Welcome to the Storage Administration! I am so honored to be your President General. Below I have shared my remarks from yesterday’s Installation Ceremony at our 134th Continental Congress. I look forward to Illuminating Our Legacy together these next three years!
- Ginnie Sebastian Storage, President General
It is with heartfelt gratitude and a spirit of determination that I thank you for electing me to serve as the 47th President General of our esteemed National Society. On behalf of your newly elected officers, I want to express our thanks for the trust you have placed in us in leading the organization for the next three years. I also want to express my deepest appreciation to those who have come before us, the good women who have tirelessly worked to build the foundation upon which we now stand. Their dedication and unwavering spirit have inspired generations, and it is our responsibility to carry that torch forward. Let us honor their legacy by continuing to fulfill the mission of our Society by promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.
To each of you—thank you. Thank you for your trust, your confidence, and your steadfast commitment to the ideals and mission of our beloved Society. I am inspired by your passion, your service, and your unwavering dedication to the principles upon which our nation—and this Society—were founded. Your Executive Officers and I accept this charge, with a spirit of gratitude, hearts full of hope, and a vision for the future that is illuminated by the light of our remarkable legacy.
Heartfelt thanks to Honorary President General Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright and the Wright Executives who have so graciously assisted and supported this transition. Their sage advice and clear guidance have been invaluable. During the past three years, this incredible team’s accomplishments have been extensive, and the National Society is better because of their dedication, determination and hard work. We thank each one of you for your commitment and friendship.
And now, once again, I would like to introduce your newly elected Executive Officers. I consider it a great privilege to serve with these good women for the next three years.
It is a great pleasure to introduce some very special people who are here with me today. My husband Mark, truly the very best HODAR and my partner in life is seated in the President General’s box and my daughter, Mackie is on the platform with me as one of my personal pages. Please thank them both for their unwavering support which allows me to assume these responsibilities.
Also seated in the President General’s box is my childhood friend Karen Pitts and her husband Robbie, God Sisters—Jenee Pins and Chalee Ricciardi, dear friend Cindy Steinbach, my first cousin Betty Brooks and her daughter Allison. Allison is a new Regent of the Wabash Chapter in Carmini, Illinois. Please welcome them.
My heartfelt appreciation goes out to Beth Stenstrom, Regent of my Washington-Lewis Chapter and the ladies that came from Fredericksburg today to support me. You may recognize them by their choice of color. Also, to all the Virginia Daughters, Kathy Rugh, State Regent. I love you dearly. Would you all please rise?
The Storage Executive officers and I wish to thank our amazing campaign team led by Chairs Cindy Steinbach and Susan Gaze and Vice Chair Kristi Kocher. With them in the reserved section are Holly Lynne McKinley Schmidt, Kate Johanns, and other team members and if you were a state campaign manager or worked in the beautiful Cherry Blossom Promenade, please rise. Your kindness in purchasing items this week resulted in more than $477,696 being raised for the future President General’s Project.
I am also pleased to introduce the guests of our Executive Officers.They are seated in the reserved section in various state boxes. Would you please rise and be welcomed?
Pending approval from the new Executive Committee, Beverly Przybylski, PRP of Oregon will serve as our National Parliamentarian. Please welcome her.
Our procession today was led by a wonderful group of Pages. Please thank them for their assistance with the installation ceremony.
So now, it is a joy to introduce the plans for our administration. A webinar with complete details will debut on the members only website shortly after the July 4th holiday.
Our administration’s theme, "Illuminate Our Legacy," is a call to action. It is a beacon that guides us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future of our Society and our nation.
We gather at a pivotal moment in American history. In just a short time, our nation will commemorate its 250th anniversary. This milestone is not merely a date to be marked, but a legacy to be illuminated—a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and vision. As Daughters of the American Revolution, we are the torchbearers of that legacy. We are the stewards of the values and ideals for which our Patriot ancestors fought and sacrificed. We are the living embodiment of the dreams of our Founders—both the men and women who achieved our nation’s independence, and the four visionary women who, in 1890, established this National Society.
