Kentucky State Visit
Linda Conrad, Kentucky State Regent

The Kentucky State Conference was a weekend was filled with lovely weather, thoughtful discussions, engaging workshops, and the sparkle of sisterhood. From honoring outstanding members to celebrating your contributions to education and historic preservation, the conference truly reflected the deep impact of the Kentucky Daughters. It was a privilege to share this time with you, connecting, learning, and celebrating together. A heartfelt thank you to State Regent Linda Conrad for her warm hospitality, to Page Shelby Goodlad Coates for her gracious assistance, and to Leslie Miller for ensuring seamless transportation. 

-Pamela Wright, President General

The 128th State Conference of the Kentucky Daughters of the American Revolution was held March 27-30, 2025, in Lexington. Between business sessions, members enjoyed workshops, visiting the Insignia Pop-Up Shop, shopping, and catching up with friends across the state.

During the Friday morning business session, State Regent Linda Conrad updated members on the latest results of the funds raised for the state project. Over $75,000 has been raised to date for historic markers on the Lafayette Trail, for the Dyslexic Reading program at Hindman Settlement School, and for KSDAR’s state headquarters, the Duncan Tavern Historic Center. During the business meeting, our four visiting state regents, Cheryl Gott of Louisiana, Jane Larke of West Virginia, Laurie Nesbitt of Virginia, and Emily Robinson, visited Keeneland Racetrack, where they enjoyed breakfast and a tour.

Sandra Pollack, the NSDAR Director of Development, spoke during the Regents’ luncheon. The State Outstanding Volunteer Genealogist and the State VIS Chair were also recognized during the program.

Debbie Duay, NSDAR Vice President General class of 2027 and a Florida DAR Honorary State Regent, conducted two outstanding workshops on Friday afternoon: How to Find A Provable Patriot in 90 Minutes or Less and Documenting Lineages Before the 1850 Census. The attendees enjoyed adding the app from Family Tree, Relatives Around Us. This resulted in many finding new relationships with others in the room, including Ms. Duay.

During the Opening Night Banquet Friday evening, our speaker, Joseph Montgomery, Founder and CEO of Patriot’s Landing, was presented with the Spirit of Kentucky Award for Patriotism. Patriots Landing supports veterans by providing woodworking machinery and tools for vets to work, making various patriotic items such as burial flag cases, wooden flags, and crosses. The burial flag cases are available for purchase at Arlington Cemetery. Awards were presented to Jane Whitehead, Roy Bell, Joe Marshall, and Ryan Irving for their outstanding community service. Kevin Conforti was named the State Outstanding American History Teacher. DAR member Gail Wright and youth volunteer Jake Montgomery were recognized for their service to veterans. Graduates of the Leadership Training Courses were presented with certificates and graduation cords.

Saturday morning began with the Junior Club Coffee. During the business meeting, visiting state regents traveled to Paris, KY, where they enjoyed refreshments and toured our historic property, Duncan Tavern.

The KSDAR Member’s Luncheon on Saturday presented Tom Bickel, Kentucky Education Television Producer, the Kentucky Media Special Recognition Award.

Multiple elementary and high school students received awards for during the Youth Awards Program conducted by Kelley Beverley, Junior American Citizen State Chairman. Several of these awardees were also notified that they were also National winners.

The keynote speaker for the 128th Conference Banquet was Pamela Wright, President General. She gave an outstanding and informative presentation. The Debutante Presentation followed with five young ladies being presented to the President General for service to NSDAR. Mrs. Wright presented certificates to chapters that had 100% participation in the President General’s project. Dayna Ferguson was named Kentucky’s Outstanding Junior. Our four visiting state regents brought greetings to the assembly.

During the Service of Worship and Remembrance, eighty-one members were remembered. Following the Memorial Service a brief business meeting followed where the newly elected officers were installed.

The success of the 128th State Conference was made possible by the dedication and effort of all members who “Led the Way, Casting Their Light” on service for God, Home, and Country.

send-a-commentSend Us a comment

State Visits

Connect with DAR

Stay Up-to-Date

Subscribe to the blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Search, Subscribe, & Send us a comment

Genealogical Research System (GRS) logoDAR on FacebookDAR on XDAR on YouTubeEmail DAR blog feedback

Get Involved

 

Historic Preservation,
Education, Patriotism

Through restoring historic properties, funding scholarships and supporting our troops, DAR makes a difference in local communities.