired, connected, and ready to continue lighting the path forward for our communities and country as we Celebrate Stars and Stripes Forever.

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