SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO: Have you seen the banners decorating downtown streets in Silver City? Thanks to a generous gift from Freeport-McMoRan, the Jacob Bennett Chapter, NSDAR in Silver City purchased over 80 America 250 and patriotic banners to decorate downtown Silver City in celebration of America's 250th birthday. Members of Silver City Main Street and the local DAR chapter installed these double-sided banners on both sides of downtown main streets before Independence Day. The banners will remain up through Fall, and the patriotic banners can be re-used for several years to come.
The Jacob Bennett Chapter in Silver City was established 123 years ago in 1903, in what was then New Mexico Territory. Jeanette "Nettie" Bennett Ashenfelter was the chapter's Organizing Regent. The chapter was named after her Patriot ancestor, Jacob Bennett, who was also the ancestor of 5 of the 18 founding members. The Bennett family was prominent in the development of the Town of Silver City. In addition to the local DAR chapter, Nettie also founded the first library and the first park in town. Since the Chapter's establishment, its members have honored Revolutionary War Patriots with community service projects that promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
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
