Today's DAR
The North Carolina Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently pulled out all the stops to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Edenton Resolves, also known as the Edenton Tea Party—a pivotal act of defiance led by 51 courageous women that helped set the stage for the formation of the United States of America. The weekend-long celebration was packed with history, fellowship, and a deep sense of pride in our nation's roots.
The event kicked off with a delightful dinner, graced by the presence of several distinguished NSDAR Executive Officers. Among the notable guests were Mrs. Pamela Rouse Wright, President General; Virginia Grace Lingelbach, Chaplain General; Janet Chapin McFarland, Corresponding Secretary General; Sherry Lynn Edwards, Treasurer General; and Suzanne Marie Heske, Historian General. The North Carolina DAR leadership was also well-represented as they all gathered in Edenton to celebrate the Edenton Resolves with great fanfare.
Celebrating Courage: The 250th Anniversary of the Edenton Resolves
The Edenton Tea Party Chapter, led by Chapter Regent Bonnie Henn, along with SallyFrances Kehayes and Peggy Troxell, worked tirelessly to ensure the weekend was nothing short of spectacular. From historic home tours to trolley rides, attendees were treated to incredible experiences, all while catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. Meals were sumptuous, the camaraderie was warm, and the town of Edenton sparkled with pride as it welcomed DAR members from near and far.
One of the weekend's most moving moments was led by Sandra Lancaster Sperry, who spearheaded the Revolutionary War patriot grave-marking ceremony for Sarah Blount Littlejohn, a signer of the Edenton Resolves. It was a family affair, as descendants of Sarah Blount Littlejohn, including the well-known and loved Beth Skinner Taylor, attended the solemn and inspiring event. Taps was beautifully played by Katie Seibel, a member of the Costantia Chapter in Suffolk, VA, bringing a powerful close to the ceremony.
But the highlight of the celebration was undoubtedly the NSDAR America 250! Marker Dedication, honoring the 51 women of the Edenton Tea Party. Kathryn West, National Chair of the America 250! Committee, served as the master of ceremonies, and the anticipation was palpable as she and President General Pamela Rouse Wright unveiled the stunning marker. The dedication was a stirring reminder of the courage and resolve these women demonstrated on October 25, 1774, when they boldly declared:
"As we cannot be indifferent on any occasion that appears nearly to affect the peace and happiness of our country, and as it has been thought necessary, for the public good, to enter into several particular resolves by a meeting of Members deputed from the whole Province, it is a duty which we owe, not only to our near and dear connections who have concurred in them, but to ourselves who are essentially interested in their welfare, to do everything as far as lies in our power to testify our sincere adherence to the same; and we do therefore accordingly subscribe this paper, as a witness of our fixed intention and solemn determination to do so."
The weekend was not only a tribute to these fearless women but also a celebration of how far we've come, and a reminder of the ongoing importance of standing firm for what we believe in. The Edenton Tea Party, or rather the Edenton Resolves, lives on—not just in the history books but in the hearts of every DAR member who strives to honor the legacy of these trailblazers.
The 250th anniversary event was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication of so many DAR members and the support of the Edenton community. Here’s to the next 250 years of remembering, celebrating, and continuing the fight for liberty!
Acknowledgments as well as gratitude to the following:
SallyFrancis Kehayes – Edenton Tea Party Chapter
Peggy Troxell – Past Recording Secretary General, Honorary State Regent, North Carolina
Edenton Tea Party Chapter, North Carolina
North Carolina Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Office of the President General
Office of the Chaplain General
Office of the Historian General
Kathryn West, National Chair America 250 Committee
Gay Davenport, researcher with Peggy for getting the 51 recognized as DAR Patriots
Boston Tea Party Chapter, Massachusetts
Edith Rianzares, Director, Printing and Publications, NSDAR
David Myers, Director Public Works, Town of Edenton
Steve and Sheila Evans, Audio Arrangements
John A. Holmes High School – Army JROTC Color Guard
Town of Edenton
