Erasmus Perry Chapter, NSDAR

Chapter Meeting & Event Highlights

Regent's Summer Message, 2021

Last year marked the 90th Anniversary of the founding of our chapter. Although the celebration was subdued, it was still an important milestone in our history. We worked hard to keep in touch and meet when could, socially but not emotionally distant. We accomplished so much. We made and donated more than 2,000 masks; we raised money and created moon bags for the Kwek Society; we met Reisha Raney, heard her DAR story and Daughter Dialogues; learned  about DAR schools; and although there may have been a few hiccups we pursued. It is a testament to the dedication of our members that we are still going strong in 2021.

The Summer 2021 edition of "Shared History," the Erasmus Perry Newsletter, is here! Thanks to the editor and the contributors!

February 2021 Meeting - Reisha Raney

In February we were treated to a virtual presentation by DAR member Reisha Raney, who served at the time as Organizing Secretary of the Maryland State Society DAR.  She is Maryland's first African American DAR state officer and a direct descendant of Thomas Jefferson's grandfather.  Reisha spoke of her lineage to William Turpin, a patriot who fought against the British in the Revolutionary War.  Turpin's mother was Mary Jefferson, aunt of the nation's third president, Thomas Jefferson. William Turpin's son Edwin married a woman of color, Mary.  Reisha also spoke about the historical work she is doing uncovering the stories of women of color in the DAR.  She has created a podcast, Daughter Dialogues, which "explores the lives of women of color in the DAR."  The podcast can be accessed through daughterdialogues.com. 

November 2020 Meeting - By-laws by the Fireplace

Due to the Covid pandemic the meeting was again held outdoors in the picnic pavilion.  It was a beautiful fall day and we lit a fire in the fireplace to ward off the chill breeze. 

The main topic for discussion was the proposed changes to the chapter by-laws.  We had decided that it was necessary to amend the by-laws to allow for electronic meetings during times when we cannot meet in person, such as during the Covid pandemic.  Proposed changes were presented, using materials and language provided by NSDAR and MSDAR.  A spirited discussion ensued. 

March 2020 Meeting - CANCELLED DUE TO COVID!

... It would be 6 months before we saw our DAR family again.

October "Music & Celebration" Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2018

At our October meeting, chapter members enjoyed a celebration of Song! A member lead us in the singing of the National Anthem and other patriotic tunes.  As the anniversary date just occurred, members also recognized the DAR Founders Day, which is celebrated on October 11th each year as a day to celebrate the original founding of DAR.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded on October 11, 1890. The NSDAR founding members were Mary Desha, Eugenia Washington, Ellen Hardin Walworth and Mary Smith Lockwood.

New Member Swearing-in Ceremony
September 8, 2018

Our Erasmus Perry Chapter continues to grow as two new members were officially sworn in at our September meeting!

Attendees brought bagged lunches and the chapter Regent provided iced tea and a platter of cookies.  Tables were set in a colorful garden motif.  Our presentor, Christopher Lewis, is a volunteer from the Montgomery County Beekeepers Association.   His demonstration included a power point presentation to educate us about the life of bees and their impact on society.  He stressed the need to plant the flowers and trees that bees need in order to gather the nectar for the honey.  The Black Locust Tree is especially important.  Everyone was given a list of native wildflowers that attract pollinators. This was a beautiful day to celebrate both Earth Day and our conservation project of encouraging bee pollination.Following his presentation, he led the group on a brief tour that included seeing the bee hotel, rain garden and pollinator gardens.

The field-trip was well-attended and greatly enjoyed by chapter members, several HODARS and one guest.

 March 2018 Chapter Meeting Presentation
March 10, 2018

Rob Scheer of Comfort Cases and his son Greyson joined us for our St. Patrick's Day Irish lunch and celebration.   Some members provided a delicious meal while another baked homemade Irish Soda Bread prepared from a family recipe. Members sang "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling". Our substitute Chaplain read two lovely Irish Blessings.   Our Webmaster, announced the NSDAR approval of the Erasmus Perry Chapter website. State Regent thanked our Webmaster for her rapid development of the website and presented her with a bouquet of green and white flowers.   Guest speaker Rob Scheer gave an enlightening talk on Comfort Cases. Members were asked to bring donations to the May meeting and volunteers will help assemble Comfort Cases at the Gaithersburg headquarters.