Polly Cooper Chapter Presents DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award to David Ellis

Katonah, NY — August 15, 2026 — The Polly Cooper Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) proudly presented the DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award to David Ellis at the Katonah Museum of Art.

The award was presented by Kim McCrea, Polly Cooper Chapter Historian and Historic Preservation Chair, with Rosemarie Schmidt, Honorary Polly Cooper Chapter Regent, and Kari Kjontvedt Weis, Organizing Regent, in attendance.

The DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to preserving and promoting local history. Ellis was selected in recognition of his exceptional dedication, historical knowledge, and 12 years of volunteer service as a docent at the Katonah Museum of Art.

Ellis became interested in the museum after attending his first exhibition and quickly developed a deeper appreciation for its collections and exhibitions. As a volunteer docent, he has found the most rewarding aspect of his role to be learning about each exhibition and sharing that knowledge with museum visitors.

Preparing to lead an exhibition tour can involve six to eight months of research and training. Ellis embraces that opportunity, carefully considering his audience when developing each tour. He particularly enjoys the flexibility to adapt his presentations to the interests and needs of different groups.

His tours are designed to be thoughtful and interactive. Ellis introduces an exhibition, encourages visitors to ask questions, and engages participants in conversation, creating opportunities for them to explore history and art while learning together.

A Tour of “Diplomacy at Home”

The award presentation followed a docent-led tour for members of the Polly Cooper Chapter and other members of the general public of the summer exhibition, “Diplomacy at Home: The Domestic Lives of the Founding Families.”

The exhibition explores the private worlds of America’s founders through furniture, fine art, decorative arts, and personal objects from their homes, revealing how domestic spaces shaped political life and diplomacy.

With special focus on New York figures such as John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, the exhibition also highlights the essential roles of women, including Martha Washington and Sarah Jay, in the development of the political and diplomatic culture of the newly formed United States.

“Mr. Ellis’ passion for American history and educating his tour groups is evident in his fabulous presentation!” said Kari Kjontvedt Weis, Organizing Regent of the Polly Cooper Chapter.

“Diplomacy at Home” explores the ways material culture helped define the Founding Families’ roles as architects of the nation’s early history and examines the meaning of “home” in lives shaped by public service. The exhibition aligns with the John Jay Homestead’s 250th anniversary and serves as a cornerstone of events planned by the Town of Bedford and Westchester County as part of the nationwide celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial.

The Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR, is committed to preserving American history, promoting education, honoring patriotism, and recognizing individuals whose dedication helps ensure that the nation’s rich heritage is preserved for future generations.

To learn more about DAR activities or inquire about membership, contact info@pollycooperdar.org.

As the United States celebrates its Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding—in 2026, DAR encourages Americans to discover whether they have a Revolutionary War patriot in their family and to help preserve the places, artifacts, and stories that tell the nation’s history.