WAYNE, PA — In preparation for the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026, the Jeptha Abbott Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) unveiled a DAR “America 250! Patriots Marker” on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at Old Eagle School Cemetery, Wayne, PA.
July 4, 2026, is the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. In anticipation of this, Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission to plan and orchestrate “America250″— whose goal is to lead the nation in commemorating our country’s founding. The DAR is privileged to have Lynn Forney Young, Honorary President General, serving on this prestigious commission. As part of this agreement, the DAR established its “America 250! Committee” to collaborate with our nation and state’s “America250” and “America250PA” celebrations.
In addition, the DAR “Revolutionary Patriots Marker” program honors the memory of the men and women who secured American independence through their service and sacrifice during the Revolutionary War. The DAR’s goal is to place at least one marker in every state in advance – and in celebration – of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
DAR State Regent Marguerite Fritsch and Jeptha Abbott DAR Chapter Regent Teri Fischer conducted the dedication of the America 250 Patriots Marker at Old Eagle School along with Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline and Old Eagle School President, Board of Trustees, Ashley White. In addition, Jeptha Abbott DAR First Vice Regent Amanda Quinn, Second Vice Regent Karen Franks Zetterberg, Chaplain Lisa Gresh, Treasurer and chapter America 250! Chair Heather Condello, Corresponding Secretary Michelle Bradley, Registrar Jacqui North and State America250! Chair Cynthia Pritchard participated in the ceremony. Boy Scout Troop Paoli 1 conducted a flag presentation.
“The members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution dedicate this marker in grateful recognition of the men and women who achieved American independence. May this marker help keep their stories alive,” said Mrs. Fritsch. “We especially remember all those buried in Old Eagle School Cemetery. Their vision, courage, and sacrifices are not forgotten.”
Mrs. White, who accepted the plaque on behalf of the Old Eagle School Cemetery, said, “We are thankful for our partnership with the DAR. As the steward of this historic site, it is deeply gratifying to commemorate these patriots. What is particularly special about our cemetery is that it is a cemetery reflective of inclusiveness. When the soldiers who fought in Valley Forge and other nearby locations needed to be buried, some cemeteries denied them due to strict burial criteria. But at Old Eagle School, everyone was welcome.”
“Our chapter is so excited to honor these Revolutionary Soldiers laid to rest at the Old Eagle School Burial Ground and to promote the upcoming 250th anniversary of our country,” said Mrs. Fischer. “Upon taking on this project, we found the last time our chapter had laid a marker was 90 years ago in 1932 at the Ye Olde Buck Tavern, Ardmore, PA. We won’t be waiting that long again—in 2023 we will be laying a marker with Great Valley DAR at Historic Waynesborough, Paoli, PA.”
“In looking ahead to our country’s upcoming 250th birthday, the DAR is preparing in a significant way to celebrate this noteworthy milestone anniversary,” confirmed Commissioner Kichline. “This DAR marker recognizes those who, believing in the noble cause of liberty and with everything to lose, fought courageously. With the dedication of this marker today, may all who pass this way remember those who risked everything to win for us a new nation.”
The NSDAR was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its members descend from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. DAR members are committed to volunteer service, having served more than 12.5 million hours in communities worldwide during the past three years. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit DAR.org or connect with DAR on social media at facebook.com/TodaysDAR, twitter.com/TodaysDAR, and youtube.com/TodaysDAR.
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