Showing posts tagged NSDAR
Spanish Governor’s Palace ~ San Antonio
One of the things I have enjoyed since moving to San Antonio is attending gatherings of the Alamo Chapter of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution.
One recent activity involved visiting the Spanish Governor’s Palace, and having a private tour led by a guide whose family knew the Palace well from its early days.
“This National Historic Landmark represents the last visual vestiges of the Presidio San Antonio de Béjar. Traditionally known as the Spanish Governor’s Palace, it was the original Comandancia (residence and working office) for the Captains of the military garrison from 1722 until the early 1800s.”
The historic site has a Facebook page, and the Texas State Historical Association has posted a description and bibliography on the Handbook of Texas Online.
When in San Antonio, consider a visit! It has been called the most beautiful building in San Antonio, and now I know why. The lush garden behind the Palace is also a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
DAR Lay Light Restoration Campaign
The National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, of which I am a relatively new member, is in the midst of fundraising to restore the lay light of its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The lay light (pictured above), is located 46 feet above the floor of the DAR Library. It is, “a symmetrical assemblage of decorative glass frames that encompass 60’ x 60’ of the Library ceiling.”
The lay light glass panels, of which there are 25, are separated by steel beams encased in concrete with a decorative plaster treatment.
Because the lay light is now in an advanced state of deterioration, private donations are being sought to underwrite the cost of this critical rehabilitation project (approximately $1.2 million).
Click on the photograph for a helpful write-up, or follow this link to view video and slide show presentations regarding the need for funding, and the nine-month restoration process:
For Daughters of the American Revolution, a New Chapter
” … the Queens chapter is one of the first in the organization’s nearly 122-year history that was started by a black woman: Wilhelmena Rhodes Kelly, from Rosedale, who is also its regent, or president. Ms. Kelly traces her origins to the relationship between a slaveholder and a slave, who appear to have considered themselves married, and her new position is part of a remarkable journey for both her family and the organization.”
Thomas Sully, “Passage of the Delaware,” 1819 (oil on canvas), Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Click on the photograph to reach the Museum website. The painting was a “Gift of the Owners of the old Boston Museum.”
One of my ancestors, Irishman John Honeyman, helped make the crossing of the Delaware possible (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Honeyman). I joined the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution in 2010, after having formally demonstrated my relationship. I am now working with a professional genealogist to prove seven more American Revolutionary War ancestors.
Celebrating the Fourth of July 2012 ~ best wishes to all!
Daughters of the American Revolution and a 1925 Family Treasure
My aunt was kind enough to send me my grandmother’s 1925 NSDAR Continental Congress program and Floor Page sash. Included were the following instructions, and postcard images of DAR headquarters in Washington, D.C., where the annual event continues to be held (see: dar.org/natsociety/congress.cfm).
“Division - Right Floor Page
You will be off duty Thursday afternoon and evening and Saturday.
Please report on right side of Auditorium first floor directly after rehearsal today to Miss Katharine Buel, Chief Floor Page.”
The Continental Congress - now in its 121st year - is described as follows:
“The Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress is a time-honored tradition that has been held in Washington, D.C. as the annual national meeting of the DAR membership since the organization’s founding in 1890. Not to be confused with the United States ‘Congress,’ the DAR national meeting is named after the original Continental Congress which governed the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War.”
My grandmother was in her early 20s and living in New York at the time (her family was in Santa Fe, New Mexico). She was studying at the Art Students’ League. I wrote a brief Tumblr on her earlier this year: carolynmappleton.tumblr.com/post/20673592241/carolyn-ten-eyck-appleton-yes-this-is-my.
In 2012, I enjoyed watching portions of the Continental Congress from the comfort of my home office on my laptop. What a delight to have the NSDAR make use of new technologies!