The Legacy pin, inspired by the original Victorian bronze door plates in Memorial Continental Hall, is rich with meaning. Some of us may have passed by these doors hundreds of time without noticing , but of you look closely, you will see a laurel wreath and inverted torch. These are not just decorative, they are symbols of victory and immortality and remind us that while our Founders selected funerary symbolism to honor the Patriots of the American Revolution, they installed these door pulls upside down representing lives lost but not forgotten. The Storage Administration now turns the torch upright, reflecting not only the sacrifices of the past, but also the promise of the future. Memorial Continental Hall was envisioned by our early members as a monument to those Patriots and it still remains the only monument of its kind in Washington, DC.
The four pink gems on each side of the laurel wreath honor the vision of our four Founders—each gem a testament to the enduring strength and unity in our mission that has guided our Society through generations.
And, as we gather in our founding city of Washington, D.C., let us call to mind the Japanese Cherry Blossoms, our second pin, which has been one of the symbols of our nation’s capital since 1912. During this administration, we will make a enduring gift to the Nation, ensuring that the legacy of the cherry blossom—and the legacy of our National Society—continues to inspire generations to come. I encourage each of you to wear the cherry blossom pin with pride, knowing that together, we are making a lasting contribution to our nation’s story.
Two scripture passages have been selected for this administration. The first, 1 Peter 4:10, encourages us to do good as a reflection of our faith and character. And Proverbs 31:10 highlights the exceptional value and character of a virtuous woman. Her worth transcends material possessions, indicating that true value is found in qualities like wisdom, kindness, and integrity. In my heart of hearts, I truly believe DAR is made up of good women who continuously shine their light.
Our mission—historic preservation, education, and patriotism—is as vital today as it was in 1890. As we look to the future, we must recommit ourselves to these ideals, ensuring that our work remains relevant, impactful, and inclusive. We hope to do that through the administration’s six goals.
Storage Administration Goals:
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we do so with intention and purpose. As we plan to celebrate, I encourage chapters and states to look for ways to commemorate this important occasion. Through our commitment to historic preservation, education, patriotism, and service, we have left an indelible mark on our nation's history. As we celebrate our achievements, let us also recognize the importance of our ongoing work in preserving our past, educating our future, and illuminating a sense of patriotism that will carry our nation forward toward the 250th anniversary of its founding. The National Society has plans to celebrate in a grand fashion!
Our Society is strengthened by the diversity and distinct qualities of each member. We recognize our shared experiences and our unique perspectives. In this administration, we will foster a membership community that is welcoming, accepting, and supportive of all those eligible to join our ranks.
We know that our strength lies in our unity, but also in our ability to embrace and celebrate our differences. Each Daughter brings her own story, her own talents, and her own passion to our mission. Together, we are stronger. Our second goal reflects this commitment.
To ensure the vitality and longevity of our Society, we must continue to grow. During this administration, we will increase membership by enhancing meaningful experiences for both new and existing members, and by pursuing the reinstatement of former members.
We will also discover more opportunities for establishing lines for eligible Patriots previously difficult to prove. Our new committee, "250 for the 250th" will work tirelessly to prove difficult lines, from the ancestor forward, for female Patriots, Patriots of color, and Indigenous Patriots. In doing so, we honor the full tapestry of our nation’s history and ensure that every eligible descendant has the opportunity to join our ranks. And I am most pleased to announce that this committee has established the first of these patriot lines.
Our chapters are the heart of our Society. They are where our mission comes to life—where historic preservation, education, and patriotism are not just words, but actions. During this administration, we will support our chapters in enriching their communities through service projects and outreach that promote our mission and values.
Let us continue to be a force for good in our communities, reaching out to those in need, preserving our shared history, and inspiring the next generation of Americans.
None of this would be possible without the commitment, dedication, and expertise of our National Society headquarters team. Their tireless work behind the scenes ensures the success of our programs, the preservation of our records, and the smooth operation of our Society. The Executive Officers and I extend our deepest gratitude to each member of our team and pledge to support and recognize their invaluable contributions. We ask that all of you join us in doing the same.
