The Clinton County DAR chapter traces its roots back more than a century, with the Col. Hugh White Chapter (Lock Haven) founded in 1895 and the Col. John Chatham Chapter (Beech Creek) chartered in 1923. The two chapters merged in 1995 to form the current chapter, located in Lock Haven.

Today, the local chapter includes about 21 members, with those who live locally meeting and hosting programs on the third Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m., in the Rebecca Gross Community Room at Ross Library. They also plan a picnic once a year in June.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution focuses on “Service to America” through historic preservation, education and patriotism. Individual chapters develop programs centered on those tenets. The educational programs offered by the group at Ross Library are open to the public, and non-members are welcome to attend.

According to Regent Mary Vairo and Registrar and PA State DAR Literacy Promotion Committee Vice Chair Diane Whitaker, the chapter’s America250 efforts will focus on connecting local residents with the country’s history through educational programs and community projects.

BETH MYERS/FOR THE EXPRESS

One of the chapter’s most visible initiatives is a series of historical window displays throughout downtown Lock Haven. Local businesses and organizations have partnered to create displays highlighting American history and the nation’s 250th anniversary, with the theme 1776-2026. Displays highlight people, events and themes connected to the American Revolution and the nation’s founding.

Additional activities have included planting a Liberty Tree and hosting an America250 tea party. The chapter also continues longstanding programs, including recognizing a Central Mountain High School student for good citizenship and presenting a local history award.

The projects celebrate an exciting anniversary but also reflect the chapter’s broader mission of historic preservation, education and patriotism.

For Vairo, being a DAR member means just that.

“We’re a small part of continuing the education and conservation of our United States,” she said.

PHOTOS PROVIDED From left, Jane Myers, chapter chaplain; Barb Schmouder, North Central District Director; and Diane Whitaker, chapter registrar, participate in a patriotic tea hosted by the Revolution Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, as part of America 250 commemorations.

Whitaker agreed, emphasizing that she hopes the America250 celebrations allow younger generations to reflect on the “pride of their family heritage.”

While family heritage is central to DAR membership, Whitaker and Vairo said it’s a common misconception that only descendants of soldiers qualify for the group.

“Most people think the patriot has to be a man who fought,” Whitaker said. “It could be a woman, the drummer boy or anyone who gave money to the cause. It’s not just fighting in a war.”

Vairo shared that one member of the Col. Hugh White-Col. John Chatham DAR chapter is a descendant of Sybil Ludington, a heroine often described as the female Paul Revere.

Women interested in joining the local DAR can submit an application to Registrar Diane Whitaker, who works with genealogists to determine eligibility. More information is available through the local chapter secretary and DAR’s national website.

As communities across the country prepare to mark America’s 250th anniversary, chapter members hope local projects and educational programs will encourage residents to learn more about both the nation’s history and their own family stories.