KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — In what was a gathering of history enthusiasts, patriots and community service champions, the Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (PSSDAR) held their 127th state conference from April 25th-27th at the Alloy Hotel in King of Prussia. Over 400 members and invitees congregated at the summit which was loaded with workshops, committee meetings, and award ceremonies.
Pennsylvania State Regent Marguerite Fritsch led the conference with a theme, “Love of Service to God, Home, and Country”, that was heartily echoed by every participant. Fritsch’s chosen symbol of the Daisy, a universal emblem of love and hope, further underlined the core message of the conference. There was also a spotlight on Fritsch’s ongoing state project: the restoration and preservation of the historic Old Swedes Cemetery in Chester, the resting place of over 700 individuals, including a signer of the Declaration of Independence and 11 Revolutionary War veterans.
The conference was a platform for acknowledging accomplishments, maintaining the DAR’s mission of promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and boosting education for children. Jeptha Abbott Chapter’s young member, Michelle Bradley, was honored with the PSSDAR State Outstanding Junior Award.
Memorable events included the Veterans Luncheon, American Indians Breakfast, Juniors Luncheon and a grand banquet that featured a performance by the Avalon String Band. Through these events, PSSDAR reiterated their commitment to various societal and cultural issues and groups.
The American Indians Breakfast was a testament to DAR’s dedication to the American Indian community. Their contribution in the form of three different scholarships aimed at aiding Native American students’ educational endeavors was appreciated by all attendees.
The DAR Project Patriot Luncheon was another highlight. This event coincided with the “Month of the Military Child”. It supported the “Rucksacks to Backpacks” initiative, a USO project that supplies school items to the children of veterans. DAR members donated 600 backpacks crammed with school supplies, further asserting their allegiance to military families.
The Juniors Luncheon was a platform to celebrate the achievements of the society’s younger members, who play a pivotal role in the operation and success of the PSSDAR. Over 500 members aged between 18 and 35 are integral to the society’s accomplishments.
The conference concluded on a high note with a State Banquet featuring the Avalon String Band. Teri Fischer, the 2024 Conference Chair, along with Susan Gillette Meer, the General Chair, presided over the finale.
The PSSDAR is a vibrant and varied community of women dedicated to serving their communities. Their membership, more than 6,400 strong, spans across 94 chapters in six districts. Any woman aged above 18 years who can substantiate her lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, can join this prestigious society.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s organization whose members have lineages tracing back to the Revolutionary War. Since its inception in 1890, the DAR has grown to include over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters globally, contributing millions of volunteer service hours to their local communities. They also actively participate in projects promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. For more information or to join, go to www.dar.org.
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