Finally, we must be diligent stewards of the assets entrusted to us. We will continue to ensure careful management of our National Society’s resources and promote continued operational success. In doing so, we honor the trust placed in us by those who came before and ensure a strong foundation for those who will follow.
The National Board of Management will be asked to approve the President General’s Project, and you will be asked to ratify their approval at the 135th Continental Congress. Contributions made to this project will be used to continue to restore the heart of Memorial Continental Hall, our grand library. We will also invest in technology that will allow us to leverage our genealogical records for future generations. As we are on the cusp of 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, we will support activities to promote this important milestone. Finally, as I said before, we will make a lasting contribution as the presenting sponsor, the ONLY Legacy Leader of $2 million to the Trust for the National Mall’s campaign for the Cherry Tree endowment. This will ensure the cherry blossoms-- the iconic emblems of our capital city—endure for years to come. A true gift to our nation!
As you can see, this is an ambitious proposition, but I know the good women of the DAR are well prepared for this important undertaking. Your participation in the President General’s project, Our Legacy in Bloom, is most appreciated.
Leading up to today, some of the most frequently asked questions centered around the pins—specifically related to the Schools, Juniors, and Units Overseas. Well now I can answer those questions!
But first, this gives me the opportunity to introduce our newest commission. The Education Commission will facilitate communication and coordination among the National Society’s education-related committees, American History, Community Classroom, DAR Schools, Junior American Citizens, and Literacy Promotion. They have chosen the theme “Light the Path of Success” which is reflected in their torch pin which replaces the DAR Schools pin and all education related committees will be promoting this pin.
During this administration Juniors will be “Blossoming in Service”. This theme is reflected in their beautiful Victorian pin with three jeweled blossoms. Juniors are dear to my heart as they are the future of our organization. Some of my fondest memories I have because I joined DAR as a Junior. One of my dearest friends I have because we washed dishes together at an OJ Club dinner. I hope each of you takes the opportunity to mentor young women in our Society. I am most grateful to the mentors I have had in DAR— specifically Marie Hirst Yochim, Linda Tinker Watkins, Susan Gonchar, Ann Hunter and Pat Hatfield.
And the Units Overseas Committee will be “Blooming Across Borders—Expanding Our Legacy” as they promote our 18 chapters outside of the United States and share the National Society’s mission. Their pin reflects DAR members all over the world united with three blossoms representing our shared vision of historic preservation, education and patriotism. Please continue to support these chapters through Associate membership.
So, this leads to another frequently asked question which I can now answer! I am thrilled to announce our next adventure abroad. And coincidentally, we will actually be visiting our newest Units Overseas chapter in…. Ireland. Mark your calendars for November 6-13, 2026, as we set off on our Legacy of Liberty: Exploring the Emerald Isle tour!
One of my Patriot ancestors, Lilly McIlhaney Bowen was born in Ireland and immigrated to America in the early 1700s. She was representative of many Irish immigrants that took up the cause for independence. The land of the free, home of the brave and the Emerald Isle are inextricably linked forever more and part of that is due to Ireland’s role in the United States fight for Independence during the American Revolution.
We will visit the home of our Irish Patriots’ birth and pay tribute to their contributions to our freedom. I hope you will join us!
And now as we begin a new administration and embark on this journey together, let us remember that we are not only the heirs of a proud legacy—we are its architects. The legacy we leave will be shaped by our actions, our choices, and our commitment to the ideals that have guided our National Society for more than a century.
Let us illuminate our legacy—not only by honoring the past, but by shining a light on the path ahead. Let us be bold in our vision, steadfast in our purpose, and united in our resolve.
Let us honor the Patriots who secured our independence, celebrate the vision of our Founders, and commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation with pride and purpose.
Let us reflect on the legacy we want to leave—for our National Society, for our communities, and for our nation.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What lies behind you and in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” I believe that our greatest strength lies in our collective spirit. I urge each of you to embrace every opportunity to make a difference, welcome, accept and support all those eligible to join, and to contribute your talents and energy to our shared mission. Let us work together to build an even stronger National Society for the future, one good woman at a time.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to this important work. Together, we can Illuminate Our Legacy…, together, we can achieve the extraordinary.
Today's DAR
