DAR Chapter members (L to R) Susan Bryant, Mary O. Parker, Lucy Whitmarsh, Diane LeBlanc, Brenda Tozier, and Gail Firebaugh Smith. Photo by Jeff Parker.SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO: The local Jacob Bennett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was selected to lead Silver City's America 250 Independence Day Parade as Grand Marshal. It was especially meaningful in this milestone anniversary as all DAR members have proven lineage back to a patriot ancestor who helped achieve America's independence during the Revolutionary War. The DAR Jacob Bennett Chapter also has a long history in Silver City. It was established here 123 years ago in 1903, in what was then New Mexico territory.
Chapter Regent Lucy Whitmarsh remarked, "It was exciting to be part of our community's celebration of America's 250th birthday. We were honored to have this special opportunity to remember and honor the brave men and women who valiantly fought in many ways for our independence and freedoms."
Chapter members walked in colonial dress with flags flown during the American Revolutionary War. They were joined by the Gila Trappers who fired their muskets when spotting Redcoats along the way. The Gila Trappers keep history alive with pre-1850 fur trade re-enactments, firearms safety, and education.
During the Patriotic Freedom Festival following the parade, the Jacob Bennett Chapter announced the completion of its "In the Spirit of 1776" community project. This project united a time capsule with the concept of a message in a bottle. Over the past year, the Chapter collected 1,776 patriotic notes and warm wishes from children, students and adults in our communities. These 1,776 notes were sealed in a time capsule at the July 4th celebration this year. The Chapter will open the time capsule 50 years from now at Silver City's Tricentennial celebration on July 4, 2076. Each note therein (the "messages in a bottle") will be passed out randomly to individuals at that celebration–a patriotic warm wish from someone in our communities celebrating America's 250th to someone here in the future celebrating America's 300th.
Other America 250 Chapter projects in Silver City included the installation and dedication of a Revolutionary War Patriots marker at Gough Park, and the dedication of a Liberty Tree at the Silver City Visitor's Center in partnership with the Silver City Rotary Club. The Chapter was also honored to be part of the opening ceremonies at the 2026 Wild Wild West Rodeo celebrating America 250.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890, and incorporated in 1896 by an Act of Congress, to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America's freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System ( www.dar.org/GRS ), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women's service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. 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 for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.dar.org.
If you are interested in learning more about DAR and membership, call Lucy Whitmarsh at (575) 574-8394 or email
