Ketewamoke Chapter, NSDAR Celebrates National Day of Service

October 11th marked the 129th anniversary of the founding of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, a lineage-based service organization for women who descend from a patriot who supported the American cause for Independence during the Revolutionary War. Built upon a long legacy of service to America, today’s DAR is comprised of vibrant, energetic women who work to support the three tenants of their organization; historic preservation, education and patriotism. To honor this milestone each year, members from across the country come together to show their continued dedication to service by participating in the National DAR Day of Service.

Local chapters participate in meaningful community service projects in honor of the anniversary and the patriots that they descend from. Ketewamoke Chapter in Huntington spent their Day of Service restoring gravestones in the historic Old Burying Ground in Huntington. The cemetery, once the site of the Revolutionary War-era fort, known as Fort Golgotha, is located directly across the street from their chapter house. The chapter, founded in 1907, has been intimately involved with this cemetery since it was organized - there are both former chapter members as well as Revolutionary War patriots buried there.

With permission from Huntington Town Historian, Robert Hughes, DAR members, trained in proper conservation techniques, gently removed the mold, mildew and lichen that obscured the inscriptions on these ancient stones. Cleaning these stones not only improves their readability, it also helps prevent the damage that biological growth can cause over time. Chapter members enjoyed helping to preserve the important history of the area by caring for these extraordinary historic graves.

This special anniversary also marks another milestone for the Daughters of the American Revolution, who are celebrating their one millionth member, a New Yorker whose membership was approved this month.

Ketewamoke Chapter welcomes anyone who is interested in learning more about membership or their service projects to visit their website at HuntingtonDAR.org or e-mail regent, Sarah O’Connor at seashley02@gmail.com.