Today's DAR
Revolution in Their Words and Preserving Patriotism: The Declaration of Independence and Its Legacy at DAR, two special exhibitions bringing America’s founding voices into focus, opened to the public with a special preview on the evening of March 26. Guests enjoyed refreshments in the O’Bryne Gallery and opening remarks from President General Ginnie Storage and Curator General Renee Pace. First Vice President General Kathryn West, Chaplain General Mernie Crane, and Organizing Secretary General Marguerite Fritsch were also in attendance.
DAR Museum Exhibits Open, Commemorating the Nation’s 250th Anniversary
Carrie Blough, DAR curator of Revolution in Their Words, invited guests to explore the many stories represented in the new exhibit. “We see in this exhibit what these farmers and fisherman, wives and warriors, as well as enlisted and enslaved people were thinking and feeling, literally ‘in their own words.’ This is an extraordinary glimpse into the minds of some of the many Patriots who contributed to the freedom we still celebrate today, 250 years after it was hard won.”
Attendees viewed several real gems from the collection in Revolution in Their Words, such as John Hancock’s letter box, which survived after being buried on his property during the Revolution. Another crowd favorite, the colorful and amazingly well-preserved wallet that belonged to Continental Army soldier Christopher Ketley of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is displayed next to his Oath of Allegiance to the revolutionary cause. A highlight of the exhibit is the 1819 copy of the Declaration of Independence, engraved by John Binns of Philadelphia and splendidly conserved for the exhibition with support from the DAR’s America 250! Committee.
Serving as a preamble to Revolution in the Words, the complementary exhibition located in the Study Gallery, Preserving Patriotism: The Declaration of Independence and Its Legacy at DAR, was also unveiled at the opening. Museum visitors were able to take an up close and personal look at the signatures of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Hancock, prominently featured in the large cases of the Study Gallery. Utilizing the flat case files, additional signatures are arranged by the signers’ home colonies. While these signatures have been displayed in the Americana Room and online in the past, Preserving Patriotism is the first time all 56 signatures have been publicly exhibited in the museum.
These exhibits are thoughtfully timed and perfectly aligned as we approach a celebration of our nation’s legacy and the DAR’s enduring commitment to preservation. Sincere appreciation is extended to the entire museum team for their exceptional work. From the careful research and selection of artifacts, to the preparation and installation of each display, to the ongoing care and preservation of the collection, NSDAR is truly fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and dedicated team committed to presenting world-class exhibitions.
Revolution in Their Words and Preserving Patriotism will be open during the National Society’s upcoming America 250! celebration on April 18 and will remain on view until March 27, 2027. If your chapter or community groups would like to see a program on the exhibit, please contact your state chair to secure a Correspondent Docent near you. If you aren't able to make it in person, view a few featured items in our online exhibit here.
