The Daughters of the American Revolution is looking for new members

The leader of a women’s group rooted in American history believes February - American History Month - is a good time to educate the public about what her organization is all about.

“People don’t really think much about what we stand for,” said Swe-kat-si Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter Regent Sally W. Hartman. “The new DAR is increasingly interested in our themes of preserving the past, enhancing the present, and investing in the future.”

The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered at 1776 D Street, Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism and educating young people about the past. Composed of nearly 30 members and including women from all over the Eastern seaboard,

The Swe-kat-si chapter was chartered in 1896.

The chapter recently met at the Ogdensburg home of Vice Regent Lila Ferris to review organization business and to continue preparing for upcoming events.

“Each month we receive a message from our president general, Ms. Merry Ann T. Wright, from Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.,” Mrs. Hartman said. “She challenges our chapter to help make American history alive for our communities. Our chapter is doing just that.”

Two upcoming events, Mrs. Hartman said, may provide opportunities for new or interested members.

“In May, when the Fort La Presentation Committee sponsors ‘Living History Day,’ we will be there,” she said. “We will share the story behind the Piquet Monument on the fort grounds to the students of three schools who are participating.”

The Swe-kat-si chapter, Mrs. Hartman said, was responsible for the monument’s original placement on Lighthouse Point in 1899.

The organization is also working on a project in September called “1812-2012: Russell Arsenal Heritage Weekend.”

“This is the bicentennial of the War of 1812, and Russell had the only arsenal in St. Lawrence County,” Mrs. Hartman said. “This war signaled the beginning of modern America, the importance of a Navy, and we began our manifest destiny marking our country as an emerging nation.”

Mrs. Hartman’s parents, the late Earl S. and Helen D. White, actually purchased the old Russell Arsenal, built in 1809 on land donated by the township’s founding father, Russell Attwater, in 1956.

“I lived and grew up there, so there’s that kind of a connection,” she said.

Grounded in community, the Sept. 21 to 23 weekend will feature a Forsyth’s Rifles encampment at the Attwater farm, 3600 County Route 24, Russell, complete with period-era clothing and unique demonstrations and exhibits. On Sept. 22, the Russell Volunteer Fire Department hosts “Dinner with the Troops,” followed by a fashion show and English dance demonstrations with George Cherepon, Star Lake, at the Russell Opera House. Music and historical information will also be part of the evening. A “Breakfast with the Civilians,” is slated for the morning of Sept. 23 in the community room at the library and museum, with period displays and information available at both places all weekend.

“On Sunday, after breakfast, there will be a ceremonial wreath laying at the Russell Cemetery in honor of War of 1812 veterans,” Mrs. Hartman said.

For more information about the DAR or either of the educational initiatives for 2012, contact Mrs. Hartman at 344-8882 or kyle57@twcny.rr.com. The Daughters of the American Revolution website can be found at www.dar.org.

“Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible,” Mrs. Hartman said.