Introducing Our Executive Officers: Librarian General

I want to share my DAR story with you. I have always loved history, starting at a young age. In 1967, when I was in the sixth grade, I entered the DAR American History Essay Contest. My essay was written on “George Washington in the Revolutionary War.” I remember it like it was yesterday. I was so thrilled to have won! My award was a certificate, medal and delicious luncheon with the ladies of the Captain Stephen Ashby Chapter, Madisonville, Kentucky. I remember reading my essay and meeting the ladies, many of whom knew my family. When you live in a town of 6,000, you have a real sense of belonging. After the luncheon, when I talked later with my mother, I told her when I grow up, I want to be in the DAR! She told me you are too young now, but remind me in a few years. Unfortunately, we did not have C.A.R. in our area, so I waited. In 1978, I was living in Mississippi and I called my mother and told her I wanted to join DAR. She replied “Great! We will hire a genealogist.” So, my papers came together and I joined the Horseshoe Robertson Chapter, in Mississippi. Coincidentally, Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee, the first Librarian General, was a member of that chapter. One of my ancestors is Captain Stephen Ashby, yes, the patriot that is the Kentucky Chapter’s namesake. That day in 1967, I was surrounded by “kinfolks” and didn’t even know it! I still have the medal and wear it proudly! It was my introduction to DAR. 

Daughters will continue to Illuminate Our Legacy by supporting the DAR Library and maintaining the DAR Library’s high standard of excellence. I look forward to your visit to the world-renowned DAR Library.